DESIDERATA

"Desiderata" has many highlights on it, but for me it has plenty of lows as well. Pretty heavy duty at times with female vocals that to be honest are an aqcuired taste. At times I like them, other times I wish this was an instrumental album (haha).MADDER MORTEM are a fairly dark Metal band from Norway who earlier in their careers were tagged with the Gothic title.

"My Name Is Silence" really sounds like an attempt at a single. Not a fan, probably my least favourite. Uptempo with a catchy chorus but the vocals disappoint. "Evasions" is heavy to open but a calm takes over quickly with reserved vocals. An almost OPETH-like atmosphere before 1 1/2 minutes. Kicks back in as contrasts continue. "Plague In This Land" is uptempo as she yells the lyrics. I like the guitar 2 minutes in and later at 3 1/2 minutes. Heavy 4 minutes in to end it. "Dystopia" is a one minute track with fragile vocals and barely audible guitar. "M Is For Malice" sounds great early. The tempo picks up with vocals. A bit of a headbanger this one. "The Flood To Come" is one of my favourites. I like the vocals here as she puts a leash on them. Heavy bass and drums as well.

"Changeling" has some catchy guitar in it and nice bass lines as the vocals join in. She's screaming out the words before 3 1/2 minutes. Then back to that catchy melody. "Cold Stone" is laid back with reserved vocals. It picks up after 3 minutes, even fuller 4 1/2 minutes in. Great sound. It settles down to end it. "Hypnos" is a good powerful tune with some nice guitar. "Sedition" is heavier. I like her vocal melodies and the calmer sections. "Desiderata" opens with the guitar soloing as drums pound. Nice. A calm with vocals before a minute. Kicks back in a minute later. I have to say the vocals here impress. Guitar is back before 3 minutes. She then yells and almost loses it then the heaviness kicks in. "Hangman" is a cool tune.Very mellow and vocals come in rather laid back before 1 1/2 minutes. The songs kicks in with some drama after 3 minutes. What a vocal display before 5 minutes ! She gives it her all.

I feel bad not giving this 4 stars. I'm not giving up on it though so my rating may go up. I'm sure many Extreme Metal fans will love this. 3.5 stars.