ARCHANGELS IN BLACK

Want to hear how extreme metal can be mixed with symphonic metal and headbang to the sophisticated classically influenced metal? If yes, then this is the album for you! If not, then just sit down and enjoy in a calm manner ;). Archangels in Black is a departure from the first two highly praised classical music inspired works. Darkness has always been present in the Adagio's music. The level of ambitions has sunk since 2003's masterpiece and the band has stepped down from the progressive symphonic metal's top. The music still remains a blend of ingredients, but classical music has been partly replaced by brutal death/black metal growls and you will notice short thrash metal moments too. Melodies are as good as before and the vocalist with the guitar players are dominant guests here. Keyboard is used to round up the atmosphere but not as one of the main elements. The most experimental track and kind of return to the previous form is only the lengthiest and obscurely named "Codex Oscura" ;).

Still recommended to most symphonic metal fans who do not mind occassional brutal moments.