The name
Sieges Even might bring a smile to the faces of some lucky progressive metal listeners out there. If you're one of those, and liked their "A sense of change era", then this might just be what you've been waiting for, since they broke up back in 1998 (or thereabout). If you don't have a clue what
Sieges Even is about, then you still have time to discover one of the most unique band in the progressive Metal genre, though their five albums are pretty hard to get hold of...
Well, enough about
Sieges Even.
This is a four track promo CD of the band Val'Paraiso, formerly known as Looking-Glass-Self. Val'Paraiso consist of the following musicians: Alex Holzwarth on drums (Also known from Rhapsody and
Blind Guardian as a live stand-in). Markus Steffen on guitars, Oliver Holzwarth on bass (Also known from
Blind Guardian) and Arno Menses on Vocals. It has taken some time for the band to find the right vocalist, but they finally got it just right. At one point, even Andre Matos (Shaman, Angra) was in the band. But Arno Menses' voice is perfect for this kind of music, melodic with a touch of melancholy.
I'll try to give you an idea of what the music sounds like, but you really should visit the band's
web site and take a listen for yourself. Well, to give you a hint of what to expect, then Melancholic Progressive Rock is probably how I can best describe the music with just three words. However, that doesn't do justice at all. There is no other band out there sounding quite like this. Not that I have heard anyway.
To emphasise further; The music is quite accessible, yet the songs keep growing with each listen and open up more and more. There is something genius about this music, it is as if it has a life of its own. While the overall atmosphere is dripping with melancholy, the music also feels comforting in some strange way. The soft way the instruments play together is quite extraordinary, and gives the music a soothing quality.
Bass, drums and guitar are all played with attention to detail, and you'll find many little things to listen to along the way. Especially the bass playing is amazing. Highly talented musicians by themselves, but together here, they have formed something that shows huge potential.
The atmosphere is set right from the opening chords of
The lonely views of condors. This song has a great flow, and a sweet melody leading the song along. The ending part is a definite highlight.
Where our shadows sleep is maybe my favourite of the two. That is in a big part due to all the emotion, the deep and evolving chorus contains. The way it is sung is really wonderful.
The somewhat deep and mystical lyrics of both songs deal with inner feelings, and fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the music.
These two songs show great promise for the future, and I'm really craving a full album of this kind of music. Hopefully the band will be signed soon. Do yourself a favour and visit the band's
web site, and take a listen to these two songs. Both of them are available for download in MP3 format.
This is music after my heart. It puts me in a completely relaxed state of mind, with its beautiful melodies, and I just want it to go on forever.
Written by
Steen Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Show all reviews by SteenRatingsSteen: 666/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
This article has been shown 3033 times. Go to the
complete list.
