METALSPERES
(GERMANY).
The MCD of the British doom metallers is now to be sure already almost
a year on the humpback, but nevertheless I would not like to withhold
you from this jewelry bit. Unsilence play wonderful epic Doom Metal in
the tradition of Solstice that however also one certainly blow side shows
there to My Dying Bride. At the same time an already, almost impudently
good feel has the volumes for memorable songwriting, the 4 songs sit down
quickly in the head firmly and remain fastened there for long, long time.
Front man Andrew Hodson is to be sure no exceptional singer, but for that
his voice is full expression and on that it arrives finally. The Opener
"Still", with about 6 minutes is the shortest song, starts with
powerful guitar riffs and remains quickly hang through its hymnlikeness
(it is also the single track, in that a chorus occurs). A more entraining
more driving song, "Unknown", wakes within me both musically
and lyrical memories of the punishable unknown Englishmen Warning. "Deep
Is The Stigma" thrones on majestic guitar ramparts and will refine
with the probably best song lines of the MCD. Something out of the frame
fells to the termination of the titeltrack "A Walk Through Oceans",
that quite quietly and almost something begins a slight touch of gothic,
in order to win then increasingly at hardness. The second half the song
could go through in view of the guitar work and the used growls as a homage
to old My Dying Bride. That not anyway many volumes would not try themselves
at its sound, but belong to the entirely few to Unsilence, that nearly
come the original and the influences furthermore very sent incorporate
in its characteristic sound. "A Walk Through Oceans" was recorded
in the Academy studios of the learned maker Mags with a worthy and very
differentiated production, that juts out above all in the drumsound. Also
the sad but beautiful texts, for which singers Andrew responsibly draw
himself and/or in the trap of "Deep is the stigma" guitarist
Kieron Touhey, are a further highlights.
Review by Volker. Email: volker@metalspheres.de
Website: http://www.metalsperes.de
DOOM
ALTAR (U.S.A.)
Unsilence have been around for nearly 10 years, playing their own unique
brand of epic doom metal and through a spate of line up changes they have
managed to record two demos, an unreleased album, a mini cd and this,
their latest ep, A Walk Through Oceans. This release continues in the
more epic direction of 2000's Transfiguration ep, and as before, recorded
at the famous Academy Studio in Dewsbury by Mags (Solstice, MDB, Anathema,
countless others). Mags has managed a sterling production job this time
around, the warm, thick driving guitars of the opener 'Still' embracing
the listener, followed by the deep, melodic vocals of Andrew Hodgson.
His vocals really are one of the highlights of this ep, a unique set of
lungs he possesses, deep tones filled with woe. Imagine Nick Cave if he
tried singing like Messiah Marcolin.
The riffs on this album range from epic metal riffing with melodic spiraling
leads to slow Candlemass/Solstice-esque doom, featuring keys at times.
The band has not betrayed their Death Metal roots though, with some more
brutal parts coming through at times, although Hodgson only resorts to
a death grunt once on this disc in the last minute of the title track.
'Deep Is The Stigma' is the heaviest track on the ep, starting off with
a mid-tempo doom riff while keys play solemnly with mournful guitars and
vocals coming into the mix, later changing to an awesome slooooow doom
riff with double bass pedals, really adding to the haunting nature of
this song. The title track 'A Walk Through Oceans' ends this ep with some
soaring epic doom and heavy grinding doom/death, here Hodgson uses his
grunt to great effect towards the end of the track. Only problem is that
this ep is over all too soon, the band would truly benefit from a full
length release.
In the past this band has been compared to Solstice, but on evidence of
this release these comparisons are unfair. There are some moments that
are similar to Solstice in the more epic parts, but Unsilence don't have
the 'sword and sorcery' feeling Solstice have, more like a walk to the
graveyard than a ride to the battlefield.
The mixture of epic doom, epic heavy metal and old school death metal
influences on this ep is really unique, the band having outgrown and transcended
comparisons to Solstice, but is definitely deserving of the attention
of the fans of that band, and also Candlemass, My Dying Bride, and Solitude
Aeturnus. A great release.,I look forward to hearing a full length sometime
in the future.
Review by Olly Pearson. Email: mossdoom@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/doomaltar/
DIABLOS
(POLAND).
These Englishmen have been working their way trough since 1993 and with
their latest MCD, they have added just over thirty minutes of doom metal
onto the scene. I could compare what Unsilence presented here a little
to Anathema's and the likes' releases years back, years of their greatness...
a little of My Dying Bride here and there (the title track most of all).
Good melodies, good musicianship. Slow to mid pace songs, adorned with
good guitar solos here and there... "A Walk Through Oceans" definitely
follows the more epic direction, marked on their previous MCD "Transfiguration".
Nice sounding, clear vocals, pretty
strong material. The one thing that annoyed me here were the vocal lines
brought far too much forward in my opinion, which made the songs sound
a bit weaker than they actually would. And it is definitely the only weak
point on this MCD. Which gives much hope for a future full length release.
"A Walk Through Oceans", although
not a ground breaking release yet still gives pleasure listening to it.
It should probably grip the interest of doom/gothic metal fans.
Review by Lord Darnok Website: http://diabolous.com
ULTIMATE
METAL.COM (ENGLAND)
English collective Unsilence have been going for ten years, with several
demos and an unreleased album under their belt. The group's latest MCD,
"A Walk Through Oceans" continues in a similar vein to it's
predecessor "Transfiguration"; slow to mid-paced doom songs
which ring of early Anathema and My Dying Bride, with epic leanings. Andrew
Hodson's vocals are all sung, and while occasionally not in tune, are
generally good, his low range suiting the melancholic mood well. The considered,
forlorn riffage of James Kilmurray and Kieron Touhey is effective, sporadically
yielding to cleaner tones which help contrast the harsher majority. Bass
by David Elliott helps create a solid, powerful sound, enhanced by clear
production. The drums of Jonathon Gibbs are simplistic yet fitting, while
his sparse keyboards are well-placed and effective. Death-influenced sections
help create some variety in the predominantly doom songs, but this doesn't
prevent the music sometimes feeling samey, not helped by the fact that
there are relatively few catchy tunes in what is otherwise a melodic sound.
Solid song-writing can counteract this some of the time, and flowing changes
in time and character also help. Hence "A Walk Through Oceans"
is a necessity for fans of doom, and heavy downcast music, while those
used to an upbeat sound may find it more of a challlenge.
Review by Russell Garwood Website: http://www.ultimatemetal.com
BRAINTICKET
RECORDS CATALOGUE. (U.S.A.)
Death doom from the British Isles. Good solid heavy doom metal with nods
to Solstice and the like. I think this band means business as this is
getting heavier and meaner than the debut and worthy of your attention
Review by John Perez Website: http://www.brainticketrecords.com