By John Bedard
We have all heard someone, at some point, tell us that metal requires no talent or my favorite, it is just someone screaming into a microphone. Usually, those are the same people who listen to auto-tuned artists that think C, G and F are the only chords you need. I don’t really want to downplay any person’s individual taste as what music you like is a very personal thing and people are absolutely allowed to not like the same thing I do. That being said, there are some things that are objectively beautiful. Some things that even if you are not a huge fan yourself you still have to sit back and admit the beauty in it. Things like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony or a sunset over the ocean or a perfectly bloomed rose. For those people that say metal has no talent, I think we should show them this album because even if they still are not a fan of metal after they will have to acknowledge that it is beautiful.
This is a heavily atmospheric black metal album that is almost melodic at times and even maybe a little symphonic. Really, I would say that the black metal influence is in the vocal. They are the dark vein running through the soft metal instrumentation. We have a beautiful slow rhythm setting the pace with the normal assortment of instruments you would expect to hear but mixed in we also have acoustic guitars, piano, and violin all making a contribution to the mix. It makes for a beautiful arrangement with all of the instruments expertly complementing each other.
Back to the vocals, these are what you would expect from black metal, but softer. It is more of a whispers fried vocal than a scream or growl. It complements the atmospheric music perfectly. The dark, whispered, tones sound almost like hearing a memory. I know that is really subjective, but it is the best way I can describe it. The atmosphere of the music draws you in and the vocals sound like something you were supposed to remember but nearly forgot.
‘The Path Untravelled’ is more of an experience than anything else. One that you owe to yourself to try. There are few things that are truly beautiful in this world and I think this is one that you don’t want to miss. ‘The Path Untravelled’ is one you must have in your collection. You will not regret it.
- ‘The Path Untravelled’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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