Paimon Metamorphine
Elysian Records May 2005
By Russell Garwood
Paimon formed as a pagan black metal band, but the sound on their sophomore album seems pretty far removed from this. Metamorphine showcases a polished Gothenburg death collective. Melodic riffs and soaring solos, with occasional medieval sounding leads, and acoustics, create varied songs, helped by occasional changes in character, tempo and time. The bass is precise and fairly powerful, while the vocals tend towards a mid-range death growl. Unoriginal but highly effective, this is at times juxtaposed by singing that rings of doom. The drums are well performed and fitting, in a tight performance. The competent musicianship is cemented by some excellent song-writing; the tracks are varied enough to keep you interest throughout, and manage a nice mix between accessibility and heaviness.
The production on Metamorphine is of a high standard, with a clear sound and good mix. This all makes for a very enjoyable release. While originality is clearly not of a high order here, this proves to be good quality melodic death. Well worth checking out for fans of the genre.
7/10
Official Elysian Records website
Official Paimon website
Elysian Records May 2005
By Russell Garwood
Paimon formed as a pagan black metal band, but the sound on their sophomore album seems pretty far removed from this. Metamorphine showcases a polished Gothenburg death collective. Melodic riffs and soaring solos, with occasional medieval sounding leads, and acoustics, create varied songs, helped by occasional changes in character, tempo and time. The bass is precise and fairly powerful, while the vocals tend towards a mid-range death growl. Unoriginal but highly effective, this is at times juxtaposed by singing that rings of doom. The drums are well performed and fitting, in a tight performance. The competent musicianship is cemented by some excellent song-writing; the tracks are varied enough to keep you interest throughout, and manage a nice mix between accessibility and heaviness.
The production on Metamorphine is of a high standard, with a clear sound and good mix. This all makes for a very enjoyable release. While originality is clearly not of a high order here, this proves to be good quality melodic death. Well worth checking out for fans of the genre.
7/10
Official Elysian Records website
Official Paimon website
