folk metal / symphonic metal
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In 2015, I reviewed the debut by Polish symphonic metal band Open Access (read). The band also appeared on our first compilation (download). Then, suddenly, they seemed to vanish from our radar. For a bit over a year, the band was silent, at least in our inbox. Apparently, the band started working on their next effort, a professional full-length that should earn the band a firm spot on the symphonic metal map. So, the key question now is, will 'Into The Wilderness' do that?
To answer that question, let's have a look at the previous review I wrote for Open Access. Back then, I mentioned "Given time and effort I truly believe this Polish band can become a serious player in the current female fronted symphonic metal scene". So the talent was there and needed to be explored further. Well, in that, Open Access certainly succeeded. It feels like they grew as musicians and as a band. The whole album sounds coherent and well-attuned.
I also wrote "Title-track 'Over A Mountain Peak' even turns away further from the Nightwish-influenced metal". On this new album, the similarities between the two look vanished as Open Access stubbornly follow their own path now, regardless of influences. On this album, that even includes using their own language in songs like 'Plomien Zycia'. This song is a blast by the way, folky, punky and metal as hell.
The violins have remained and that is a very good thing. They add a lot to the pagan atmosphere of the whole thing. 'Chant Of The Forest', for example, is an uplifting metal song, coated with these awesome violins. Here, these strings remind me more of The Levellers than My Dying Bride, which is perfectly fine for me. In fact, this one might be my favorite song on this album. Also worth mentioning is the technical precision of songs like 'Divided Water's Tide'.
So yes, Open Access has been growing and every single thing on this album showcases that growth. The bandmembers have learned a lot, both technical and as far as songwriting is concerned. The production quality is better, more professional. The whole thing is versatile and powerful enough to remain interesting. 'My Way' is a possible tophit within their genre. So symphonic folk metallers allover the world: this one deserves a spot in your collection, no doubt about that.
​Serge
To answer that question, let's have a look at the previous review I wrote for Open Access. Back then, I mentioned "Given time and effort I truly believe this Polish band can become a serious player in the current female fronted symphonic metal scene". So the talent was there and needed to be explored further. Well, in that, Open Access certainly succeeded. It feels like they grew as musicians and as a band. The whole album sounds coherent and well-attuned.
I also wrote "Title-track 'Over A Mountain Peak' even turns away further from the Nightwish-influenced metal". On this new album, the similarities between the two look vanished as Open Access stubbornly follow their own path now, regardless of influences. On this album, that even includes using their own language in songs like 'Plomien Zycia'. This song is a blast by the way, folky, punky and metal as hell.
The violins have remained and that is a very good thing. They add a lot to the pagan atmosphere of the whole thing. 'Chant Of The Forest', for example, is an uplifting metal song, coated with these awesome violins. Here, these strings remind me more of The Levellers than My Dying Bride, which is perfectly fine for me. In fact, this one might be my favorite song on this album. Also worth mentioning is the technical precision of songs like 'Divided Water's Tide'.
So yes, Open Access has been growing and every single thing on this album showcases that growth. The bandmembers have learned a lot, both technical and as far as songwriting is concerned. The production quality is better, more professional. The whole thing is versatile and powerful enough to remain interesting. 'My Way' is a possible tophit within their genre. So symphonic folk metallers allover the world: this one deserves a spot in your collection, no doubt about that.
​Serge