I haven't heard much for AMARANTHE before. I've heard claims that they might be the next big thing in female fronted metal bands. But haven't heard much besides promo clips.
My first actual encounter with the band was when the funny guys in XERATH posted about AMARANTHE's video for the song 'Hunger' with the caption "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS????" Which instantly cracked me up (not at AMARANTHE, but at XERATH's reaction).
So I decided to give the song a chance. That didn't turn out so bad. It's a pop metal song, with good cop/bad cop vocals; catchy for the most part. But I just can't get over the Universal bumper used at the beginning of the video.
I enjoy my share of melodic death metal with pop influences (SCAR SYMMETRY and ENGEL to name a few) and AMARANTHE are basically following the same formula with little tweaks here and there, I can see the band touring with acts like Dead By April and they would probably pack the place. The band gets a plus 1 in my book nonetheless for having Olof Mörck (Nightrage) among it's ranks as lead shred meister.
Stream "Hunger" below and then tell us what's your take on pop metal?
Genre: Progressive/Symphonic Metal
Label: Candlelight Records
Release Date: May 17, 2011
Reviewer: Mark McGuire
"One Purpose - To remain on the cutting edge of symphonic/orchestral metal". This is the statement made on Xerath's official website regarding their blend of experi -'mental' music. Xerath certainly are something to behold. To me this band is like sex with someone you didn't necessarily want to take home. If you can work through the awkardness and uncomfortable foreplay you might begin to realize you're enjoying yourself after all...
Formed in the UK in 2007 Xerath released "I" In 2009 via Candlelight Records. Naturally "II" followed this year. This 10 track album plays like a journey. The band cite film music as an influence and this is evident from the start. The genius is in the blending of this influence with the "break your neck/stroke your hair" nature of symphonic metal. Needless to say Xerath do it brilliantly. To create a sound like this , so erratic and yet so organized would prove a trial for most 6 man strong outfits.
Xerath have 4 members. Vocalist Richard Thompson is a force to be reckoned with in the extreme music scene. Many vocalists can take a line, scream it to death and be done with it, but Thompson uses his voice to make his lyrics mellifluous, fitting and rolling along with the chaos. Needles to say Owain Williams, Michael Pittman and Christopher Clark know what they're doing as well.
The album is enticingly atmospheric and musically brilliant but on a knifes edge chance of being horribly misunderstood. It's the kind of music the needs to be given a chance. I gave Xerath that chance, and they certainly did not disappoint me...
Recommended tracks: God Of The Frontlines / Machine Insurgency / Enemy Incited Armageddon
Click here to order "II" via iTunes
