Friday, October 10, 2008

THE AERIUM - Song For The Dead King


THE AERIUM
Song For The Dead King
Black Lotus Records
8/10




"Song For The Dead King" is a melodic symphonic metal record that takes on a different sound than many of the female fronted acts that attempt this style.

The band's visually beautiful vocalist Veronika Sevostjanova is wonderfully talented. Her operatic voice is extremely disciplined and her technique leads to a majestic sound which is distinct and ear-catching.

This Russian quintet's dissimilarity to others leans heavily in their favor, as not only does the group manage to stir up compositions that have a sonance of their own, they perform these sophisticated methods with an admirable grace.

Musically, you will find structures ranging from Metallica type riffing to abstract orchestral arrangements. Andrey Grishin voices his keys in a manner that is reminiscent of several types of instruments, most notably violin.

Primarily, these accompaniments succeed because of Grishin's focus on the attack which he places upon the notes. On many occurrences, the listener will be duped into believing they are hearing the actual instrument as opposed to a MIDI generated effect and this is due to the keyboardist's fine sense of placement and the form of his envelopes.

Meanwhile, as Sevostjanova and Grishin are giving acts like Nightwish a lesson in the creation of epic harmony, Kirill Novikov provides the chugging axework that gives The Aerium it's distinctly metal edge.

A symmetry flows throughout this record that is impressive in the utmost. "Wanderer", embellished by its balance of soft vocal formations and chamber style keys combined with subtle symphonic hits placed in a matter which fosters a gentle emphasis might be one of the least metal cuts of the record, but it makes for an intensely dramatic interlude. Of the weightier material, "Queen Of Snows" stands out as the highlight piece, but each of this record’s songs is entertaining and worthwhile.

The Aerium is intellectually stimulating, captivating performers and are doubtlessly fascinating in its ubiquity. This is a great effort by some very talented musicians.


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