Without Face Astronomicon
Elitist 1 July 2002
By Russell Garwood
Without Face, a Hungarian band, recently signed to Elitist and will release their second album on the 1st of July under the Earache imprint. The band has two vocalists András and Julie, while other musicians include Péter on drums, Sasza (Synth), Roomy (Guitars) and bassist Ákos. The music is progressive metal with apparent Dream Theater influences and numerous twists that add originality; the double vocal lines are complex yet catchy, while occasional death vox make the music heavier than the majority of prog metal bands. The musicianship of the members is impressive they are all accomplished at their chosen instruments as is required with such technical metal. Astronomicon has six songs which display the bands ability to write not only complicated but also catchy music. The lyrics are based on stories by the likes of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P.Lovecraft and H.W.Longfellow, while the artwork is impressive, if slightly unoriginal.
The album opens with Weird Places, a song displaying both the quieter and heavy side of the band, keyboards and drums leading into a more guitar-based section. The female vox are excellent, and there are numerous time changes in the eight minute track. Standout Pit And Pendulum follows with excellent piano work, odd time signatures, tight guitars and memorable vocal lines. In The Garden is the most Dream Theater-esque song of the album, the keyboards especially reflecting their major influence. The Violin Of Erich Zann opens with some realistic violin before offering another progressive song many layers build up to create a chaotic feeling which the captivating melodies offset to perfection. Penultimate track Talamasca flows better and feels more cohesive, a nice contrast to the previous track. The album is closed by Daimonion, where male whispering enhances the multifaceted music, making a change from the generally sung double vocal lines, while the only instrumentation is a single piano, ending Astronomicon on a reflective note.
Without Face are yet another excellent band on Elitists varied but impressive roster, and they live up to their labels fast growing reputation. The production is excellent and about the only complaint I can make is that the band stick rigidly to their chosen style (which for some may be a desirable trait) rather than experimenting with other genres. Astronomicon would be welcomed by fans of progressive metal or complex music, and many others besides.
Elitist 1 July 2002
By Russell Garwood
Without Face, a Hungarian band, recently signed to Elitist and will release their second album on the 1st of July under the Earache imprint. The band has two vocalists András and Julie, while other musicians include Péter on drums, Sasza (Synth), Roomy (Guitars) and bassist Ákos. The music is progressive metal with apparent Dream Theater influences and numerous twists that add originality; the double vocal lines are complex yet catchy, while occasional death vox make the music heavier than the majority of prog metal bands. The musicianship of the members is impressive they are all accomplished at their chosen instruments as is required with such technical metal. Astronomicon has six songs which display the bands ability to write not only complicated but also catchy music. The lyrics are based on stories by the likes of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P.Lovecraft and H.W.Longfellow, while the artwork is impressive, if slightly unoriginal.
The album opens with Weird Places, a song displaying both the quieter and heavy side of the band, keyboards and drums leading into a more guitar-based section. The female vox are excellent, and there are numerous time changes in the eight minute track. Standout Pit And Pendulum follows with excellent piano work, odd time signatures, tight guitars and memorable vocal lines. In The Garden is the most Dream Theater-esque song of the album, the keyboards especially reflecting their major influence. The Violin Of Erich Zann opens with some realistic violin before offering another progressive song many layers build up to create a chaotic feeling which the captivating melodies offset to perfection. Penultimate track Talamasca flows better and feels more cohesive, a nice contrast to the previous track. The album is closed by Daimonion, where male whispering enhances the multifaceted music, making a change from the generally sung double vocal lines, while the only instrumentation is a single piano, ending Astronomicon on a reflective note.
Without Face are yet another excellent band on Elitists varied but impressive roster, and they live up to their labels fast growing reputation. The production is excellent and about the only complaint I can make is that the band stick rigidly to their chosen style (which for some may be a desirable trait) rather than experimenting with other genres. Astronomicon would be welcomed by fans of progressive metal or complex music, and many others besides.
