gothic metal / symphonic metal
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Nope, gothic metal isn't dead. Why made you think so? This genre, like pretty much every musical style, is still going strong, I've heard a lot of promising new bands in the past few years, unfortunately, some of them remain promising while others evolve and grow as a band. I guess it's something that just happens to some people. I surely hope it doesn't happen with this one because there is some serious potential here.
Revenience was formed in 2014 out of members from several bands in the Italian underground. They wanted to create a fresh version of the female fronted symphonic metal scene and the result is this interesting debut. Now, I say 'interesting' but I feel that that word could be replaced by 'excellent' or 'awesome' after a few more listens. Maybe that's even the most interesting part about this album. It grows. I'll explain.
The album opens with an intro, which is traditional in this genre. This intro, named 'In A Landscape Of Winter' sounds like a Therion intro, bombastic and symphonic. The track builds up towards an apotheosis, right before 'Blow Away By The Wind' blasts off the metal part. However, this song doesn't do the trick, at least not in the way you would expect. This certainly is a good song but misses the impact that it should have.
So, disappointment? Well, no, or at least not for a long time. Like I said, the song is quite good, just not heavy enough for after this intro, perhaps the often blackened 'Flail' would have done a better job. My god, this is a stunning song. Yet, there is one song in between these that shows genius. I'm talking about 'Shamble', a track which seems to be inspired by gothic metal grand masters The Gathering. Yes, 'Shamble' is almost as good as the songs on 'Nighttime Birds' and 'Mandylion'.
So, halfway through the album, where are we? Well, we mentioned Therion. We mentioned The Gathering and we could mention bands like After Forever, Lacuna Coil and Epica too. But then I would forget the death growls, Crematory style. Yep, a nice list of bands to be compared with and with good reason too. These are some talented people, perfectly capable of creating massively bombastic metal tunes and emotional ballads alike. 'Lone Island' really is a nice one.
So this album grows and grows, even after several listens. The songs are varied, well-written and can easily turn a lot of long haired heads in thier direction. The second half of the album brings more gothic metal goodness, including another beautiful ballad, loads of atmosphere and epic orchestral arrangement. By now I'm convinced that this band have what it takes to become a serious player in this scene. So check it out, it's better than you would expect.
Serge
Revenience was formed in 2014 out of members from several bands in the Italian underground. They wanted to create a fresh version of the female fronted symphonic metal scene and the result is this interesting debut. Now, I say 'interesting' but I feel that that word could be replaced by 'excellent' or 'awesome' after a few more listens. Maybe that's even the most interesting part about this album. It grows. I'll explain.
The album opens with an intro, which is traditional in this genre. This intro, named 'In A Landscape Of Winter' sounds like a Therion intro, bombastic and symphonic. The track builds up towards an apotheosis, right before 'Blow Away By The Wind' blasts off the metal part. However, this song doesn't do the trick, at least not in the way you would expect. This certainly is a good song but misses the impact that it should have.
So, disappointment? Well, no, or at least not for a long time. Like I said, the song is quite good, just not heavy enough for after this intro, perhaps the often blackened 'Flail' would have done a better job. My god, this is a stunning song. Yet, there is one song in between these that shows genius. I'm talking about 'Shamble', a track which seems to be inspired by gothic metal grand masters The Gathering. Yes, 'Shamble' is almost as good as the songs on 'Nighttime Birds' and 'Mandylion'.
So, halfway through the album, where are we? Well, we mentioned Therion. We mentioned The Gathering and we could mention bands like After Forever, Lacuna Coil and Epica too. But then I would forget the death growls, Crematory style. Yep, a nice list of bands to be compared with and with good reason too. These are some talented people, perfectly capable of creating massively bombastic metal tunes and emotional ballads alike. 'Lone Island' really is a nice one.
So this album grows and grows, even after several listens. The songs are varied, well-written and can easily turn a lot of long haired heads in thier direction. The second half of the album brings more gothic metal goodness, including another beautiful ballad, loads of atmosphere and epic orchestral arrangement. By now I'm convinced that this band have what it takes to become a serious player in this scene. So check it out, it's better than you would expect.
Serge
