Ophidian - Suffering/Dreaming - [Self-released]

2007-04-09

A few things standout in this CD, first – the band is from Luxemburg, the first one I've come across; second thing – though their vocals are handled by a female vocalist, the music is far from being either Symphonic metal a-la Nightwish, and it's neither Arch Enemy's growled ones, if I had to put my figure on what these guys sound like, it's Nevermore with melodic, yet slightly aggressive female vocals.

Some immediate pluses in the album: the first and most apparent is the strong voice of vocalist Caroline, a mid-range, slightly aggressive tone that really shines in the songs; her delivery is both melodic and strong enough to carry the tracks. Another thing is the strong musicianship by all involved, with some exceptionally good guitar leads.

Following an intro the album opens up with "Human Burden", a strong, thrash-like number with some serious Nevermore similarities, a very good verse, but then, the worst bit of the album – the chorus, the band fit in some off-tune lead filler in it that just sounds totally off…the song still works, but that chorus almost destroys it.

Gladly enough, this is the only glitch in an otherwise brilliant album, while "Forsaken" takes things closer to thrash, a song like "Suffering" is a great example of what makes the album work: More Nevermore oriented complex rhythms and guitar work, with a softer, catchy melodic chorus. Caroline's voice carries both the aggressive verses and the melodic chorus very well.

The album veers off into almost prog territory with "World In Disintegration", which features a great verse riff, and some of the heaviest bits on the album - one of the best cuts here.

All in all – an almost flawless affair, which also does something quite rare – it brings something new and refreshing into the mix, apart from very few and far-between glitches, this is a great album.

Alon Miasnikov