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| #FOR FANS OF: Symph Black Metal |
This time we cross the Atlantic Ocean to visit the always interesting Brazilian scene. Paradise In Flames is a band founded 21 years ago. The project has suffered several line-up changes, which may explain the big gap between the different releases. André Lui is the only remaining founding member, but thankfully he keeps the torch of the project alive. The new opus, entitled 'Blindness' even comes with the recent departure of the keyboard player and female singer O.Mortis. Fortunately, her work is present here, so we can still enjoy the full potential of Paradise In Flames.
As mentioned, 'Blindness' is the new effort, and it is definitely a fun album to listen to. Paradise In Flames plays black metal with a great presence of symphonic-style keyboards that make the band sound truly majestic. The production is well-balanced, clean, and gives room for the instruments to shine when needed. This is particularly well-achieved when keyboards appear, as you can still appreciate the guitars and powerful drums. This is the main point to achieve when you mix metal and symphonic elements, and I consider that Paradise In Flames gets the point perfectly well. The compositions themselves are short but very well-done, with abrupt tempo changes that sound natural and not forced. The album consists of eleven tracks, not lasting over forty minutes in total. This opus breathes power and symphonic greatness in each composition, with only a few calmer moments. In general, 'Blindness' is an album where compositions are speedy and very intense. There is no room for boredom, only for a relentless ride. From the actual album opener "Desolate" to the album closer "Angels Devils," this album is a pure beast. The first one, with its epic choir and female vocals combined with the furious riffing and smashing drums, and the latest one, where the band masterfully mixes black metal rage and metal vocals with delicate symphonic elements, show the potential of this new effort.
Tracks like "The Priest" and "Endless Night Battle" have a great room for mid-tempo sections, which is welcome, although they don't lack at all the intensity and energy generously found in this album. Boundless fury comes back with "War Sonata", another powerful composition that breathes energy in every note. The combination of tasteful pianos, different kinds of symphonic arrangements, and the black metal genre is once again exquisite. In particular, the fast section's riffing and drums accompanied by an equally speedy piano are top-notch. The amount and quality of the arrangements are overwhelming and clearly show the great amount of work done by the band.
'Blindness' is definitely a delight for symphonic black metal fans. Its intensity, majesty, and well-composed and produced compositions should garner attention within the scene. The album is a great listen and a pleasant surprise that increases in value with each new listen. (Alain González Artola)
As mentioned, 'Blindness' is the new effort, and it is definitely a fun album to listen to. Paradise In Flames plays black metal with a great presence of symphonic-style keyboards that make the band sound truly majestic. The production is well-balanced, clean, and gives room for the instruments to shine when needed. This is particularly well-achieved when keyboards appear, as you can still appreciate the guitars and powerful drums. This is the main point to achieve when you mix metal and symphonic elements, and I consider that Paradise In Flames gets the point perfectly well. The compositions themselves are short but very well-done, with abrupt tempo changes that sound natural and not forced. The album consists of eleven tracks, not lasting over forty minutes in total. This opus breathes power and symphonic greatness in each composition, with only a few calmer moments. In general, 'Blindness' is an album where compositions are speedy and very intense. There is no room for boredom, only for a relentless ride. From the actual album opener "Desolate" to the album closer "Angels Devils," this album is a pure beast. The first one, with its epic choir and female vocals combined with the furious riffing and smashing drums, and the latest one, where the band masterfully mixes black metal rage and metal vocals with delicate symphonic elements, show the potential of this new effort.
Tracks like "The Priest" and "Endless Night Battle" have a great room for mid-tempo sections, which is welcome, although they don't lack at all the intensity and energy generously found in this album. Boundless fury comes back with "War Sonata", another powerful composition that breathes energy in every note. The combination of tasteful pianos, different kinds of symphonic arrangements, and the black metal genre is once again exquisite. In particular, the fast section's riffing and drums accompanied by an equally speedy piano are top-notch. The amount and quality of the arrangements are overwhelming and clearly show the great amount of work done by the band.
'Blindness' is definitely a delight for symphonic black metal fans. Its intensity, majesty, and well-composed and produced compositions should garner attention within the scene. The album is a great listen and a pleasant surprise that increases in value with each new listen. (Alain González Artola)
(Xaninho Discos - 2024)
Score: 88
https://paradiseinflames.bandcamp.com/album/blindness
Score: 88
https://paradiseinflames.bandcamp.com/album/blindness