Svyatogor: Doctor Veritas

Based on reviews of past records, Svyatogor is adamant in separating themselves from their Ukrainian contemporaries, but based on listening here they seem more partial to bands like Solefald or ...And Oceans, what with the circus tinges ("Work Hard, Eat, Watch") and schizophrenic vocal styles (half the album). They also love to dabble in all sorts of other styles within their black/death foundation, like the quirky bounce of the saxophone during the title track or the theatrical exposition of "La Concupiscence," so really they sound like a perfect experimental black metal band on paper.

While they do have some compelling sections throughout the record, metal or otherwise, the band doesn't take you anywhere with their experiments for they are too short-lived and separated from each other, not allowing a sense of cohesion between them. Also, with very little direction overall as a record, similar tempos, and a long runtime it can get quite derivative. One will still appreciate the thought of pushing the envelope but without an address you can only get so far. They have lots of potential to do something with their eclectic leanings; perhaps it will surface after a bit more reflection and, dare I say, less dependence on metal.

Track Listing
1. In Memory of Fallen Heroes
2. Work Hard. Eat. Watch
3. The Manifesto
4. Doctor Veritas
5. Nor Fire, Nor Sword
6. Awoke Incoming (Antarctic Solitude)
7. Spit and Forget
8. Inevitability
9. La Concupiscence
10. Reincarnation of Thoughts

Added: May 15th 2012
Reviewer: Danny Heater
Score:
Related Link: Band MySpace Page
Hits: 1771
Language: english

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