Arcania
Dreams are Dead
10 Track Album
Great Dane Records
Released May 2014
Unforgiving!
Arcania – France
Links:
Genre: Progressive Thrash Metal
Biography:
Arcania was created in 1999 by Cyril, Gabriel and Guillaume. After promoting
the first demo on stage for four years, the band had to face the tragic death
of Gabriel. It was a huge blow for the band but they still found the strength
to carry on. Thus, in 2004, they released their first E.P, recorded at the Bud
Records Studio by Mat, from Gorod. The underground critics all agreed to call
it a very promising start.
I have no idea what to expect here. Looking at the cover it seems
the band are focusing more on their progressive side with a space themed cover
than their thrash side, However, I would have thought that the booklet would
have been proof read before releasing. Saying that my French doesn’t cut it
either!
Intro
This track is an orchestral landscape of rich beauty. It has
alluring appeal and not what I was expecting but the word ‘progressive’ usually
takes on the higher end of the scale meaning it allows for a band to explore
freely and can produce some breath-taking moments – this is one such time.
Watch us Dying
This sees the band in a more timeframe and produce an expressive
well balanced and even tempered track. Vocally rich and moreish with compelling
guitar, the melodic euphoria sets the benchmark very high.
Rise and never fall
Sees a harsher approach as the riffs literally fire on all cylinders
in a thrash vein but without losing any of the progressive twists. Its ‘play
for keeps’ and is very effective! - later on in the track a lower end growl
appears which I was not expecting, but welcomed all the same.
Rise and Never Fall!
Face in the Mirror
Again a good mix of the progressive thrash on this charismatic
track. Daring and bold it boasts a slow and encouraging melodic tone that is
agile and strong. The riffs are sharp and sprightly and keep the mind fully
focused.
Dreams are dead
Persevering with its progressive label the band have produced
another intense offering but not with their thrash element that appears
slightly further on in the track and is on the move to produce another
enterprising and bustling composition.
Inside the Crowd
A more forceful guise has been used here with interlocking
progressive traits. The dynamic drumming is forceful and vigorous, while the
vocal edge is clean but still viable. The breakdown shows a more spirited
encounter.
-------------------------------------------------
“The talent coupled with the
inventiveness knows no bounds and is a really clever adventure, accomplishment
and tasteful style that is finely tuned to perfection!”
-------------------------------------------------
Dreams end all days - Instrumental
An instrumental that outlines the bands flexible side. Its medley of
intrigue brings the listener to exploit its vital layers and plunges them into
a passionate and vibrant coil that keeps on turning.
Suffering for an answer
A rather masterful track that delivers a strenuous gait and shoots
from the hip in an all-out vigorous awakening and challenges the senses to
their maximum, swarming around heavy riffage and energetic beats.
A scar in our mind
A stirring and vivacious track that seethes under a bristling
cacophany of perplexing rhythms coupled with a forceful vocal entourage and a
track I feel is the strongest on the album and certainly one of the most compelling.
It also boats moments of melodic persuasion and rife with energy allowing times
when you really enjoy a euphoric moment mixed with the seriousness of the metal
– Brilliant!
Days end all dreams - Instrumental
Its samples of children playing in the background to a more serious
orchestral bait is intriguing. It has a slight medieval trait adding spice and
a real passiveness allowing the listener to fully engage in its beauty.
Summary
Safely tucked away in the far reaches of the place we call France
are a band called Arcania. Probably
nobody outside the region has heard of them, which is a real shame as what they
have produced is a riveting album and one that certainly warrants appreciation.
A very unusual and unique album packed full of creativity and
superior compositions. Its mood can be dynamic and then dream-like so steeped
with undeniable imagination and emotion.
The harsher moments are engaging but the euphoria is cut from a fine
cloth of spun gold and utilised to the maximum.
The talent coupled with the inventiveness knows no bounds and is a
really clever adventure, accomplishment and tasteful style that is finely tuned
to perfection.
9½/10
Track List:
Intro
Watch us Dying
Rise and never fall
Face in the Mirror
Dreams are dead
Inside the Crowd
Dreams ends all days
Suffering for an answer
A scar in our mind
Days ends all dreams
Members:
Oliver Chènè – Drums
Guillaume Rossard – Bass
Niko Beleg – Guitar
Cyril Peglion – Vocals/Guitar
No comments:
Post a Comment