REVIEW: THERION, Live Gothic

 

THERION, Live Gothic (2008)

Nuclear Blast Records

Εμπειρία οπτικοακουστικής αναπαράστασης.

Το ζωντανό διπλό άλμπουμ και βεβαίως στη έκδοση αυτή με το DVD  να περιέχει όλη τη συναυλία στη Βαρσοβία τότε, είναι πραγματικά μια πολύ καλή περίπτωση του τί έπαιζαν τότε οι Σουηδοί (πολυεθνικό σχήμα είναι με τόσα μέλη, αλλά με έδρα τη Στοκχόλμη) κατά την τουρνέ του Gothic Kabala άλμπουμ. Σαν οπτικοακουστικό υλικό θα δούμε το DVD (αφού στα CD περιέχονται και τα 130 λεπτά σε ηχογράφηση) με τα καλύτερα κομμάτια απ' την συμφωνική τους εποχή (μη περιμένετε υλικό από το το Lepaca Klifoth και πριν,  τουλάχιστον όχι σε αυτό) αλλά και με  υλικό απ' το Secret of the Runes τα Ginungagap και Schwarzalbenheim  παρότι μετά εκείνο το άλμπουμ είχαν βγάλει το πρώτο τους ζωντανά ηχογραφημένο άλμπουμ. Τα Sun of the Sun, To Mega Therion, Birth of Venus Illegitima, Son of the Staves of Time, Deggial, Nightside of Eden, Lemuria είναι εκτελεσμένα άρτια. Στο Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah η χορεύτρια που εμφανίζεται με ανατολίτικη περιβολή και χορεύει σε ανάλογο στυλ ενώ οι δύο σοπράνο και οι οι δύο τραγουδιστές του συγκροτήματος είναι πίσω, δεξιά κι αριστερά απ' τον ντράμερ, είναι πραγματικά απόκοσμη εμπειρία κλείσιμο της καταπληκτικής αυτής συναυλίας με τη δική τους εκδοχή στο Thor (The Powerhead) των Manowar είναι όλα τα λεφτά για φινάλε.

English:

Experience of Audiovisual Representation.

The live double album, and of course in this edition with the DVD containing the entire concert in Warsaw at that time, is truly a great example of what the Swedish band (a multinational group with so many members but based in Stockholm) was playing during the tour for the *Gothic Kabbalah* album. As audiovisual material, we will see the DVD (since the CDs include the 130 minutes of recording) featuring the best tracks from their symphonic era (don’t expect material from *Lepaca Klifoth* and before, at least not in this one), as well as songs from *Secret of the Runes* like "Ginungagap" and "Schwarzalbenheim," even though they released their first live recorded album after that one.

Tracks such as "Sun of the Sun," "To Mega Therion," "Birth of Venus Illegitima," "Son of the Staves of Time," "Deggial," "Nightside of Eden," and "Lemuria" are executed flawlessly. In "Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah," a dancer appears in an oriental costume, performing in a corresponding style, while the two sopranos and the band's vocalists are positioned behind, to the right and left of the drummer. It is truly an otherworldly experience. Closing this amazing concert with their version of "Thor (The Powerhead)" by Manowar is worth every penny as a finale.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης!

REVIEW: EIDOLON - Apostles of Defiance

 

EIDOLON - Apostles of Defiance

Metal Blade Records

EIDOLON is one of those bands that metal fans can't help but respect for their incredible technical skills and unique sound. Hailing from Canada, these guys knew how to make an impression with their tight riffs and dynamic music.

Let's start with some fun trivia: Glen Drover and Andy LaRocque shared the stage in King Diamond and became good friends. Andy even did some guest lead work for EIDOLON, adding a special touch to their tracks. On top of that, Glen and his brother Shawn Drover joined the legendary Megadeth in late 2004, further boosting their metal cred.

The band had its ups and downs. They disbanded in 2007 but made a surprising comeback in 2015 to record a one-off single, "Leave This World Behind." This reunion was like a sweet gift for their fans who always appreciated their musicianship.

Musically, EIDOLON straddles the line between power and thrash metal, creating a sound that's aggressive and powerful yet filled with melody. Their style is clearly influenced by giants like MERCYFUL FATE/KING DIAMOND, SLAYER, and ANNIHILATOR. If you're into bands like NEVERMORE and ICED EARTH, you'll find some familiar vibes in EIDOLON's music, though they definitely have their own distinct flavor.

Now, let's talk about their album "Apostles Of Defiance." When it came out, it got mixed reviews. Some listeners found the songs a bit repetitive, and not everyone was a fan of Pat Mulock's Ozzy-like voice. While unique, his vocal style wasn't everyone's cup of tea for a power-thrash band. Many felt that a voice like Mat Barlow or Warrel Dane would have been a better fit. But, once you give it a couple of listens, Pat's voice can grow on you, adding a unique character to the band's sound.

Despite the critiques, the album is packed with power/thrash metal gems. Tracks like "Volcanic Earth," "Twisted Morality," and "Demoralized" are absolute bangers, showcasing the band's prowess in creating memorable and heavy riffs. Personally, I found "Apostles Of Defiance" to be a satisfying release with plenty of engaging moments that keep you hooked from start to finish.

In conclusion, EIDOLON's journey through the metal scene is marked by their technical excellence and distinctive sound. "Apostles Of Defiance" might have divided opinions, but it's a testament to the band's innovative spirit and musical capabilities. If you haven't checked it out yet, it's definitely worth a listen to appreciate what EIDOLON brought to the table.

Nick Parastatidis