THE ART OF BECOMING

There is some music so original and so oddball it is almost impossible to describe in words. For me, Minas Tirith delivers the prototype of undescribeable music. But I will try my best since this is the first review of this album. I will not be surprised if this is the only review of this album you will ever see in PA. The music is that original and impossible to penetrate.

The best label or slogan I can come up with is a detuned more insane version of the last Arcturus album. Minas Tirith's vocals are both pastorial and atonal. Strangely enough; they are beautiful too. The music is based on some very strange rhythm patterns which loosely reminds me about the Zeuhl scene. The music is delivered with bass, drums and guitars. The guitars are mostly delivered as rhythm guitars. Do not expect any guitar solos here. The music is not particular hard either. Neither is it particular metal too. A Child Is Born In Babylon is a fine example of atonal vocals, a good melody with some good rhythm guitars.

It is my view that Minas Tirith is the most original metal act ever to come out of Scandinavia and this album proves my point. The quality is good and I really like this album. I have been listening to it on and off since it was released. But I have yet to fully understand it. I guess both this album and myself is headcase. That explains why this is not an informative review, although I have done my best to describe the art of becoming in my piece. Without success, I fear.

3 stars