- Oct 5, 2009
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I already posted a video of this band in the other thread, but I felt that they deserved a little more exposure. They really are one of those "where the hell did they come from?" kind of bands, that just takes you by suprise.
I grew up on Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Crimson Glory (and then obviously later on Sanctuary/Nevermore), etc--you know, when having metal attatched as your genre actually meant something. So I suppose I'm a bit biased towards the classic style where vocals, harmonies, excellent leadwork, solos, the almighty riff and songwriting mattered.
Long story short, they wrote most of their material 25 years ago, but due to countless issues, some of them being tragic, never made a dent or released an album worth remembering. Fast forward to now, and they were finally able to release the album that should have been released around the time 'Don't Break The Oath' was considered "scary" or controversial and they've produced an album that aged just as well as that Mercyful Fate opus. No, I wouldn't say it's an album that's as good as 'Don't Break The Oath' (how many are?), but it's a pretty god damned awesome runner up, and they have an epic song that easily matches 'The Oath' in sheer evilness and atmosphere. I'd probably place it up there with Dante's Inferno (but better), if that song means anything to you.
Just like King Diamond, the vocals will probably be polarizing--but I tend to enjoy theatrical or emotive performances more than those that just dial it in, or those that can only do either cookie monster, or raspy shrieks to cover up for any real vocal talent. Oh yeah, Andy Sneap plays with them and also did the production I believe...so you have that classic sound, without it sounding like it was recorded on an analog 4 track. Find a way to listen to this album and then buy it if you like them.
I grew up on Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, Crimson Glory (and then obviously later on Sanctuary/Nevermore), etc--you know, when having metal attatched as your genre actually meant something. So I suppose I'm a bit biased towards the classic style where vocals, harmonies, excellent leadwork, solos, the almighty riff and songwriting mattered.
Long story short, they wrote most of their material 25 years ago, but due to countless issues, some of them being tragic, never made a dent or released an album worth remembering. Fast forward to now, and they were finally able to release the album that should have been released around the time 'Don't Break The Oath' was considered "scary" or controversial and they've produced an album that aged just as well as that Mercyful Fate opus. No, I wouldn't say it's an album that's as good as 'Don't Break The Oath' (how many are?), but it's a pretty god damned awesome runner up, and they have an epic song that easily matches 'The Oath' in sheer evilness and atmosphere. I'd probably place it up there with Dante's Inferno (but better), if that song means anything to you.
Just like King Diamond, the vocals will probably be polarizing--but I tend to enjoy theatrical or emotive performances more than those that just dial it in, or those that can only do either cookie monster, or raspy shrieks to cover up for any real vocal talent. Oh yeah, Andy Sneap plays with them and also did the production I believe...so you have that classic sound, without it sounding like it was recorded on an analog 4 track. Find a way to listen to this album and then buy it if you like them.
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