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1. Equinox
2. Silent Shore 
3. Constellations 
4. Red To The Sky 
5. Painters and Poets 
6. Tides Equal Rebellion 
7. Pervading 
8. Shadowtorned World 
9. These Darkened Signs 
10. Where No One Stood Before 

Stefan Rindler 

Vocals

Moritz Pollinger

Vocals

Alexander Lackner

Guitar

Michael Iber

Guitar

Lukas Rappitsch

Bass

Florian Plochel

Drums

BLASPHEMIST: "Shadowtorned World"               Noisehead Records    

 websites:

Many dual harmonies and solos.

Austrian newcomers and six piece Blashpemist debut their first full length album entitled Shadowtorned World  which recently released this past November 4th via their label Noisehead Records.  It's a ten tracked opus that suitably displays their skills.  Despite the band's very recent formation  and their individual ages,  the oldest member being 23,  they surprisingly have written a firm foundation on which build their careers.

They're definitely melodic metal of some sort and cite In Flames as one of their influences. Their label has promoted them as being Melodic Death Metal but that’s clearly arguable compared to genre exemplars such as Amon Amarth or Hypocrisy.  One feature of this group is that they have two vocalists who exchange between raspy highs and mild gutterals, even harmonize. Personally,  I'm not too fond of this since I prefer it to be one or the other but some might enjoy the variety. They're best described as mostly mid-tempo but there  is one blast beat, although it seems a little out of place. There are many dual harmonies and solos abound on this record, something I definitely like.  Nonetheless, they seem a little over done after awhile.

I have to admit I actually didn't like this album all that much the first time I gave it a listen. The reason was that the songs as they’re written feel over contrived and it comes as off as generic at parts, at least to me. I can certainly hear the classical influences that the band credits as weighty to their overall sound and perhaps this is what I’m feeling is limiting the music’s expression. It could be too technical to allow a good flow. At first it felt very insincere and didn't excite me at all. But after my second and third listenings I began to hear some the music’s intricacies, and trust me they’re there ! I don’t think they’ve won a big fan with me but I can say that the music is solid. My favorite track would have to be Constellations because of it’s excellent and soothing melodic hook.

They surely have commercial potential, that is obvious. The music and lyrics are accessible, a pinch  too personal for my taste but I’m sure there are droves of folk that will gobble that up as I can attest to here in The States. Again this is a decent release especially for a debut and and it has impressed me well. 

7/10

written by  Gary Saul 

        Gary Saul is reviewer for gryphonmetal.ch. and  based in the U.S.A. He can be reached on facebook.

November 2011

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