EVOLUTION: EXODUS

Senmuth offers us what seems to be one of his most progressive, experimental and diversified albums. Let's just take a look at the inspiring and epic cover artwork, the length of the six songs and the topic about the creation of the world. Well, Senmuth got us by surprise again and instead of delivering a splendid album with many changes in style to recreate the images of the creation of our universe; our Russian mastermind delivers his calmest release ever to date. This album is entirely atmospheric and focuses on soft enchanting electronic melodies with a few folk snippets and some minimalistic metal riffs every tenth minute or so. I wouldn't even call this album progressive, it's simply relaxing.

If the dating with the Indian girl that I suggested you in my last review didn't work and she left your candlelight supper in shame and anger, this record here is the perfect soundtrack to drown your sadness, get torn away into a different world and falling asleep with a peaceful smile on your lips. The first time I listened to this soporific album with a friend late at night it truly worked better than a couple of sleeping pills and was much healthier, too. You can analyze this in a positive and a negative way and you may be right in both cases depending on your personality.

Of course, this here isn't Senmuth's most exciting release but the album presents a new style he has never explored before. If his goal was to create a peaceful, natural and tranquilizing atmosphere, we should consider this record as a creative and intellectual success. I know a lot of quite albums no matter if I take some old multi-instrumental records such as "Tubular Bells" from Mike Oldfield, some New Age music from Enya such as "A Year Without Rain", some intriguing ambient stuff such as Empyrium's "A Wintersunset" or even progressive rock in the vein of King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King" or progressive metal like Dream Theater's "Octavarium" but Senmuth's "Evolution: Exodus" has its unique brand and is probably the most minimalistic work in this list. The lazy and repetitive mood makes me actually think of Iron Maiden's "Virtual XI" to which I accorded quite the same rating. I only added a few points in here for the consequent radicalism of this release even if this last term is rather not appropriated for this smooth gem. If you know or like any of those albums I have just listed in this review, this one is a definite must have for you. It's all about the atmosphere and that's why I don't want to point any particular song out. The album is great for what it is and wants to be but surely not always easy to digest and an appropriate record for any traditional metal music maniac.

Even though I personally prefer any of the mentioned records, I must underline Senmuth's talent, sensibility and courage here. This meditative album is a great gem for very special occasions and it may not often find its way in my stereo system but the next time I will get upset and want to calm down, relax and think, this album is definitely my new first choice. That's why I begin to like this record not only from an objective but also from a subjective point of view. If you feel that you need some time for yourself and an introspective break, this record here may help you to focus.

Originally published on www.metal-archives.com on August 16th of the year 2011.