ADAGIO

Archangels In Black

Listenable Records/ CD 2009

When I first saw the band's name I was ready to bet my ass that we have another gloomy doom metal band here. Italian word adagio means slow and is used to describe music’s tempo. So I was a little surprised when it turned out that French - with Finish vocalist - metalheads explore rather symphonic and proggressive metal territories.

Of course it wouldn't be an astonishing ascertainment if I've had a chance to listen to one of ADAGIO's previous albums. "Archangels In Black" is though the fourth full-lenght album in Montpeliere based band's career. But it happened to be my first contact with their music. So without any prejudices I started to listen to the music of rather non-typical LISTENABLE band - this label is rather known for it's extreme death metal bands. And although we have some darker - Chris Palin's screams and growls (“Undead”) used to diverse the vocal parts - and heavier - opening riffs of "Vamphyri" - elements - there's even a short black metal blast in the beginning of title track and in the final part of "Codex Oscura" - ADAGIO focuses mainly on melodies not aggression.

Of course we have an experienced band here and there's nothing to complain in technical skills department. Guitar solos and keyboard arrangements seem to be carefully thought out. There's a lot of small details and bombastic elements. It takes a few times ‘until you’ll be able to seize the wholeness of “AIB”. Sound - especially nice clear guitars - songwriting and performance quality is really good, but I must admit that I have a little problem with ADAGIO. Theoritically everything here is in the right place. But I can't really fully enjoy that album. I tried my best but it leaves me rather indifferent.

What’s wrong? I think that the main problem is that there's no single track that I'd call a real highlight. They're all at least average, but there's no killer. Track no 4 “Undead” is closest to be a real hit. But if you listen to that kind of music most of them seem to be quite predictable and forgettable. So after all I ask myself if my world would be less colorful and interesting without ADAGIO and the answer is unfortunately: "no". In spite of those words for all genre's lovers "AIB" may be an interesting record. But for most of the maniacs who rather do not follow this kind of metal I have a good advice: Go and get yourself last THRESHOLD's album. That's what the true emotional and progresive music is all about.

7/12