TRANSFIGURATION
MCD
REVIEWS PAGE 4
PRIMAL
AGONY (AUSTRALIA)
The UK has always been known for giving the world some great Doom Metal bands,
many of whom have sadly come and gone without the recognition they deserved.
Having lived there for a few years myself I know this first hand, so having
recently come accross another excellent unsigned band of this style, I hope
the same fate doesn't happen to them as they deserve to be noticed by the Doom
Metal community. Unsilence are out of England's North West district and certainly
have there finger on the pulse when it comes to knowing how to play intelligent
Doom Metal. While some Doom can sometimes be too doomy to the point that there
is only a drum beat and chord every 20 seconds (or it seems like that), Unsilence
tend to be a bit more up-tempo generally but still slow and heavy enough at
times to really cause an impact. The three tracks on here clock in at around
21 minutes in total so each song gets time to develop. The length of the songs
is not really an issue as they never get stuck in just one repetitive idea and
seem to constantly vary back and forth. The use of the violin in Doom Metal
seemed to be so perfectly fitted to Doom Metal and Unsilence make great use
of it without over doing it, but the main focus is still around some great doomy
riffs, melodies and emotion. Originally recorded in September 1999 it still
has a sound that is just as fresh within today's Doom scene. This is a definate
to add to your list if you are a Doom Metal fan. For more information on the
band and to order the CD from the band check out their website.
Contact: http://www.primalagony.musicpage.com
EREBUS
WEBZINE (U.S.A.)
Unsilence was one of the more favorable discoveries I made from the Hymns of
Rebellion Vol. 2 compilation early this year. Originally formed in 1993 as an
act called Burial, then playing death metal, they've since then metamorphosed
- or transfigured, one can say - into a form comprising doom and death metal
with vocals more characteristic of heavy metal. These three elements combine
to create a unique sound somewhere between UK's Solstice and My Dying Bride,
complete with the sorrowful atmosphere and doomy guitar lead melodies that those
bands have been known for. A track from the Transfiguration MCD, "The Gallery"
was already included in the previously mentioned compilation; here two other
exclusives are recorded, "Our Final Autumn" and "One Were Embers."
All adhere to a mid-tempo, melodic range of communication, with strong and heavy
guitar production contrasted with the clean, traditional vocal delivery of singer
Andrew Hodson. Keyboards and violin are introduced also in the final mix and
appear every now and then. I especially enjoy the slow mid-section of "The
Gallery" and the beginning and ending of "One Were Embers," where
violin and clean guitar work together in effecting a powerful mournful feel.
It is this latter track that probably best represents the most effective moments
of Unsilence, especially in the dramatic transitions from heavy guitars to violin.
Admittedly, the vocals are far from my liking - I never could stomach plain
heavy metal vocals entirely - but the music itself greatly makes up for this.
There was obviously a lot of thought put into these songs and the production
as a whole is quite satisfying thanks in large part to the hand of the famous
Mags (Primordial, Mourning Beloveth, etc), who co-produced. I remain uncertain
of what Unsilence is up to now, but it may be worthwhile, in the meantime, to
get a copy of this 3-track MCD. You can break their silence at:
Review by Yuri Akardin. Contact: betenoire665@aol.com
Website: http://www.erebusmagazine.com
AGONIA
WEBZINE (POLAND)
Doom metal label, high quality and even the same homeland are things which make
Unsilence stylistically close to Doom Metal precursors My Dying Bride. This
three piece MCD is the second release from the band. The first was the full
length album which was out just a very few years ago. "Transfiguration"
is a view of a mature band with extremely well rethinked compositions. There
were included everything with great harmony and that is the reason why I admire
the band so much. Of course it's also very talented but talent compiled with
the harmony and such ideas is a must and also means great. Firstly I heard "The
Gallery" song on a compilation of Godreah and this one single piece amazed
me a lot. Then I was so lucky to listen to the whole album and the stuff fulfilled
my expectation and even exceeded it. You are obliged to taste this band. 5/6
Contact: http://www.agonia.dagdy.com.pl
SEASONS
DECAY ZINE (AUSTRALIA)
This is the long awaited release from Unsilence after many fuck – ups including
those with their previous label. This features three tracks of atmospheric,
emotional, doom style metal, that may need to grow on some of you. With clean
male vocals that stand out really as well for us, because they are quite pronounced
and different and the guitars because they are catchy. Unsilence utilise violins
and keyboards for this release, they emphasis the emotions. Power metal even
stoner doom, fans might enjoy this, it's definitely a release on its own with
no comparisons, we really like this CD. The most dominating facet of this CD
is the vocals, by far, and are amazing. We haven't got a favorite, this is all
quite refreshing and each song holds a different attraction for us. Unfortunately,
there isn't enough music for our liking, the future looks rather promising for
this band and we will continue to support them.
Review by Katrinia and Jodi Jerrett – Season Decay ‘zine #2 July 2001
Contact: astlik@hotmail.com Website:
http://members.tripod.com/seasondecayzine