There are some bands which are quickly
criticized as they mix too many genres without even been given a listen
to their songs, and that is a mistake a professionist reviewer should
never make.
However, Canuck Munich-based Antique are one of them, and they've achieved
a great goal, that is linking new styles like never before: classical/symphonic
music, Death, Doom and Dark wave.
As a matter of fact opener "Take this Sullen Timber"
can be described as a mix between the funeral doom alĂ Vinterriket
along with dark, death, sinister and suffering vocals and almost martial
percussions, while "A Meadow to Die in" starts with
Savatage/Meat Loaf-like voices spaced by Black vocals (also in the big
opera "No Tears for the Devil Inside") and soft keyboard
lines.
"Essaying Paradise" and "Elysium Cascades"
are interludes to other songs that help you understand how it REALLY
is possible to unite classical subtlety and metallic force into the
same blend.
Maybe more fluidity in the songs could be required for the comeback,
but they already have to be considered the few effectively playing so
new a genre, and excuse me if it's little!
With Antique when it seems that the composition doesn't scratch, you're
always stunned by sudden malicious elements, vocal-wise especially ("What
Temptation" is a sort of song sounding like a more refined
version of MZ412, while "One Last Thought" is not so
far from Skepticism and Saviour Machine).
This music is made to summon demons from forests, the past or draw negative,
depressive, melancholic energies from parks, cemetaries, similar places
and even the closets of your houses.
For the most open-minded metal, dark or classical freaks...
MARKUS GANZHERRLICH - 16/11/03
Contacts, info and samples:
http://trostlos.org/antique
Availability:
http://cdbaby.com/antique/
www.amazon.com