Lidocaine is a narcotic which is used to treat premature ejaculations, and probably some other medical issues as well. The Lidocaine is also a heavy metal band from Helsinki, Finland. A pretty strange heavy metal band, I'd like to add. During the listening sessions previous to writing this review, I often catched myself looking at my speakers in disbelief or at least with a questioning frown on my forehead. As if I wanted to ask the speakers whether they were messing with me. They weren't, this is just something very unexepected.
What strikes me the most on Chicken Cage of HORROR is the odd difference between the music and the vocals. Musically, I would classify this among bands like Amorphis, Halloween and Sabaton. Powermetal with a touch of folk from deep in the Finnish woods. Even old Iron Maiden is present here and there. It's clear that the members of this band have been active in several bands before starting The Lidocaine in 2007. They seem to know how to handle their instruments and how to write some decent songs.
The vocals are a different story. These were the first aspect that made me doubt between liking or disapproving the album. In the first two songs they sound hollow and almost powerless, or they sound a bit too country-like. Nevertheless, 'Empty Space (Devil's Blog)' is an excellent song and in 'The End Of The Beginning Or The Beginning Of...' the vocals either gain power or I got used to them. In 'Too Late To Escape' Lucie Niemelä takes cares of the female vocals, turning it into an outstanding metal ballad.
Progressive rock and metal are clearly the weapon of choice for this quartet. In their biography I read that they find it easier to write and perform songs in that style than in others. Somehow I can feel that this is easy for these rockers and it fits them very well. However, I would like to suggest them to challenge themselves, try some new edges and incorporate some unexpected influences. This metal subgenre may be a bit more complicated and adventurous, especially if you want to be able to stand out as a band.
'The Onion of Chastity' made me look at the speakers, and once again because of the vocals. Suddenly there's grunts and growls, along with a similar Amorphis reference I mentioned earlier. The song isn't ready surprising either. At one point it's almost like Gwar meets Rammstein. I have no idea what's going on anymore but to be honest, I do like it. This element of surprise is quite effective and really does make the band somewhat original and enjoyable.
So, to conclude, Chicken Cage Of HORROR is definitely not a bad album and it has the potential to grow on the listener. If you're into good old fashioned heavy metal with a progressive edge, this is absolutely something you should check out. Chicken Cage of HORROR is a strange, almost theatrical piece of music that doesn't easily digest. Even now, I'm still quite confused about it and I'm sure this isn't the last time I've listened to these songs. They're just that intriguing.
Serge
What strikes me the most on Chicken Cage of HORROR is the odd difference between the music and the vocals. Musically, I would classify this among bands like Amorphis, Halloween and Sabaton. Powermetal with a touch of folk from deep in the Finnish woods. Even old Iron Maiden is present here and there. It's clear that the members of this band have been active in several bands before starting The Lidocaine in 2007. They seem to know how to handle their instruments and how to write some decent songs.
The vocals are a different story. These were the first aspect that made me doubt between liking or disapproving the album. In the first two songs they sound hollow and almost powerless, or they sound a bit too country-like. Nevertheless, 'Empty Space (Devil's Blog)' is an excellent song and in 'The End Of The Beginning Or The Beginning Of...' the vocals either gain power or I got used to them. In 'Too Late To Escape' Lucie Niemelä takes cares of the female vocals, turning it into an outstanding metal ballad.
Progressive rock and metal are clearly the weapon of choice for this quartet. In their biography I read that they find it easier to write and perform songs in that style than in others. Somehow I can feel that this is easy for these rockers and it fits them very well. However, I would like to suggest them to challenge themselves, try some new edges and incorporate some unexpected influences. This metal subgenre may be a bit more complicated and adventurous, especially if you want to be able to stand out as a band.
'The Onion of Chastity' made me look at the speakers, and once again because of the vocals. Suddenly there's grunts and growls, along with a similar Amorphis reference I mentioned earlier. The song isn't ready surprising either. At one point it's almost like Gwar meets Rammstein. I have no idea what's going on anymore but to be honest, I do like it. This element of surprise is quite effective and really does make the band somewhat original and enjoyable.
So, to conclude, Chicken Cage Of HORROR is definitely not a bad album and it has the potential to grow on the listener. If you're into good old fashioned heavy metal with a progressive edge, this is absolutely something you should check out. Chicken Cage of HORROR is a strange, almost theatrical piece of music that doesn't easily digest. Even now, I'm still quite confused about it and I'm sure this isn't the last time I've listened to these songs. They're just that intriguing.
Serge