Melted Space: Darkening Light

I’ve listened and reviewed enough symphony metal to deeply wonder if these bands got the memo (I co-authored, ha) which reminds them it’s not necessary to assume symphonic metal demands a grand theme about deep mystical aspects of the eternal universe. Melted Space bills itself as a metal opera and maybe that is an apt description being that it has more singers than musical instruments melodically moving the project along.

After the obligatory instrumental introduction “The Void Before� Melted Space gets down to business with an operatic extravaganza “Newborns� that contains at least six vocalists of different tonal qualities and genders along with a spoken-word narration bridge and an inspirational solo. The blended harmonies of the chorus really make this song operate on a higher level than usual for symphonic metal. The next track “The Meaning of This Place� is an unusual departure in that it sounds like Celtic Frost meets Helloween with blazing guitars, power skin bashing and alternate male/female vocal parts fitting between superb guitar performances. Strangely, this track is less symphonic and more progressive in its hybrid metal leanings.

In “From the Beginning to the End� they change tempo again with an incredible speed percussion reminiscent of black metal band Bathory including the vocal which is paired with female vocalist in the background that grounds the piece with grace and a measure of real gravity. I've never heard anything like this before. It’s astounding.

“The Dawn of Man (I’m Alive)� is perhaps their radio single because its has a very commercial sound to it especially when opening with an AC/DC influenced riff. It’s a fun and worthy track but doesn’t nearly measure up to the previous work on the album.

While “Trust in Me� and “Man and Future� trade solos, harmonies and progressive roots of musical history and lyrical futurism, “Regrets� succeeds in creating a semi-ballad with a one vocalist that brightly shines a light on the judgement and timing of how this album is arranged. It truly sounds natural but is likely a very tight production. The listener can’t tell the difference which a hallmark of great players ready to give their talent to visionary direction.

The project ends with “Fallen World� a twin feminine vocal song of symphonic and operatic narratives in concert with heavy synth, growling male speaking parts and powerful but precise drumming from a drummer who expertly makes this entire record a metal triumph. The level of hybrid vocal and metal experimentation Melted Space attempts here is not for the light-hearted but for committed artists willing to practice what they preach regarding exploring the secrets of the universe. They succeed spectacularly.

Track List
1. The Void Before 01:32
2. Newborns 05:06
3. The Meaning Of This Place 04:46
4. From The Beginning To The End 05:17
5. The Dawn Of Man (I'm Alive!) 05:09
6. Trust In Me 04:55
7. Regrets 04:37
8. Man And Future 04:04
9. Missing Creed 04:20
10. Fallen World 07:47

Added: May 29th 2018
Reviewer: Mark Antony Rossi
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1541
Language: english

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