TRANSFIGURATION
MCD
REVIEWS PAGE 1
MEGIN
GIORD ZINE (ENGLAND)
Unsilence is a name that I have heard kicking about for some time, but what
with labels letting them down time and time again I'd failed to get my hands
on any of their material, but thankfully the band have decided to get their
collective shit together and put out this MCD. What we get with Unsilence is
another great example of British Doom Metal which is a far reach from any 70's
grove malarkey and instead focuses on some epic melodies with a real melancholy
edge to them, not at times unlike Solstice. Throughout the CD the band hardly
get past the mid pace, but still manage to keep things heavy with some strong
riffing that benefits from the quality Academy sound. There's even a sneaking
folk influence at play which weaves its way in between the doom heavy riffs
giving the music a real feel of Albion. As already mentioned there is a real
melancholy to the music, and this is aided with some heart rendering violin
and acoustic sections mid song, not to mention the sorrow filled vocals. It's
not all doom and gloom though as a few sections lend themselves to beer swilling
and head banging, Particularly towards the end of 'The Gallery', something which
should never be overlooked on any metal release. Comparisons could be leveled
with Paradise Lost particularly with regard to the riff/ harmony combination
the band uses so often, which harks back to the Halifax Metallers better days.
On the down side there are a few moments which don't quite flow as they should
and the vocals are a little on the flat side of things, lacking the range to
really lift the band into another level, but having said that it's nothing that
really hinders the band to a great degree. Overall a strong, nay very strong
release that stands the band in good stead for greater things.
Review by Gavin Parkinson.
FITTED
KITCHENS OF THE LIVING DAMMED (NORTHERN IRELAND)
It must be stated...this is ESSENTIAL. Doomy, very British Sound...though not
along the Death-like Doom of early Paradise Lost, nor the gorgeously romantic
sorrow of Anathema or the dirge-like misery of My Dying Bride....more along
the lines of Solstice methinks...that heady mix of Doom and NWOBHM. 'The Gallery'
is the clear pinnacle of this 3-song demo, what with it's middle being a statement
of ahtmospheric genius, which could bring to mind earlier My Dying Bride. Great
Stuff.
Review by Andy Orr. Contact: fittedkitchens@hotmail.com
HAIR
OF THE WOLF NEWSLETTER (ENGLAND).
Pretty neat Doom from the UK, slow and melancholic, a definite progression from
the previous release. the clear vocals fit very nicely into the heavyish instrumental,
with slow guitar tempos and a faster drum beat. The music has a very ondulational
feel to it, with the guitars coming at you in waves, and the long drawn out
vocals riding above them. As in the previous release, there seems to be a dichotomy
between the slow doomy parts and the more hopeful sections, which gives it a
pretty mature attitude. The production values have upped somewhat from the last
time too, and while they are not perfect, they have the right feeling for the
music. Good quality doom metal for the discerning listener. Pity the three tracks
last only 20 minutes though.
Review by Sam Wright. Contact: http://www.cryogen.com/lycos
GODREAH
WEBZINE (ENGLAND)
The new 3 track MCD recorded at Academy Studios is yet another giant leap in
quality for a band who have all the makings for a classic Peaceville act if
only some fucker would open their ears and listen.
Review by Crin. Contact: http://www.godreah.com