I Am Despair [GeoCO3, lyrics by Arkhane]Lyrics (2.5/5): Not sure about this one. It seems if only the surface of the subject matter is being scratched, as if it is supposed to go deeper but it somehow doesn’t.
Song genre choice (3/5): Pretty fucking sweet, even though it’s not entirely my cup of tea. The style suits the lyrics, although the music (and clean vocals) sometimes are a bit too soft and/or “self-assured” to fit the rather depressed and bitter lyrics.
Composition (4.5/5): This shit reminds me of Insomnium, that melodic death band from Finland. I mean that as a compliment. I usually get bored by this kind of music, but Insomnium has got one album that I like, and this reminds me of it. I like the way you alternated between the metal parts and the calmer pieces in between. It could’ve killed the track, but it didn’t. Buildups and transitions work great as well. I only thought that the synth that kicked in somewhere around 01.45 was a bit redundant, but, meh, that’s a minor point.
Performance (5/5): Good job. Good singing, although the clean vocals are too sensitive for my personal liking. Enjoyed the low growls though. Can’t think of any real downsides.
Production (4.5/5): Enjoyed this as well. Production-wise, the clean vocals aren’t really my thing either. Too polished. On the other hand, it does work for the genre. Growls sound good, they’re perfectly embedded in the music. They’re not buried but they aren’t dominant either. In sum, I’ve got mixed feelings. It all sounds pretty professional, well-balanced and polished, which deserves a compliment and I’ll base my rating mainly on that. On the other hand, being a diehard black metal fanatic, it doesn’t really meet my personal tastes.
Overall (19.5/25): No further comments… You should consider doing this kind of thing more often, though, that could work.
Three-headed Snake [Kingnuuuur w/ GeoCO3 on vox, lyrics by Sadr_mordvig & Menschenfeindlic]
Lyrics (2/5): It’s a very unexpected approach to the subject of nihilism. It’s original, but it doesn’t really appeal to me. It’s just not my type of lyrics and I’m not sure about the nihilistic content. It’s there, in a way, but it’s cryptic. I doubt that one would start contemplating nihilism after reading this, if no one has told him what it’s about.
Song genre choice (4/5): I guess this works for the lyrical style, but it’s not a genre which really combines with nihilism. But then again, we didn’t have that knowledge beforehand, so.
Composition (4/5): Original intro. Abrupt yet not at full speed. Some of the riffs really have a very stoner/doom metal feel, which is awesome. The bridge/intermezzo part comes just at the right time to keep things interesting. It should’ve had a bit more of a distinct climax, though. Props as well for the breakdown at the end. Hadn’t expected this and it gives the song a lot of personality.
Performance (4/5): It’s cool. Tight. You really have a great voice for this kind of music, sounds good. Haven’t really got any complaints. Your voice starts to sound a bit weird, though, at the end
Production (4.5/5): In a way, it’s reminiscent of the previous track, although it’s not as polished. But again, heavy, dense guitars. I love the way the bass is clanking its way through the song in the background.
Overall (18.5/25): Nothing to add. I’m gonna get some breakfast now.
Cleansed in Blood [LordOminous, lyrics by odinallfather]Lyrics (4/5): Not very original; not very long, but they give me a clear ‘less is more’ feeling. Don’t think they should’ve been any longer. The point is made efficiently and because it’s not extremely groundbreaking as a metal text, there’s nothing wrong with it ending while the atmosphere still stands. Oh, and before I forget: I really like that you placed the theme in a historical context.
Song genre choice (4/5): Good. It has got aggression, but there’s also some sort of heathen pride euphoria sense.
Composition (5/5): Again: good. Not sure what to say about it. It’s got a good flow. The Hello Kitty-spawned riffs aren’t the most groundbreaking but they’re intense (and for that, they can thank the production) and the song doesn’t really rely on the riffs that heavily. The vocals and synths do most of the work, which makes for an interesting listen. The synths at the end ( “we are cleansed in blood”) perfectly match the atmosphere and situation at the end of the lyrics by the way. Great ending. Compliments on the solos as well. Especially the one at 2.57.
Performance (5/5): It’s pretty funny to consider the fact that you had zero experience in guitar playing, because it’s hard to tell when you listen to this. You’re tuning technique obviously helped a lot, of course, but like I said, it worked. The vocals are intense and well-delivered rhythmically speaking. Enjoyed ‘em.
Production (4.5/5): Good. The guitars are a bit soft, but this is probably for the better considering what I said earlier. The fakeness of the drums is a bit obvious, but it still didn’t really annoy after having the song on repeat for an age. Oh well, no complaints on anything.
Overall (22.5/25): Again, nothing to add.
De Cryptikon [Sadr_mordvig & Menschenfeindlic, lyrics by Det_Morkettall]Lyrics (2.5/5): Hard to review. Definitely cryptic. It made me lift an eyebrow, but considering your subject that can hardly be an objection. My Latin is rubbish, so I decided to throw that section in Google:
“Hail, risen of God of the Hebrews
Hail Lord Satan,
The rector of the throne of God, he slew
Death of the wicked one”Not the worst translation ever. Was there any specific, coherent meaning behind these cryptic formulations, or is it cryptic for the sake of being cryptic? I hadn’t known the theme, I would’ve just deemed them random. I guess my rating will go to the middle because I’m not sure what to do with it.
Song genre choice (4/5): Not sure what genre this is, actually. ‘tis Rather eclectic? I think the lyrics would’ve combined with many genres, so I’ve got no problems with this choice.
Composition (2.5/5): I have to admit that it didn’t really hold my attention for the entire duration of the song. There was some cool shit though, especially the part with the short bass solo. All in all, I think there should’ve been more dynamics and changing atmospheres.
Performance (3/5): I haven’t heard major mistakes or anything in the instrumentation, but the vocal work, especially the cleans, didn’t really impress me to say the least. The idea of clean vocals in itself was good, though, it would fit a song like this.
Production (3/5): The guitars are pretty soft and muffled, especially compared to the vocals. It was hard to follow them at times. On the other hand, the bass was audible, which always is a pro. Both the guitars and bass sounded a bit timid, though. It wouldn’t have hurt if they had a bit more edge.
Overall (15/25): I don’t wear overalls.