Reviews
2005-11-18
Subterranean masquerade was formed somewhere in Israel back in 1997 and is the brainchild of Tomer Pink.
This album is the second part of the “X” trilogy which started with 2004’s successful and mouthwatering EP “Temporary psychotic state”.
We are not looking at an ordinary progressive-psychedelic rock/metal album- Pink combines so many instruments, voices and styles – that I’m forced to define it as experimental.
You’re probably asking yourself why I used “forced”…well, it’s because experimental is often associated with raw material or blends that don’t necessarily work.
But it’s a different story with this one- it’s actually solid.
Vocals by Paul kuhr (November’s Doom), Susan Naud and a choir illustrate the concept while the atmosphere is given by all the instruments.
Containing strings (with violist Brownwean Beecher), horns and an entire orchestra along with full-of-feel keyboards by Ben Warren (like on “Kind of a blur”) shows just how big a project this is.
Both Jake Depolitte (Anima Nera, Kill) and Willis Clow vary their guitar playing styles, from quite acoustic pluck (like the throughout “Wolf among Sheep”) to heavier distorted riffs like in “The rock n’ roll preacher”.
Let’s not forget the rhythm section, though I find it a bit lacking (perhaps due to the low level it’s on in the mix), drummer Steve laymen (from SRC) is best displayed in “The rock n’ roll preacher” and in “Six Strings to Cover Fear” with Jake Depolitte who plays bass as well as guitar.
Being produced by Tomer Pink himself as well as Willis Clow & Mitch Curinga gives the tracks the uniqueness Brian Hall the Pink gave “Temporary psychotic states”.
“Suspended Animation Dreams” (or simply S.A.D- an intended name, perhaps?) offers a large amount of riffs and lines that combine into a mind opening experience wrapped within the artwork of Travis Smith.
Ofer Vayner
