CARVED IN ASHES

Here's the first review for this apparently very unknown Finnish band founded in 2009 in Helsinki. Sadly they never managed to make a full-length album and I'm not sure if the group exists anymore. The latest release seems to be yet another EP from 2016 (which hasn't even been added here). The first release Neversary (2010) is a three-song EP. This second EP contains five tracks that I believe have no trouble pleasing the listeners of melodic prog metal and artists such as RIVERSIDE and PORCUPINE TREE. The combination of a strong, metal-flavoured sound, a slightly depressed mood and a fairly clean-voiced and passionate male vocalist soaking in melancholia feels indeed pretty familiar or often heard, which is both a strength and a weakness, depending on one's point of view. [ NB: I couldn't find each song from the net, but enough to make my premier review useful. ]

'The Shadow of Your Ghost' is a powerful opening track in the style of the mentioned bands. The Spanish-born Juanma Draven is a capable and convincing vocalist who loads a lot of dark, depressed emotion in his dynamic expression. The amount of metal elements remains bearable for those -- like myself -- not into metal generally. Jani Lehtinen's keyboards bring some brightness to the sound.

The 8-minute 'Lupus Homini' is the longest and the most progressive composition. On the first section the lyrics are not exactly sung, only spoken. A bit later I sense some RUSH in the guitar riffs and rhythmic complexity, and in the middle of the song the vocals increase aggression, becoming downright growly at times. Then briefly returning to the mantra-like spoken approach with a psychedelic feel in the very dynamic playing. Metalheads will undoubtedly appreciate this piece. The next track is 'A Late Prelude' (1:21). Probably a keyboard oriented instrumental? The closing track 'Midnight Solitude' begins slowly with a piano and emotional vocals. Other instruments, including acoustic guitar, are added with a well-balanced delicacy. You could call this melancholic song a ballad with a pop sensibility, and it's pretty good to my ears, although the vocals could decrease the passion a little bit.

Judged on the limited listening, it's a shame that this gifted (if not very original) band never made a grade.