Carballido, Jose: Requiem

German born Spanish raised Carballido offers up this unique musical take which incorporates progressive rock married to a classical choir, which calls to mind bands like Therion and Mägo de Oz in places, all who have used a similar approach. A lot of thought, time and effort has been put into this double prog rock opera that is laced with choral inflections, flute and interesting musical passages that will hold your attention for the most part. It does sound slightly repetitive at times but that is only a small gripe.

The sound is modern and punchy, whilst uniquely still retaining a retro feel, combining differing elements. The contribution of the musicianship is outstanding with Carballido really excelling having a warm and dynamic vocal tone. Talking of vocalisation, an interesting use of languages has been used, the choral death passages are in German and the God segments are in Spanish? Make of that what you will.

As expected with works of this magnitude you get the compulsory heady keyboard passages, flying guitar solos and the fully supported intricate time changes, making it all things to all people. Lestion's drum work is absolutely solid offering a foundation which is married to Friero's bass work. Salgueiro flute work is for me though the atmosphere creator, adding an extra dimension, not that what is presented throughout is not without shape or form. It goes without question that Carballido is highly talented and has achieved what he has set out to do.

All the pieces fit together, being one, which is the intention of the works, moving from the passionate and powerful, the almost power ballad to dark and atmospheric, being heavy and dramatic in places, eerie but never beguiling. I would comment though that "Depende de Ti" is the odd ball track that really seems out of place in the whole affair, being somewhat of a surprise with its approach.

If you are into or like prog that has doses of heaviness, plenty of good vocals and having a symphonic approach then this is an album definitely worth trying.

Track Listing
CD 1:

1) Obertura (instrumental)
2) Todes Lodo (coro)
3) Noche de la Muerte
4) Último Adiós
5) Te Extrañaré
6) Nana
7) Camino an Entierro
8) Luto
9) Foto de Familia
CD 2:
1)¿Por qué Yo?
2) Un Único Ser (coro)
3) Ya no Tengo Dios
4) Oración
5) Despertar
6) Sólo un Sueño
7) Depende de Ti
8) Epilogo (instrumental)

Added: March 27th 2011
Reviewer: John OBoyle
Score:
Related Link: www.myspace.com/requiemcarballido
Hits: 2115
Language: english

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