UNSPOKEN WORDS

I have already reviewed the followup and given it 3.5 stars, and so I was pleasantly surprised at how much more I like this their debut. This is a concept album and really the only negatives for me are in relation to the concept where they have several short tracks that feature spoken words in an atmospheric background. I'm going to skip those tracks in the review here. What does appeal to me is that this is fairly atmospheric metal not enough to call it Experimental / Post Rock though.

"Unspoken Words" opens with atmosphere but kicks in quickly. Vocals after a minute. Great way to start the album. "Time Betrayal" kicks in hard right away before settling some when the vocals arrive. Contrasts continue. "Unspoken Words II" opens with acoustic guitar before violin joins in followed by fragile vocals. "The Untold Prophesy" features reserved vocals but a fairly heavy soundscape. It reminds me of ANATHEMA actually. Nice guitar solo after 3 minutes. "The Event Horizon" is kind of catchy with drums and guitar standing out. Synths then vocals follow as we get a fuller sound.

"The Gathering" opens with the sounds of a door slamming shut then the music comes in and builds. Vocals and a heavier sound before 1 1/2 minutes. "Unspoken Words III" is dark and atmospheric as the bass throbs and the tempo picks up. Guitar before 1 1/2 minutes. "Nocturnal Lament" has this good heavy sound and is mid-paced as reserved vocals come in. Great sounding track. "The Resurrection" opens with drums as riffs come in with the guitar playing over top. Vocals follow. It settles some but is still heavy. A nice relaxed guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes. Heavier before 5 minutes with some excellent guitar to follow. "Prologue" is the spacey conclusion with lots of atmosphere. Vocals before 2 minutes followed by piano. Spoken words late.

I like this style of music alot but could live without the narration. Barely 4 stars.