STILL LIFE

Well , this is my first review as regards this subgenre: Tech Extreme ProgMetal. Until hearing Still Life , I have never heard a death or black metal album in my life , the most extreme album I knew was Metallica's Kill em all. That fact alone may make some metal experts on this site to laugh.

In this review I won't try to focus in the progresiveness of the music I am hearing since I just don't know what Yes and Opeth do have in common. This band sure is technical , both guitars and the drummer are very capable on their instruments and the music can get complex sometimes. But don't expect multi part suites or the use of mellotron on this record , this is metal fast loud and agressive but with a twist.

The Moor is one of the highlights on this album , the track starts with a beutiful acustic melody ( there are plenty more on the record) and then... The growling vocals. What do I have to say about them? They certainly are an adquired taste , the point is Mikael Akerfeldt can sing really good when he is not growling , his voice is calm and it suites the pastoral interludes present on the record. Most of the music on Still life with the exeption of the other highlights Face of Melinda and Benighted is based on a wall of sound created by the guitars and fast drumming. The point is , Still life is much less heavier than lets say Metallica's first four albums or even Pantera. This fact made me appreciate the record much more.

Suming up , I think that enjoying this record was quite a surprise for me since I do not like metal , much less the extreme genres. This record does not count as a masterpiece to me because it's a bit monotonous and still I prefer Akerfelt when he sings normal but I guess I ve accustomed to his extreme style.

For a Prog Metal collection: It's an exellent addition

For a general prog collection : It's good but not essential.

3.5 stars