|
"The Quiet Offspring"
consist the fourth studio release
by Green Carnation. My expectations
about this were very high and that's
because their previous work, "A
Blessing in Disguise" was a masterpiece
of atmospheric prog rock/metal! The
owners of this album can understand
what I'm talking about. So, this new
release would give us the answer to
the question: Was "Blessing.."
just a moment of brilliancy or we
have to deal with a really great band
here? Now, after many listenings of
"The Quiet Offspring" I
can say for sure that the correct
answer is the second!
At first, I have
to inform the fans that "The
Quiet Offspring" differs a little
from its predecessor. This isn't something
that will surprise them though, because
the changes in style aren't something
new to Green Carnation. So, the new
album is definitely heavier and has
a more straightforward sound. I could
say this one can be described as more
"optimistic" regarding the
feelings it creates to the listener,
without meaning that melancholy (a
basic element of their music) is missing.
We are talking about an emotional
and atmospheric album here. A turning
to the classic 70's sound can be noticed
in many songs and combined with some
heavy riffs it reminds of bands such
as Monster Magnet (just check "Between
the Gentle Small And the Standing
Tall") or Metallica ("Load"
period). As I said before, this album
is more speedy (if anyone could give
it this characterization) and heavy.
There are tracks with really heavy
and catchy riffs that will blow you
up, like "The Quiet Offspring",
"Just When you Think its Safe",
"The Everlasting Moment"
or "Dead but Dreaming".
On the other hand
the fans will find themshelves wandering
in already known paths listening to
"Child's Play" or "A
Place for Me". To avoid any misunderstandings
I have to make clear that when I'm
saying this is a prog band, it doesn't
necessarily means that you'll find
amazingly technical guitar play or
complex keyboard parts in here, though
every member of the group did an excellent
job. The whole album is far from being
boring or blabber. Some people could
claim that "The Quiet Offspring"
is a little bit more "commercial"
than "A Blessing in Disguise"
and I won't blame them, but this statement
cannot reduce the quality of the songs!
Now, if you're waiting from me to
choose or separate some songs I am
sorry but you will be disappointed
(or be very happy, it's from what
side you are looking at it!) because
all the tracks are great and create
a perfect atmosphere, but be careful,
this is not an "easy to listen"
album and only after many and careful
listenings someone will be able discover
the true value and quality of Green
Carnation's latest work!
Well, with this release
I could say that Green Carnation belongs
now to the "elite"! Just
let yourself surrender to the magic
of their music and you will not be
disappointed. I hope that they will
continue this way and if they do,
then we must wait for great things
in the future by Green Carnation!
Surely, one of the best albums for
2005!
|
