VASTUM
«Patricidal Lust»
(20 Buck Spin)
There are different angles to Vastum's sophomore effort, «Patricidal Lust», but the one that instantly becomes obvious is how nobody could act surprised if told this came out in 1991. Well, it didn't, and such an album being a product of our times goes a long way to demonstrate how far reaching this new wave of old school death metal really is. Similar in approach to other contemporary acts such as Antediluvian and Anhedonist, featuring members of death/crust punk outfit Acephalix and also borrowing guitarist/vocalist Leila Abdul-Rauf from Hammers Of Misfortune, «Patricidal Lust» swings easily between death and doom, albeit providing nothing really new this side of, say, Coffins. Or a dozen others, for that matter. Lyrically, though, Vastum are a notch above average as a quick dig under the surface reveals them delving into themes of barbaric sexual perversion and desire («Repulsive Arousal» and «Libidinal Spring» should hint you at something). A point, however, which becomes a bit moot as the typical vocal assault renders words pretty much unintelligible. But take a look at the stunning artwork by italian artist Paolo Girardi, though, and not only the symbolism is evident, it's also one of the most horrific covers in years. [PA]
AVATARIUM
«Avatarium»
(Nuclear Blast)
The release of «Psalms For The Dead» last year came as a bittersweet event for Candlemass fans, as mastermind Leif Edling announced it to be the band's swan song. Unbeknownst to almost everyone though, Edling was already two steps ahead and the «Moonhorse» EP, complete with a Black Sabbath cover («War Pigs»), was the first manifestation of this new Avatarium entity. The two original tunes therein eventually found their way into this first full-length, a solid and embracing work of melody-laden epic doom boasting a perfect running time of 50 minutes. Combining heavy riffing with soft, often acoustic sections, «Avatarium» perfectly marries these two sides not only due to its exceptional songwriting - and a distinct Rainbow influence - but also a solid line-up of musicians Edling clearly trusts. The real gem here, though, is singer Jeannie-Ann Smith who came literally out of nowhere and would have easily stolen the entire show if the rest wasn't so competent. Her delivery being effortless and harmonious yet forceful enough when it needs to be, such as in «Bird Of Prey», and the way her vocal melodies rub shoulders with the huge riffs produced by ex-Evergrey and live Candlemass guitarist Marcus Jidell are ultimately what elevates «Avatarium» a good few notches above average. A surprisingly stellar debut. [PA]
(20 Buck Spin)
There are different angles to Vastum's sophomore effort, «Patricidal Lust», but the one that instantly becomes obvious is how nobody could act surprised if told this came out in 1991. Well, it didn't, and such an album being a product of our times goes a long way to demonstrate how far reaching this new wave of old school death metal really is. Similar in approach to other contemporary acts such as Antediluvian and Anhedonist, featuring members of death/crust punk outfit Acephalix and also borrowing guitarist/vocalist Leila Abdul-Rauf from Hammers Of Misfortune, «Patricidal Lust» swings easily between death and doom, albeit providing nothing really new this side of, say, Coffins. Or a dozen others, for that matter. Lyrically, though, Vastum are a notch above average as a quick dig under the surface reveals them delving into themes of barbaric sexual perversion and desire («Repulsive Arousal» and «Libidinal Spring» should hint you at something). A point, however, which becomes a bit moot as the typical vocal assault renders words pretty much unintelligible. But take a look at the stunning artwork by italian artist Paolo Girardi, though, and not only the symbolism is evident, it's also one of the most horrific covers in years. [PA]
«Avatarium»
(Nuclear Blast)
The release of «Psalms For The Dead» last year came as a bittersweet event for Candlemass fans, as mastermind Leif Edling announced it to be the band's swan song. Unbeknownst to almost everyone though, Edling was already two steps ahead and the «Moonhorse» EP, complete with a Black Sabbath cover («War Pigs»), was the first manifestation of this new Avatarium entity. The two original tunes therein eventually found their way into this first full-length, a solid and embracing work of melody-laden epic doom boasting a perfect running time of 50 minutes. Combining heavy riffing with soft, often acoustic sections, «Avatarium» perfectly marries these two sides not only due to its exceptional songwriting - and a distinct Rainbow influence - but also a solid line-up of musicians Edling clearly trusts. The real gem here, though, is singer Jeannie-Ann Smith who came literally out of nowhere and would have easily stolen the entire show if the rest wasn't so competent. Her delivery being effortless and harmonious yet forceful enough when it needs to be, such as in «Bird Of Prey», and the way her vocal melodies rub shoulders with the huge riffs produced by ex-Evergrey and live Candlemass guitarist Marcus Jidell are ultimately what elevates «Avatarium» a good few notches above average. A surprisingly stellar debut. [PA]
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