Some unique Japanese metal. Unfortunately the uniqueness of the band doesn't dwell in the guitaring. In fact the guitaring is often very derivative, and just sounds like rock 'n' roll. The unique aspect of this band is the classical and jazz influences they have, with different passages of organic Japanese instruments. The vocals are sort of black metallish, although with much more enunciation, as the vocals really come out very clearly. Vocal synthesisers are used in many parts, and what I love about them is that they further the progression of a song, and the parts they're used in are simply as part of the songwriting, and not just an afterthought. Female vocals can be heard in many parts of this extremely diverse album, and there is one passage with female operatic vocals on their own, showing this woman's range. Unfortunately the drumming doesn't vary much on this album, but the style of music this band plays probably doesn't demand that it does. Track 3, Black Curse, emphasises perfectly why this album is such a unique display of songwriting; It begins with very slow, haunting guitar, to evoke an evil, sorrowful atmosphere, and then goes into what sounds like a country and western style guitar solo! The song also features very Japanese sounding pan flute. If you want something a little bit different, I recommend you check these guys out.

This review is credited to:
Julian Forbes