DIES IRAE

After the highly crafted release "Eliogabalus" I felt all later albums were basically a re-hash of this album, but with "Dies Irae" I have been once again blown away... This album definitely has caught my ear kids! As you would expect this album continues to follow that patented DEVIL DOLL formula with rich orchestral and gothic influences contrasted sharply with piano-led passages that feature the sinister, bizarrely twisted voice and antics of "Mr. Doctor" (the band's mastermind). The sound on this album is quite enormous with the addition of full orchestration combined with a wide range of instrumentation highlighted by stunning violin work. Best way to describe the music of DEVIL DOLL is to imagine a dark foreboding horror music soundtrack combined with classical and progressive leanings and you may not be far off this music. DEVIL DOLL contrast heavy searing orchestral strings with grand synth and organ work with the occasional brilliant progressive rock breakout. The musicianship is extremely high with some simply captivating instrumentation. In many ways this album actually runs like a movie soundtrack with full theatrics and animation of imagery. The vocals are as you would expect are quite contorted featuring once again "Mr. Doctor" who sounds more like a specter of macabre than a lead singer. For those unfamiliar with his singing style may find it a bit out of the norm as he tends to talk his way thru the songs instead of singing. The end result is something that only personal taste can really judge... some will love this and find it highly inventive while others will likely not get it. Without a question the music is heavily avante garge and should only be listened to by a mature audience. Overall "Dies Irae" is an excellent album full of innovation and that heavy classical, soundtrack'ish macabre that this music lover loves!