Dies Irae
Gargoyles
(c)(p) Bestial Records
Review by Neil St.Laurent
Thanks to Bestial Records for the CD
Given a decent share of hardship and dark times, it is not surprising
that Romania would produce a band enravelled in the mysteries of the
Divine Comedy (one of the many quotes in this album is from Dante).
But given the title of the album "Gargoyles", due to the overuse of
this imagery in the gothic scene, one would not expect Dies Irae to
be the extreme black metal act that they are.
It is with fortune that Dies Irae isn't just another black metal act,
and likely share more in common wih Rotting Christ than Emperor.
Ranging from the slow (keep in mind this is black metal slow) to the
fast (again, keep in mind this is that blazing black metal fast), the
music in "Gargoyles" has a variety of almost distinctive styles
melded together to form one overall impression. From within the pits
of hell where the blazing speed component of black metal resides
falls this component of Dies Irae as well. This speed can only be
used for effect, because there is almost no originality and no
penchant for ability in its foray (one can just take random samples
of Ancient and have the same sound). Many people do quite enjoy this
insanity however, but it will be disappointing to those people that Dies
Irae's drummer is kind of sloppy at such high speeds (missing some
beats or generally not holding his own). Fortunately, as mentioned
before, Dies Irae is likely more comparable to the slower
enthrallments of Rotting Christ, but never quite as slow and brooding
as Asphyx. When everything slows down a bit you can hear a melodic
(yet strong buzzing distortion) lead from the guitar set against a
simple beat and supporting low-end from both guitar and bass roles.
Often hidden behind the lead guitar is an alluring atmosphere; in
general there are some mixing problems with the guitar. On top of
everything are the vocals, which are a mid-pitch black style (very
raspy, almost shrieking). The vocalist, Radu, has very good harmony
in his voice, and uses that one style almost throughout the album,
which provides for consistancy.
Outside of the fast components, Dies Irae has much to offer, and is
capable of delivering an atmospheric and heavy sound. Much due to
the inadequacies of the drummer however, the faster components often
fall apart and sound like just another black metal band. In the end
it will have to be left at that half of Dies Irae's music is tired
and overdone black metal, whereas the other half is original, dark,
and generally pleasing.
Dies Irae is:
Sorin Stoian - Guitars
Marian Stoenica - Guitars
Radu Iordache - Vocals
Victor Stoica - Drums
Toachim Stroe - Bass, Vocals
Contact:
Cristi "Fiu" Roman
Str. N. Constantinescu 11, Ap. 1
Bucuresti 1/71253
Romania
Voice: +40(1).231.65.69
Fax: +40(1).231.65.69
Email: diesirae@rocketmail.com
Order cassette for $6 US (Postage Incl.) from:
Bestial Records
str. Caras nr. 8
1900 Timisoara (RO)
tel/fax (004) 056-163024
Email bestialr@banat.ro
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