Review: 03.17.2008
BY BLOOD ALONE
Seas of Blood
Jericho Hill Records
(Translated from Spanish)
This is a band from Portland, USA, and to begin with anyone would think from their name that they are a gothic rock or metal band. Although they do share some similarities, their style is more focused on progressive metal.
The record develops through dark tales with touches of sadness, sung by a woman called Cruella. Like any progressive band the riff changes here are quite varied, but they do not overload it like other average bands of the genre. Also, although they have used occasional orchestral arrangements, the lack of majesty often overshadows all their efforts. Even so this work has everything necessary to please any fan of melodic progressive metal.
The record begins with "Serpentarius" which from the outset shows a somewhat epic spirit, which can also be noticed in the most of the other songs. "Wants me dead" has a galloping beat accompanied by baroque piano. In "Undead Friend" the piano also takes the lead role, with neoclassical influences. "Nidhogg" continues with the neoclassical theme but this time with a heavy metal rhythm. "Lovely Lies" is somewhat set apart from the other songs, at times it is rhythmic, at others it is emotive and delicate and occasionally it turns violent, always accompanied by simple but intense keyboards. The self-titled "Seas of Blood" is a sad ballad of calm guitars and classical piano. "Deny Yourself" is the song with the most calmness without abandoning its melancholic sound. The record concludes with "Little Lady Lillit", a child's rhyme which would fit in very well in any of Tim Burton's animated films.
Although it has its weaknesses I think that if they improve the orchestral sounds as well as the vocal sections, then we would be talking about a promising newcomer to American progressive metal. It is worth highlighting the excellent presentation of the record in digipack format and moreover because of the wise choice of cover art.
-Saqrangel-