SHADOWS CAST IN STONE (DEMO 10
REVIEWS PAGE 2
CERBERUS
ZINE (FINLAND).
The
roots of Unsilence are actually in the band called Burial. (Interviewed in our
first issue), the name changes due to a new lineup and development in the music.
So, musically there aren't much similarity and difference is easy to notice.
Where Burial was a pure death metal band, the English doom metal scene has a
great influence on Unsilence's present style even if we're not talking about
another victim of slow & apathetic riffs. The faster parts are still a part
of musical concept but apparently the direction is headed at more atmospheric
presentation. My opinion about this alteration is only positive because tracks
such as "World Within A World" there isn't a single fast riff played
sounds much more uncontrived compared for example with "Pictures",
which has really strained fast drumming.
To not be too u ncritical I'd add that Unsilence doesn't differ from the innumerable
amount of todays death/ doom bands though they don't have nothing to shame about
either. Maybe Unsilence hasn't also succeeded as sound-wise in the best possible
way or an I just a bit too pessimistic now.
Even if the music comes always in priority I couldn't avoid laughing when I
read the lyrics taken from the first track "Void Of Emotion". I don't
bother to write down some lines from it, they just try to be very serious but
the result is reverse. Luckily this kind of amusing texts are presented exclusively
in this track. Uhh, better not continue concerning this matter before someone
starts to feel really awkward...
There has happened some lineup changes in the band lately and now they have
a new bassist and guitarist. A new demo will be recorded in August.
Review by Asmo Moisanen. Contact: hellhound@sunpoint.net
DEPRIVED
ZINE (IRELAND).
From the ashes of the UK's brutal Burial, arose Unsilence, a band which instead
of abandoning the aggression of Burial has slowed and intensified it into an
empowered set of tracks, too fearsome to fall under a doom banner, but more
emotional than a slow form of death. The lyrics are mightily depressive, but
in "Void Of Emotion" and "Pictures" both the vocalist and
the instrumentalists portray a black anger, in the oh so deep throaty growling,
the fairly pacey rhythm(compared to doom)and the challenging riffs and solos.
However despondency cries out from "World Within A World"where harmonized
vocals cry in unison, backed by moody strings and chiming percussion. Also included
on the demo is a sweetly sorrowful instrumental and a finale wrought by despair
in an anxious discordancy of guitars, chant like vocals and clashing cymbals.
Review by Antoinette Flynn.
SHADOWS
OF MICHAELANGELO (U.S.A.).
If you like heavy metal with a lot of emotional structures that are mainly influenced
by British HM, this band would be your favorite. Rhythm guitars sound really
good and come across strong with lots of aggression but doom. In contrast, guitar
solo works lack of ideas that don't fit the music. I wanted to hear more melodious
phrases from the accents of the G-solo. The title song is played by violins
behind acoustic guitars which are excellent! In the 4th song , the vocalist
sings by a normal voice which contrasts with other songs vocals. That is pretty
good too. Ummm, B+?
Review by ?
REVELATION
ZINE (SINGAPORE).
The creative ideas and incredible songwriting talent of this band cannot simply
be denied. This band is talented. When you listed to "Void Of Emotion",
you can feel the sentiment of its delicate guitars and atmosphere. It so irresistible.
This is damn good. "Pictures" is a bit groovey and mid-paced tempo,
with unpredictable changes of drumbeat and copious riffs. Then came up the acoustic
interludes of "Shadows Cast In Stone" which is enchanting. "World
Within A World"is another excellent track. Slow, moody, atmospheric and
much more emphasizing on plain vocals rather than the usual growls. This is
going to be a big buzz in the UK. Lastly, "Weeping" is much more doom/
death metal orientated. The sepulture of todays unimaginative death metal. Kinda
a bit brutal. Anyway, the guitar works between Kieron and Ric is really marvelous
and so were the lyrics. This is another highly recommended stuffs.
Review by Herry ?