KALPA TARU

This is MOONLIGHT's first official album released in 1996. This Polish band is fronted by Maja Konarska, and man can she sing. Polish vocals by the way. I got into this band many years ago after discovering THE GATHERING. Back then I figured if the female fronted THE GATHERING are this good there has to be more great female fronted bands out there. And this is one of them. Right off the top I have to say that this album is considered by most to be a Goth-Metal record. This is heavier and more metallic than anything THE GATHERING has done.

"Strach" opens with synths and some atmosphere before the heaviness builds. It settles but the riffs kick in quickly followed by vocals.Themes are repeated. The "in your face" sound and synths remind me of GARDEN WALL. Not one of my favs but they have let us know they are here. "Stadium Wiary" has this relaxed intro then it gets heavier as the vocals come in. This sounds great ! This is mid-paced and heavy as she sings over top. "Cisza Przed Burza" Is a short tune that sounds incredible.This is laid back with a full layered sound, and the vocals sound so good. "Ekstaza Milczenia" has an orchestral sound to the intro as the vocals arrive. Nice chunky bass before 2 minutes then it turns heavier. We're rocking now ! "Conquistatodor" kicks in quickly with a heavy beat and vocals. It kicks in around 2 minutes.This is better. "Modlitwa A Zmitawanie" is a top three for me. It's laid back with reserved vocals then it kicks in before a minute. Contrasts continue. Love this track. "Hexe" opens with a mellow soundscape and reserved vocals. Acoustic guitar too. Here we go after a minute ! The guitar is fantastic before 2 minutes.The vocal melodies are cool 3 1/2 minutes in.

"Ananke" opens with atmosphere and guitar. Almost spoken vocals and drums join in. It's heavier after 1 1/2 minutes. Contrasts continue. "Zmierch" builds as vocals join in then settles quickly. This is my least favourite tune. "Damaisa" is a song that's really all over the place. The tempo and mood change often. "Jak Ryby" opens with intricate guitar as vocals join in. Drums follow. This is good. It kicks in hard after a minute. Contrasts continue. Nice bass after 2 1/2 minutes. "Msza" is also a top three and the most interesting sounding song. It opens with bass as those beautiful vocals join in. It turns intense around 2 minutes as the heaviness comes crushing in.Theatrical vocals too. Killer stuff. "Deformis" opens with spoken words. It turns dark. Heaviness comes in.Tempo picks up. Chunky bass and check out the vocals ! A top three. "Zbrodnia I Kara" opens with intricate guitar before the urgent vocals come in. This is intense. "Belibaste" is a relaxed and uplifting way to end the album.

A very solid 4 stars.