Via Mistica - Testamentum (In Hora Mortis Nostre)
Metal Mind Records - 2003
By Adam McAuley
Via Mistica have stunned me with a masterpiece chock full of emotion, variation and passion. This 6-piece outfit, consisting of two members on both guitars and keys, a vocalist, and a bassist, are an incredibly cohesive unit considering this is only their first full-length release. Testamentum is at once morose and moving, an effort that should provide metal with a much needed shot in the arm.
Via Mistica play gothic metal that has elements of doom thrown in for good measure. The music is at times serene, complemented by the gorgeous vocals of Kaoeka, at others more scathing and powerful. During a lot of the latter moments, a secondary male vocalist provides harsh vocals. Comparisons are difficult to make directly, but many passages are reminiscent of Mandylion-era The Gathering in structure, while a few of the harsher moments remind me of Paradise Lost's early material.
The bottom line is that if you're a fan of well done, emotional music, there is a good portion on display here. The assortment of different instruments and textures used keeps things consistently enthralling throughout. Some standout cuts include "I Would Die...", which immediately brought the The Gathering comparison to mind, "Lost Desires", with its beautiful acoustic guitar strumming and large amount of variety, and the epic track "Eternal". Highly recommended to people looking for impassioned metal, or even just stirring music in general. Via Mistica deserve serious exposure.
9/10
Metal Mind Records Website
[url="http://viamistica.rockmetal.art.pl]Official Via Mistica Website[/url]
Metal Mind Records - 2003
By Adam McAuley
Via Mistica have stunned me with a masterpiece chock full of emotion, variation and passion. This 6-piece outfit, consisting of two members on both guitars and keys, a vocalist, and a bassist, are an incredibly cohesive unit considering this is only their first full-length release. Testamentum is at once morose and moving, an effort that should provide metal with a much needed shot in the arm.
Via Mistica play gothic metal that has elements of doom thrown in for good measure. The music is at times serene, complemented by the gorgeous vocals of Kaoeka, at others more scathing and powerful. During a lot of the latter moments, a secondary male vocalist provides harsh vocals. Comparisons are difficult to make directly, but many passages are reminiscent of Mandylion-era The Gathering in structure, while a few of the harsher moments remind me of Paradise Lost's early material.
The bottom line is that if you're a fan of well done, emotional music, there is a good portion on display here. The assortment of different instruments and textures used keeps things consistently enthralling throughout. Some standout cuts include "I Would Die...", which immediately brought the The Gathering comparison to mind, "Lost Desires", with its beautiful acoustic guitar strumming and large amount of variety, and the epic track "Eternal". Highly recommended to people looking for impassioned metal, or even just stirring music in general. Via Mistica deserve serious exposure.
9/10
Metal Mind Records Website
[url="http://viamistica.rockmetal.art.pl]Official Via Mistica Website[/url]
