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Octavia Sperati come
from Bergen, Norway. Their case is
very interesting for two reasons.
The first one is that the band is
supported financially by the Norwegian
government. I always guessed that
Scandinavian bands have open-minded
and socially sensitive governing agencies,
but I never thought that they could
reach to this point. Even if the things
aren't as optimistic as they look,
it is a cultural shock for our Greek
reality.
The second fact
is that Octavia Sperati are staffed
by five -beautiful indeed- women.
Women were always confronted with
suspiciousness and bitter comments
about their potential and their abilities.
But during the '90s their role
was acknowledged and up to a certain
point their presence is now familiar.
In some specific genres female presences,
especially at the frontline, is a
necessary parameter for success.
According to their
biography Octavia Sperati play gloom
metal, a neighboring kind of doom
metal. If we deduct the fancy terms,
we will see that their music is mid-paced
melancholic and dark heavy rock. Their
influences are quite wide, covering
a range that starts from The Gathering
and ends at Candlemass. I think that
they have elaborated very much and
with great success their influences
and they have concluded at something
that is personal. I believe that they
can develop furthermore their personal
mark, in particular if Silje Wergeland
(Vocals) manages to differentiate
herself from principle female figures,
like Anneke VanGiesbergen (The Gathering)
or Kari Rueslatten (solo, ex The 3rd
and the Mortal). But the most urgent
thing that they have to improve is
also the most important. Octavia Sperati
have to compose more interesting songs,
if they want to attract the attention
of the audience. The major part of
"Winter Enclosure" passes
indifferently and even after several
listenings I couldn't memorize a melody
or a riff. Some few outbursts and
memorable moments, like in "Future
Is", "Below Zero" and
"Without Air" aren't adequate
to save the record from a mid-scale
rating. I can't say that "Winter
Enclosure" is a bad record, but
I can't allege that these eleven songs
will move you.
The production is
very good, the artwork ideal for a
release of its kind and their performances
are professional. But the one thing
that is missing is the most vital
and it's none other than good and
interesting songs. I can't ignore
the fact that the band has the background
to proceed and to develop its sound.
I wish them to be able to exploit
these favorable conditions and deliver
us something superior to "Winter
Enclosure".
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