Hidden Spectral Magnitude
Red Stream 2002 ASA - 0152
By Russell Garwood
Spectral Magnitude is (presumably) Hiddens debut release; signed to Red Stream, the band have asked the label to release no personal information whatsoever - presumably in an effort to gain mystique. Labelled as astral metal, their style is a mix of many forms of extreme metal- melodic, death, doom and black, with atmospherics scattered throughout the progressive songs. Numerous changes in both time and character occur under the scientific theory lyrics (which display numerous misunderstandings of the theories involved!) while the artwork, courtesy of JP Fournier, shows some impressive space scenes that match the music to perfection.
Opener Hidden (Unknown And Nameless) has a melodic, relaxed intro displaying impressive bass work, before progressing into a mid-to-fast-paced black metal effort. Next comes Formation Of The Universe which charts the singularity, production of atoms, formation of nebulae and then galaxies. A slower, doomy intro progresses into a blasting, but melodic, mid-section before slowing again and providing contrast to the speedy Ice Crust Of Wek. This extremely short track leads into Geochemical Primates a decidedly mid-paced track about ice ages and cooling galaxies. Time As Eternity In The Cosmos provides more of the same, except that the subject matter this time shows interesting word-dropping and very little understanding. It is an enjoyable song, however, while A Bounded Span Of Time, with numerous time changes and laid back tunes, verges on catchy. Next Macronucleus Chromosome introduces more variation, and penultimate track Spectral Magnitude is a memorable, blackened composition. Supercluster is a diverse ending to a similarly diverse album.
Spectral Magnitude is a good effort based upon a very interesting concept. I hope the band continues in the same vein. The music is not helped by poor production which is thick and, rather than highlighting the different elements, merges them into one. With a few improvements in production and perhaps more variation, Hiddens potential will be fulfilled. Meanwhile, this album is still worth having, especially for those looking for something slightly different which strays little from the extreme metal template.
Red Stream 2002 ASA - 0152
By Russell Garwood
Spectral Magnitude is (presumably) Hiddens debut release; signed to Red Stream, the band have asked the label to release no personal information whatsoever - presumably in an effort to gain mystique. Labelled as astral metal, their style is a mix of many forms of extreme metal- melodic, death, doom and black, with atmospherics scattered throughout the progressive songs. Numerous changes in both time and character occur under the scientific theory lyrics (which display numerous misunderstandings of the theories involved!) while the artwork, courtesy of JP Fournier, shows some impressive space scenes that match the music to perfection.
Opener Hidden (Unknown And Nameless) has a melodic, relaxed intro displaying impressive bass work, before progressing into a mid-to-fast-paced black metal effort. Next comes Formation Of The Universe which charts the singularity, production of atoms, formation of nebulae and then galaxies. A slower, doomy intro progresses into a blasting, but melodic, mid-section before slowing again and providing contrast to the speedy Ice Crust Of Wek. This extremely short track leads into Geochemical Primates a decidedly mid-paced track about ice ages and cooling galaxies. Time As Eternity In The Cosmos provides more of the same, except that the subject matter this time shows interesting word-dropping and very little understanding. It is an enjoyable song, however, while A Bounded Span Of Time, with numerous time changes and laid back tunes, verges on catchy. Next Macronucleus Chromosome introduces more variation, and penultimate track Spectral Magnitude is a memorable, blackened composition. Supercluster is a diverse ending to a similarly diverse album.
Spectral Magnitude is a good effort based upon a very interesting concept. I hope the band continues in the same vein. The music is not helped by poor production which is thick and, rather than highlighting the different elements, merges them into one. With a few improvements in production and perhaps more variation, Hiddens potential will be fulfilled. Meanwhile, this album is still worth having, especially for those looking for something slightly different which strays little from the extreme metal template.
