Darkseed's
Stefan Hertrich made a new project
to fill in his creational empty spaces
and soon after the first independent
release of "Pulse" (his
first EP), Sensory Records came to
re-issue it. To be accurate it was
Sensory's dark metal division, Sensory
Dark, to re-issue it and to give to
it a new dimension by adding some
more tracks. Among these is an interactive
track with the video clip of "Pulse"
and some texts about the relation
between metal, emotion and magic.
So far, so good. Can we tell "more
far, more good" (note: ok, I
know that grammatically is wrong,
but please let me use it)?
When it comes to
music, things are a little bit complicated.
SpiRitual plays "ethnic metal",
which has more to do with the exotic
soundscapes of central Asia, than
with -the familiar to metal- Celtic
folk melodies and tunes. Of course
Hertrich's dark/gothic background
is also present, something that makes
things even more complex. A comparison
to Therion ("Theli") and
Sisters of Mercy (you know this arabesque
scent of the late) wouldn't be wrong;
however "Pulse" has its
own character. Hertrich is an experienced
musician, so he knows how to avoid
commonplaces. The valuable assistance
by the numerous guest musicians allows
him to create what he feels and thinks,
and the well-crafted production allows
us to listen to this album easily.
Songs like "Symphony of Life"
and "Pulse" have an aura
of adventure and I think that they
will be appreciated by the fans of
the genre.
So, "more far,
more good"? Yes and no. We told
the advantages of "Pulse",
so it's the turn of the drawbacks.
I think that since there are solos
should be more worked in order to
fit better with the tracks. This is
a minor issue that can be easily resolved.
What is annoying with this CD, and
doesn't let me to enjoy, is that the
concept and the attitude suggested
by Hertrich and his friends is in
contrast to the extremity of the sound.
Hertrich claims that this aggressiveness
should be treated with a smile and
not with a fist, yet this opinion
hardly passes to the listener. "Pulse"
may be exotic, but at the same time
is raw and dark. I may be exaggerating
and strict, and I should be concentrated
on the music, however I would be unfair
to skip and ignore this dimension
of SpiRitual. Anyway, there is a lot
of time ahead us to see the evolution
of SpiRitual. Until next time that
SpiRitual knocks our door, you may
seek for "Pulse" and give
to it a chance.
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