Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2017 17:39:35 GMT -6
Dark Lay Still - Through Hell
Year: 2009
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
At first glance, this album may seem like typical symphonic black metal with nothing too special about it. However, Through Hell feels similar to a metalcore album. A few aspects of the album give it that feeling. Some very metalcore-esque (and sometimes melodic death metal-esque) riffs are present on the album, such as the breakdown in the middle of "War Cry", or the part of "Kings of Old" where a low guitar note is strummed in unison with a drum beat while another guitar plays a melodic riff. The primary riff in "Angel of Light" sounds like it's straight from a metalcore or melodic death metal song. "Bring Them the Morning Star" also has a breakdown. All those riffs are supported by squeaky-clean production with a thick guitar sound. I don't really mind the metalcore-influenced nature of this music. I enjoy that genre and mixing it with black metal here actually works to a certain extent. The metalcore bits don't feel contrived; they fit into the songs perfectly and manage to maintain the atmosphere created by the black metal. Despite that, not all the riffs are very well written, and many of them are too repetitive. I find myself wishing for another layer of guitars to be added, especially during some of the tremolo riffs which could use a nice countermelody to add complexity.
Synths and pianos serve as the backbone for the atmosphere, the latter accomplishing much more than the former. I find most of the synth parts to be pretty boring. They typically hang back and play in the background while the guitars are the main focus, sometimes mirroring the main melody. The piano parts are quite well done. I very much enjoy "The Swordman Song", the piano-only interlude. It is reminiscent of Eternal Emperor-era Crimson Moonlight, especially the track "Symphony of Light". Clean guitars show up every once in a while to add more atmosphere. This album certainly isn't as symphonic as bands like Grave Declaration, but the atmosphere is adequate.
I have no complaints regarding the drumming or vocals. This album is intense in both of those departments. Tremolo riffs are accompanied by a fair share of blastbeating and relentless black metal screaming. Death metal-style growls are used sometimes, creating additional variety within the vocals which I appreciate. The drummer always seems to be playing in whichever style most perfectly matches the riff style.
"Remembrance" is an interesting track, featuring emotional clean guitars accompanied by some kind of orchestral string instrument (probably a violin or viola) and what sounds like a bass. People who I assume are the band members share stories of their struggles in life an how God helped them. Decent clean vocals are introduced a little over halfway through. I could see the message of this song being very beneficial to a person who is considering Christianity and experiencing a lot of hardship. But it is kind of a strange way to end the album.
Through Hell is a pretty good album overall. It feels a little repetitive sometimes and it could have used some more original riffs, but it is generally well-composed.
82/100
-CrimsonWarrior
This album was released by Bombworks Records and can be found at many stores online.
Year: 2009
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
At first glance, this album may seem like typical symphonic black metal with nothing too special about it. However, Through Hell feels similar to a metalcore album. A few aspects of the album give it that feeling. Some very metalcore-esque (and sometimes melodic death metal-esque) riffs are present on the album, such as the breakdown in the middle of "War Cry", or the part of "Kings of Old" where a low guitar note is strummed in unison with a drum beat while another guitar plays a melodic riff. The primary riff in "Angel of Light" sounds like it's straight from a metalcore or melodic death metal song. "Bring Them the Morning Star" also has a breakdown. All those riffs are supported by squeaky-clean production with a thick guitar sound. I don't really mind the metalcore-influenced nature of this music. I enjoy that genre and mixing it with black metal here actually works to a certain extent. The metalcore bits don't feel contrived; they fit into the songs perfectly and manage to maintain the atmosphere created by the black metal. Despite that, not all the riffs are very well written, and many of them are too repetitive. I find myself wishing for another layer of guitars to be added, especially during some of the tremolo riffs which could use a nice countermelody to add complexity.
Synths and pianos serve as the backbone for the atmosphere, the latter accomplishing much more than the former. I find most of the synth parts to be pretty boring. They typically hang back and play in the background while the guitars are the main focus, sometimes mirroring the main melody. The piano parts are quite well done. I very much enjoy "The Swordman Song", the piano-only interlude. It is reminiscent of Eternal Emperor-era Crimson Moonlight, especially the track "Symphony of Light". Clean guitars show up every once in a while to add more atmosphere. This album certainly isn't as symphonic as bands like Grave Declaration, but the atmosphere is adequate.
I have no complaints regarding the drumming or vocals. This album is intense in both of those departments. Tremolo riffs are accompanied by a fair share of blastbeating and relentless black metal screaming. Death metal-style growls are used sometimes, creating additional variety within the vocals which I appreciate. The drummer always seems to be playing in whichever style most perfectly matches the riff style.
"Remembrance" is an interesting track, featuring emotional clean guitars accompanied by some kind of orchestral string instrument (probably a violin or viola) and what sounds like a bass. People who I assume are the band members share stories of their struggles in life an how God helped them. Decent clean vocals are introduced a little over halfway through. I could see the message of this song being very beneficial to a person who is considering Christianity and experiencing a lot of hardship. But it is kind of a strange way to end the album.
Through Hell is a pretty good album overall. It feels a little repetitive sometimes and it could have used some more original riffs, but it is generally well-composed.
82/100
-CrimsonWarrior
This album was released by Bombworks Records and can be found at many stores online.