XML FeedsANN S. REVIEW SECTION - NOX AUREA AND THE GLITTERATI! HEAVENS!
By Ann Sulaiman on Aug 6, 2010 | In Reviews, Features | Send feedback »
NOX AUREA - 'ASCENDING IN TRIUMPH '
NAPALM RECORDS; 2010
Not long after the initial success of their debut LP have Nox Aurea returned from the studio, with their follow-up 'Ascending In Triumph'. And if the title alone is anything to go by, then it seems that the Swedish gothic doomsters have no other way to go than up.
Especially in regards to the current crop of "gothic" metal, it can feel tricky to come across a band whose lyrics stand comfortably at arms with the music; especially if it focuses on something other than velvet-clad vampiresses or heavy-hearted lovers. In the case of Nox Aurea, their decision to opt for an esoteric framework appears to set them apart from most other groups in this genre. And in turn, it leads to an atmosphere of mystical grandeur in their sound. The variation in movement and pace in the heavy, doom shredding that features throughout this record suggests that founding guitarists Peter Laustsen and Grim Vindkall are careful about creating the right levels of drama, suspense and tension from their work; of which songs 'Ascending in Triumph', 'The Loss and Endeavour of Divinity' and 'My Voyage Through Galactic Aeons' are fine examples.
It also looks to be that aside from achieving the intended emotional effects. that the band have made sure that whatever is heard remains consistently their own. Aspects of conventional funeral doom or melodic doom/death can be picked up, yet rather than carry on with these sound the band instead move up-tempo and opt for a heavier, speedier direction.
Interestingly, one track which stands out on the album is the piano closer 'Emendare'; and not because of its non-metal instrumentation. Aside from being a lovely compliment to the previously well-executed doom riffage and grooves, what is most noticeable is the piece's relaxed tone and simplicity. Too often, it appears that most keyboardists focus on making their instrumentals as sad and melodramatic as possible. But here, it is shown that gently concentrating on a pensive performance at hand can produce much more resonant after-effects of melancholy and reflection.
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THE GLITTERATI - 'ARE YOU ONE OF US?'
GLOBAL MUSIC; 2010
Leeds-based outfit The Glitterati seem to have come some way since their debut album back in 2005, and it shows on 'Are You One of Us?'; the follow-up LP which comes five years later.
Moving back to their roots in hard rock, 'Are You One of Us?' sees the band make do on their vow to pursue a much harder and more aggressive direction; while at the same time keeping their own melodic tunes. The result of that, is a full-length record which brings traditional vibes of rocking the hell out with a consistently amped up sound. 'Overnight Superstar' and 'You Can Be So Cruel' are key highlights of this, not only for revealing what The Glitterati have gotten right but for their subversion of the more atypical "feel good" mood that is often associated with this style of music.
Yet at the same time it seems as if there are a few issues which could use some improvement. Namely frontman Paul Gautrey's decision to go for harsh rasps whenever he appears to reach high notes, which in this case don't entirely work out in his favour. Nonetheless, the album remains a decently performed and produced record from a group who show that the UK is still as eager to rock as ever.
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