Subterranean Masquerade Suspended Animation Dreams
The End Records TE055 June 21st, 2005
By Jason Jordan
The End Records, I believe, is pushing the boundaries of the term progressive, and the evidence rests with acts such as Arcturus, Frantic Bleep, Virgin Black, and Age of Silence. The latest band to blend uncountable styles into one cohesive whole is Subterranean Masquerade. With Suspended Animation Dreams, the guys have proven that they cant and wont be pigeonholed by the rest of the metal community. Essentially, the aforementioned is a conglomeration of different instruments, vocal styles, and original ideas, which successfully capitalize on a variety of themes. I dont want to pull the wool over your eyes, though. Suspended Animation Dreams while great isnt as provocative or substantive as most of The End Recordss catalog.
If theres one song youve interacted with, off this release, its undoubtedly No Place Like Home, which finds its place at the third spot. The opener Suspended Animation Dreams is a two-minute introduction to the façade that Subterranean Masquerade attempted to sculpt with Temporary Psychotic State EP and are trying to further on their first full-length record. Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) helms the vox this time around, and his growls add a much-needed punch to the groups sound. After all, this whimsical outfit prefers to keep aggression mostly subdued. And, like I said earlier, there are numerous instruments cascading throughout the songs; the strings, however, are a particularly nice touch. Needless to say, there are more contributors on this disc than children molested at the hands of Michael Jackson. Kind of a Blur, to shift gears, is simply beautiful, while tracks such as The Rock N Roll Preacher and Six Strings to Cover Fear still retain their edge. Regarding the latter, the beginning is immensely grandiose, reminded me of a reprise more than anything, and is a much-needed kick in the ass as far as heaviness is concerned. The violin dancing in the background at the 2:00 minute mark receives a thumbs-up from me. The fourteen-minute Awake runs into the albums closer in X. The last opus is not only fitting, but it boasts greatly rendered, female vocalizations.
As if you couldnt tell, Subterranean Masquerade have far surpassed their initial output and managed to carve out a place for themselves on the metal map. Im chagrined to admit that I wont be listening to this as much as most of the other albums thrust out by The End Records. Nevertheless, Suspended Animation Dreams is vibrant and should quell any unrest about the groups abilities. Believe me, though, this release is better than most of whats saturating the mainstream airwaves and shopping carts at Target.
8/10
Official Subterranean Masquerade Website
Official The End Records Website
The End Records TE055 June 21st, 2005
By Jason Jordan
The End Records, I believe, is pushing the boundaries of the term progressive, and the evidence rests with acts such as Arcturus, Frantic Bleep, Virgin Black, and Age of Silence. The latest band to blend uncountable styles into one cohesive whole is Subterranean Masquerade. With Suspended Animation Dreams, the guys have proven that they cant and wont be pigeonholed by the rest of the metal community. Essentially, the aforementioned is a conglomeration of different instruments, vocal styles, and original ideas, which successfully capitalize on a variety of themes. I dont want to pull the wool over your eyes, though. Suspended Animation Dreams while great isnt as provocative or substantive as most of The End Recordss catalog.
If theres one song youve interacted with, off this release, its undoubtedly No Place Like Home, which finds its place at the third spot. The opener Suspended Animation Dreams is a two-minute introduction to the façade that Subterranean Masquerade attempted to sculpt with Temporary Psychotic State EP and are trying to further on their first full-length record. Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) helms the vox this time around, and his growls add a much-needed punch to the groups sound. After all, this whimsical outfit prefers to keep aggression mostly subdued. And, like I said earlier, there are numerous instruments cascading throughout the songs; the strings, however, are a particularly nice touch. Needless to say, there are more contributors on this disc than children molested at the hands of Michael Jackson. Kind of a Blur, to shift gears, is simply beautiful, while tracks such as The Rock N Roll Preacher and Six Strings to Cover Fear still retain their edge. Regarding the latter, the beginning is immensely grandiose, reminded me of a reprise more than anything, and is a much-needed kick in the ass as far as heaviness is concerned. The violin dancing in the background at the 2:00 minute mark receives a thumbs-up from me. The fourteen-minute Awake runs into the albums closer in X. The last opus is not only fitting, but it boasts greatly rendered, female vocalizations.
As if you couldnt tell, Subterranean Masquerade have far surpassed their initial output and managed to carve out a place for themselves on the metal map. Im chagrined to admit that I wont be listening to this as much as most of the other albums thrust out by The End Records. Nevertheless, Suspended Animation Dreams is vibrant and should quell any unrest about the groups abilities. Believe me, though, this release is better than most of whats saturating the mainstream airwaves and shopping carts at Target.
8/10
Official Subterranean Masquerade Website
Official The End Records Website
