This is the new solo project of Albert
Bell, known from bands like Forsaken and Nomad Son, two bands that
have released some killer albums. So my expectations on what he have
created on his own are definitely high.
First of all I have to praise the
artwork and layout of this CD, it looks truly stunning. Almost worth
buying for the cover and the booklet alone.
Musically, this is not at all in the
same vein as his other epic doom metal bands. Well, the doom-part of
it remains unchanged indeed, but otherwise this is way more dark and
raw, rather than melodic and powerful as we're used to. It even
reminds a lot of doom/mid-tempo oriented death/black metal-bands like
Root, Beatification Of The Dead could almost be mistaken for the
classic Písen Pro Satana the first time you hear it. It also sound a
bit like Mortuary Drape, as well as the typical Italian
doom-atmosphere in general, Abysmal Grief being a great example
(Malta isn't that far from Italy, right?).
One of the few weaknesses on this
album is the vocal performance, which is a bit bland and
expressionless. Sure it's a one man project, and the vocals are far
away from unbearable, but the rest of the music is just so great, the
right amount of wickedness and mental derangement could have made the
overall impression even better. Mr Bell should start to take some
“vocal” lessons from Big Boss or Labes C. Necrothytus. I also wouldn't
mind more vocals that are actually sung, and not spoken, like halfway
into The Tears Of Ishtar, or the entire closing title track. At those
parts, this album is at its absolute best. Anyway, what this album
might be lacking in vocals is definitely given back in delicate riffs
and well written songs, all in all it's an enjoyable experience. 7/10
/H
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