Now, I used to be a metalhead (emphasis on USED TO). Upon gazing at the cover of this disc, I knew right away what to expect and was not disappointed (which was a disappointment). This is old school metal like I used to drool over 20 years ago. High screeching vocals , twin axe assault, and pounding double-bass drums, all wrapped up in overly dramatic lyrics which dealt with trivialities as if they were socially relevant issues. Of course, this is 2003 and not 1983 but who am I to start a debate as to what's in or out in a scene I admittedly have lost touch with many years ago. I have put off reviewing this one for about 5 weeks now, but with a new batch sitting on the corner of my desk, I guess I should try to see if I can salvage something from this disc.
Before all you headbangers go crucifying me , I'll admit to enjoying certain aspects of this record. The guitar prowess of both Aldo Lonobile and Paolo Gianotti are slightly impressive (even though it's born from a sound which has been re-heated to death, leaving it devoid of any original flavor. ) Vocalist Ramon (Razor ?) has got the '80's metal vocals down pat, screaming on cue to convey the anguish (?) of his disenfranchised youth ( as a throwback to a sound which will never, ever be as popular as it was 20 years ago.) We've even got the "ballade obligatoire" with track 4 " More Than Simple Emotions" , an insipid little number , the likes of which would have me running to the bathroom during the many metal shows I attended as a youth. But at least the saving grace of this disc is…well.. the artwork IS cool.
I was brought up where if you don't have anything nice to say about something, don't say anything. Of course, with the 6-figure salary I earn reviewing discs, I have to say something ,so as far as Secret Sphere's " Scent Of Human Desire is concerned, I say : ……………. ( my mom may be reading this)
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