- Feb 9, 2005
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Iconofear – The Unbreathing
Self released – iconofear003CD - February, 2006
By Zack Attaran
Attention all unsigned bands: be more like Iconofear, please! Honestly, these guys (and girls) have the most professional approach I have ever seen. The artwork is top notch, the recording quality rivals enormous productions and the songwriting could put most signed bands to shame. I must admit, though, I was disappointed to read that this Finnish sextet has only released EPs so far, but then I heard that they weren’t signed. Well, that explains things, doesn’t it?
Individually, this is a solid release. Four songs, and every single one is incredible, especially the title track. Each one is amazing in its own right; featuring the perfect amount of female vocals, keyboards and melody, yet heavy enough to keep your head banging. The vocals are clean, but still very unique and I find it hard to compare them to other styles. The solos are melodic, not face melting, and the drums lay down solid beats that complete the record’s atmosphere.
Sure, there are minor things, like the fact that there aren’t enough songs and that the opening track is a tiny bit weaker than the rest, but that’s about as nitpicky as I’ll get. As far as how this EP compares to their others, I can’t really say because I can’t find any earlier stuff. I’d be willing to bet that this one changes things up, though, because it features a new drummer and singer.
Bottom line is, if you like melody, clean vocals and a bit of power metal, this record is for you. You’ll be seeing this in my top 25 at the end of the year for sure and probably in your local record store once the labels pull their heads out of their asses. I’m tempted to give this and 8.5 for lack of songs, but the four on there are so good it deserves a 9.
9/10
UM’s Review Rating Scale
Official Iconofear Website
Self released – iconofear003CD - February, 2006
By Zack Attaran
Attention all unsigned bands: be more like Iconofear, please! Honestly, these guys (and girls) have the most professional approach I have ever seen. The artwork is top notch, the recording quality rivals enormous productions and the songwriting could put most signed bands to shame. I must admit, though, I was disappointed to read that this Finnish sextet has only released EPs so far, but then I heard that they weren’t signed. Well, that explains things, doesn’t it?
Individually, this is a solid release. Four songs, and every single one is incredible, especially the title track. Each one is amazing in its own right; featuring the perfect amount of female vocals, keyboards and melody, yet heavy enough to keep your head banging. The vocals are clean, but still very unique and I find it hard to compare them to other styles. The solos are melodic, not face melting, and the drums lay down solid beats that complete the record’s atmosphere.
Sure, there are minor things, like the fact that there aren’t enough songs and that the opening track is a tiny bit weaker than the rest, but that’s about as nitpicky as I’ll get. As far as how this EP compares to their others, I can’t really say because I can’t find any earlier stuff. I’d be willing to bet that this one changes things up, though, because it features a new drummer and singer.
Bottom line is, if you like melody, clean vocals and a bit of power metal, this record is for you. You’ll be seeing this in my top 25 at the end of the year for sure and probably in your local record store once the labels pull their heads out of their asses. I’m tempted to give this and 8.5 for lack of songs, but the four on there are so good it deserves a 9.
9/10
UM’s Review Rating Scale
Official Iconofear Website
