Dol
Ammad were introduced to us with their
debut album two years ago through
the ceased Black Lotus Records. All
of us were amazed by the effort of
this band which gathered many enthusiastic
reviews and acknowledgements of their
uniqueness. So this time their task
was even harder as they had to find
the adequate means to publish their
second full length album. For this
purpose the mainman of the band, Thanassis
Lightbridge, founded a record label
to issue the releases of the band
and what ever might he want in the
future. Now if you look at the title
of the company you will remember what
this band plays. Dol Ammad in this
second album, which is dedicated to
the powers of the water element, continue
this provoking mix of metal, electronic
and classical music, which has as
close relatives Therion, Rhapsody,
Bal Sagoth, Jean Michelle Jarre, Vangelis,
Bill Poledouris and so on.
In "Ocean Dynamics"
everything is delivered in greater
portions. The electronic elements
are more intensive and have their
"new age" sound highlighted.
The metal element is present in all
forms. The guitars have strengthened,
while the rhythms range from mid-tempo
to ultra-speed ones (yes, you will
even find some blastbeats here). Alex
Holzwarth is outstanding once more,
although I think that he is treated
once again unfairly by the production.
Now, there is a guest appearance by
DC Cooper in "Aquatic Majesty",
who makes us wonder what would be
like, if the band had a singer like
him in its ranks. And as far as the
classical leg of their music concerns
the fourteen member choir reinforced
the dialectic approach of the lyrics
and performs in majestic fashion.
There are some unbelievable good tunes,
like "Solarwinds", "Thalassa
Dominion IV", "Liquid
Desert" and "Aquatic Majesty",
but there are lesser moments too,
like the third part of "Thalassa
Dominion" and "Descent".
Sometimes I am confronted
with the dilemma of the objective
reviewer. I want to reward the effort
of some bands, but the outcome doesn't
help me to do so. This isn't
the case here. I am relieved of such
concerns and although there are some
disadvantages (I won't let my
excitement hide them) I want to see
the positive side, which tells me
that Dol Ammad, through hard work
(that very few deposit in our days)
made a step ahead, revised and improved
their unique formula and offered us
a great album. This is up to you now
guys…
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