|
A few years ago the image of women in metal music was quite
ominous and women were confronted
with suspicion. Now we live in "reverse"
times. Women's presence is so typical
that we have reached the opposite
extreme. There is a whole scene and
like in every other node of the metal
tree you will find good and bad examples.
Now you may ask why I am writing this
lengthy introduction. I want to exclude
Madder Mortem from this scene and
from any comparison with other female-fronted
metal acts. The reason is twofold.
First it is very limiting for the
music of Madder Mortem and secondly
it is aimless to classify them in
a field where image plays more significant
role from music.
The long awaited
"Desiderata" is the fourth
full-length release of Madder Mortem
and it was recorded in Fredman Studios.
After the storming "My Name Is
Silence" a raging stream of pain
and madness is unleashed. No matter
how suspicious you are this release
will blow you away. Far away from
the typical female fronted metal bands,
this outcast Norwegian act is the
epitome of intelligent and sensitive
music. They walk with easiness on
the thin line that separates reason
from madness and apathy from sensitivity.
They could be the angry and "distorted"
brothers of The 3rd and the Mortal,
but they add this unique progressive
perspective, that distinguishes the
real pioneers from the imitators.
"Desiderata"
could be the continuance of "All
Flesh Is Grass", instead of the
monumental, dark and obscure "Deadlands".
It is more powerful and more diverse;
with songs that shift endlessly rhythms
and demonstrate ideas, that can't
be sorted. Moreover "Desiderata"
requires your full attention and consequent
listenings to reveal you all its virtues.
It is most obvious that they are not
the most skilled musicians, but this
doesn't prohibit them to display an
incomparable sample of musical genius,
like in "Evasions" and
"The Flood To Come". Furthermore,
they do not use decorative add-ons,
and yet they manage to drown you into
the blackest waters of melancholy
and madness, such as in "Cold
Stone", "Hangman"
and the self-titled "Desiderata".
"Desiderata"
has the blessings of Peaceville Records
and hopefully the historic label will
provide the support that the band
deserves. As for you, it is an exceptional
chance to meet the band, if you haven't
done it by now. You should take it
as granted that any investment on
Madder Mortem is worthy and will repay
you in multiple and unexpected ways.
|
