H R H - R E V
I E W S
Moonlight
Agony
Echoes
of A Nightmare Nightmare Records
by
Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer
Comments:
The
new Moonlight Agony CD is a breath of fresh air to the symphonic progressive
metal genre. Vocals with distinct yet driving voices that create a
killer melodic explosion, beautifully played keyboards and solid driving
guitars make Echoes Of A Nightmare an outstanding addition
to anyone’s catalogue.
Often
erroneously compared to Children of Bodom, or even Dream Theatre,
this band has its own sound and it’s certainly a good one. The
band uses dual vocalists on “Icy Plains” as Carina Englund’s
high-pitched angelic singing is amazing against the harder power metal
voice of Chitral Somopala. They rotate and sing together at different
times, and combined with the beautiful guitar rhythms and a slow piano
part this song is simply outstanding. Somopala kicks butt the rest
of the album by himself on vocals, though, as witnessed on “Ghost”
or “Vanished”.
The
drum work is also stellar throughout, as Robert Willstedt leaves absolutely
nothing on the table. The guitars of Landin and Petersson are clean
as hell, and spirited, with the best work being done on tracks “Ghost”
where they create scary solo work, or “Moonlit Horizon”
where the song ends on a very melodic orchestral solo. A little more
solo work may be necessary though. Martin Mellstrom plays inspired
keyboards, synthesizers and piano throughout creating the symphonic
wall of sound. Christofer Starnefalk plays bass and at times lays
some heavy lines for the band.
All
and all this is a solid effort and would make any symphonic metal
or neo-classical metal fan happy with their purchase. So get your
butt online and buy this CD.
Band
Members: Vocals: Chitral Somapala, Guitars: Kalle Landin, Guitars:
Rikard Petersson, Synthesizers: Martin Mellström, Bass: Christofer
Starnefalk, Drums: Robert Willstedt
Song
Listing: 1.
Into Darkness 6:44 2. Icy Plains 4:03 3. Echoes of a Nightmare 4:57
4. Ceremony 5:03 5. Equilibrium 6:18 6. The Ghost 5:18 7. Moonlit
Horizon 3:07 8. Vanished 7:57
HRH
Rating: 7.8/10
