Elderdawn - Empty Words
This six piece band from Spain uses synth and piano within the group to create a greater depth within the songs. Having been going for nearly ten years, this is the band’s second album, with the first being self-released by this Gothic/progressive metal group.
The nine-minute album opener Redemption uses a piece from each f the band members to create the perfect opening and be able to showcase them all. From the lead vocals to the backing, the rhythmic drumbeat underlain behind the rhythmic tones of the guitars and bass, this is possibly the most apt song to be used to introduce these guys. The slight etherealness of the song is highlighted by the light and soft lyrics used at first, steadily drowning in the deeper soils of the growly backer and fighting it for vocal dominance. A technique I’ve not seen used often but it manages to create the idea of a battleground, with each of the members at war with the other.
The guitarist’s solos are exquisitite. Perfectly played and perfectly pitched to recreate the feeling of a lull in the battle of the vocalists, who by the middle of the song are now working together instead of trying to pull each other apart.
The later tracks race into each other, with the guitar again being a headline in front of the drummer, although he can be heard in places, particularly over the vocals in places, except for the growls. A flaw within this is that sometimes the lyrics can’t be heard, and this is not due to the singer’s voice but doe to the lack of volume given to them. And sometimes when he can be heard they sound forced, as if he is trying to work out of his range without practising and this gives the vocalist a threadier sound.
The nine-minute album opener Redemption uses a piece from each f the band members to create the perfect opening and be able to showcase them all. From the lead vocals to the backing, the rhythmic drumbeat underlain behind the rhythmic tones of the guitars and bass, this is possibly the most apt song to be used to introduce these guys. The slight etherealness of the song is highlighted by the light and soft lyrics used at first, steadily drowning in the deeper soils of the growly backer and fighting it for vocal dominance. A technique I’ve not seen used often but it manages to create the idea of a battleground, with each of the members at war with the other.
The guitarist’s solos are exquisitite. Perfectly played and perfectly pitched to recreate the feeling of a lull in the battle of the vocalists, who by the middle of the song are now working together instead of trying to pull each other apart.
The later tracks race into each other, with the guitar again being a headline in front of the drummer, although he can be heard in places, particularly over the vocals in places, except for the growls. A flaw within this is that sometimes the lyrics can’t be heard, and this is not due to the singer’s voice but doe to the lack of volume given to them. And sometimes when he can be heard they sound forced, as if he is trying to work out of his range without practising and this gives the vocalist a threadier sound.
- Redemption
- Passion
- Final Chapter
- My Own Torture
- Nema (Empty Words For Worms)
- Almost Human
- Covenant Of Last Awake
- Illeven
- Lycantr-Hope
- Passion (Spanish version)
Self released
Reviewer: twansibon
Dec 20, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Next review:
Distraught - Primer Explusion De Excremento
Share this:
