Unshine Earth Magick
Crash Music Inc. CMU61148 June 28th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Thank you: Everyone who has helped us on our mystic druid metal path. Damn, I was all prepared to bestow a 10/10 on Unshine, but this is the fifth mystic druid metal album Ive heard within the past couple of weeks. So, Im unable to give Earth Magick an above-average rating. Its not that Im biased, honestly, Im just sick of this prevalent spiel.
When Rowenas Song first entered my ears, I couldnt help but begrudge the likeness to Lacuna Coil. Arguably, this is docile gothic metal, which utilizes female vocalizations as the main attraction. The production is excellent, and also manages to suit the style very well. Susannas vox soar and arent nearly as impressive as other vocalists dabbling in this subgenre. However, it is refreshing to hear a singer whos not obsessed with vibrato or other stylistic techniques. Theres some edginess to be found on Earth Magick, like on Not For Me and Snow White though the heaviness occasionally feels more forced than genuine. As if the band said to themselves: We have to put some hard stuff on here somewhere. Thats what I glean from Unshines presentation anyhow, and I dont like it. Moreover, Ive never been closer to suicide than when listening to the ludicrous ramblings of the ill-named composition known as Supergirl. I mean, come on. Overall, though, the record is eight tracks, which span forty minutes or so.
Earth Magick, if you havent guessed by now, is pretty bland. The Lacuna Coil name drop might help ya if you want to know what Unshine sound like, but Ive just recently purged my collection of both the aforementioned. This isnt too rewarding or unique; Im sure it wouldve had a greater impact on me if it hadnt been streamlined for the mystic druid metal subgenre. I practically trip over mystic druid metal bands these days, because theres just so many of them.
6/10
Official Unshine Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
Crash Music Inc. CMU61148 June 28th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Thank you: Everyone who has helped us on our mystic druid metal path. Damn, I was all prepared to bestow a 10/10 on Unshine, but this is the fifth mystic druid metal album Ive heard within the past couple of weeks. So, Im unable to give Earth Magick an above-average rating. Its not that Im biased, honestly, Im just sick of this prevalent spiel.
When Rowenas Song first entered my ears, I couldnt help but begrudge the likeness to Lacuna Coil. Arguably, this is docile gothic metal, which utilizes female vocalizations as the main attraction. The production is excellent, and also manages to suit the style very well. Susannas vox soar and arent nearly as impressive as other vocalists dabbling in this subgenre. However, it is refreshing to hear a singer whos not obsessed with vibrato or other stylistic techniques. Theres some edginess to be found on Earth Magick, like on Not For Me and Snow White though the heaviness occasionally feels more forced than genuine. As if the band said to themselves: We have to put some hard stuff on here somewhere. Thats what I glean from Unshines presentation anyhow, and I dont like it. Moreover, Ive never been closer to suicide than when listening to the ludicrous ramblings of the ill-named composition known as Supergirl. I mean, come on. Overall, though, the record is eight tracks, which span forty minutes or so.
Earth Magick, if you havent guessed by now, is pretty bland. The Lacuna Coil name drop might help ya if you want to know what Unshine sound like, but Ive just recently purged my collection of both the aforementioned. This isnt too rewarding or unique; Im sure it wouldve had a greater impact on me if it hadnt been streamlined for the mystic druid metal subgenre. I practically trip over mystic druid metal bands these days, because theres just so many of them.
6/10
Official Unshine Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
