Genre: Progressive Metal (Psychedelic)
Label: MP& Records - GT Music
Country of Origin: Greece
Band Formation: 2004
Band Members:
Vocals: Dimitris Skourtis
Guitars: Zografakis Manolis
Bass: Anastopoulos Andreas
Drums: Mavrakis Panagiotis
Song list:
1.New Millennium Babylon
2.Narrow
3.Death Kiss
4.Insanity Part 1
5.Insanity Part 2
6.Divine Light
7.New Millennium Babylon (Extended Version)
Review: Let me start my restating that this band is a progressive metal band. Readers who have read my reviews in the past few years would have noticed that I have mentioned time and again that this is one of the most hardest music genres.
Like most progressive metal bands tend to do, this band too has begun with incorporating oriental themes into their songs. The first track has quite a few oriental musical elements in it. Instantly, one begins to think that they have started on the right path. So, this record shall be satisfactory. But, it just isn’t.
The lead vocals is (and there is no better way to put this) a disaster. The limited vocal range hinders the enjoyment factor of the entire record. In addition, the vocal style too does not suit the musical style making it sound like Jesse McCartney singing Nickelback’s song ergo inappropriate.
Even the percussion seems dull. The drum bridges connecting the slightly varying beats seem inappropriate. Frankly, the entire orchestration seems inappropriate. But, that is subjected to change according to individual tastes.
There are a few portions that are quite commendable. The ups and downs in the heaviness of the music, the incorporation of jazz elements and some good guitar fuzz. The start off’s with soft music and heavy ending is good too. But, that is not even decently good as a progressive metal band. Speaking of psychedelic, yes, those oriental influences do render that image quite well.
The extended version of the first track seems inappropriate again. Or, I could use the word unnecessary. It is like releasing an uncut version of There will be Blood, the film.
This band is suffering because they have numerous ideas and are not ready or are unaware how to filter their thought process. Several new bands find it hard to cross that hurdle. That results in inappropriate orchestration. The melody is not quite created here as all instruments give either more than necessary or nothing at all.
If this band manages to rest their thoughts or learn to distribute it properly and replace their singer, this band could do well in the future.
Highlights of the album: New Millennium Babylon, Divine Light
Links: Soundgeist
Soundgeist on MySpace
Ratings: 5/10
Originality: 5
Instrumentation: 5
Lyrics: 6
Written for Headbangers India
Copyright © Ajey Padival 2009 (Brisbane, Australia; +61-434360675; ajeypadival@msn.com)
Posts
26 responses:
I never thought I'd read "oriental-jazz-and metal band in the same review, let alone the same paragraph. Interesting. ~rick
actually-I'm thinking I could use one. Nice easy flow. soft to read. ~rick
@Rikkij - Thanks!!! Umm, well, the whole head banging genre has its roots connected to blues.
@Rikkij - Cheers mate!!!
the name sounds familiar, gonna have to check..... you've been kinda quiet?!?!?!
Nice review Ajey. Too the point.
Never heard of this band before. I might check this album out soon, though not sure as the reviews are not that good..hehe
Thanks for the review, and introducing me to a new band...
Hmmm Interesting.
I wonder if my Greek parents would like it LOL
You know I haven't heard of them but I bet they have and they're in their 80s HA HA HA
@Shadow - Thanks for reading! Yea, I am having certain issues to deal with. I appreciate the concern.
@Make Me Disappear - Thank you!
@Walker - Well, you could give them a single listen. Thanks for reading!!!
Interesting review Bros!! Looks like the group has some work to do... good read!!
-Alex
@Alexandra - Thank you!!! Yes, they do have things to sort out in order to perform well.
Hey! Thanks for all of your nice comments. You're an extraordinary writer so I'm very flattered. That would be cool if we met someday although, you're quite far away. :) I'd like to meet all these cool writers we keep up with...can you imagine all this inspiration in one room - whoa!
Hey Brosreview,
Great review. Thanks for giving us an honest assessment. Your reviews are articulated in a way that is constructive and not mere venting as some people do that lack an objective eye. Plus for someone like me that is not familiar with this genre, I can still understand what you express in this post. Nicely done.
@Noelle - "imagine all this inspiration in one room"- Oh yea! I was thinking of the same. And, yes, thanks for the complement.
@The Write Girl - Thank you!!!
Yes, I've observed that in quite a few reviews. I try to be as honest as possible.
The real test is faced when it comes to either accepting and admiring or comparing and criticising the experimental approach a band chooses to undertake. Err, am I making sense here?
Wow! Who would ever have thought of a Greek Metal band? Interesting.
You keep digging up this music I've never heard of and I'm likeing it!
Kat
@Poetikat - Thanks!!! I love experimenting within these hardcore genres.
well brosreview i cant comment on this coz i really do not have any idea abt the band and mettle is not my thing. :(
but i can definitely say that the way u hv written the review is very easy to understnd evn for the people like us who dont knw anything at all and yes it was very honest too.
btw hw r u? hope u r doing good. :)
take care.
@Preetilata - Well, I understand not many are a fan of this genre. Thanks for reading anyway.
Yes, I am fine, thanks.
Well, I do like the picture on the album cover a lot. As for the music, and you know I know little of music, it intrigued me to imagine (almost as Rikkij mentioned) a Greek band, Progressive Metal incorporating oriental themes plus the jazz component as you described it.
However, listening to it, it flowed pretty alright to my untrained ears. Perhaps they'll survive with novice audiences (like myself) as their forte? Lol!
Have a good weekend!
@Lilly Jones - Thanks for reading. Umm, yes, to a few friends (reviewers too), it seemed fine.
But, I reckon I tend to compare this band with the pioneers of the genre. But, then, that is only fair, isn't it?
Since, the band and the record label were confident enough, they recorded to release the album.
If this were to be an underground composition or a concept album, I'd overlook these factors (or errors).
Speaking of the oriental elements, well, yea most bands tend to do so in this genre. But, mind you, these elements aren't incorporated in its traditional sense. They are just influences aka just a few sound elements which sometimes are unheard or hardly noticeable.
Very well written review. Metal not on my top list. But I do not hold an aversion to it.. detonation was one of the bands I used to follow once upon a time.. Interesting read. many people don't seem to get the real meaning to this genre.. I really really liked it. crisp. terse. powerful.
@riddhi - Thanks!!! Yes, I understand the "not so big" fan base for the genre.
Brosreview, I like the idea of the marriage of Oriental and metal. Lots of potential there but then you (poor band) are relentless here. I laughed through this one. I trust we can take your opinion as 100% honest as you don't mince words, do you?
@Woman in a Window - Thanks for reading. Well, you see, this is my opinion. I do not expect everyone to agree. Give it a listen.
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