Dianoya: Obscurity Divine

Dianoya are a new band from that burgeoning hot bed of progressive rock we call Poland, a description usually reserved for Scandinavian countries, most notably Sweden. However the last few years has seen other areas of Europe and elsewhere give rise to some outstanding talent and now you can add Dianoya to the list of Polish bands including Riverside, SBB, Quidam, Satellite and many more. Band members include Filip Zieliński (vocals, keys), Jan Niedzielski (guitar), Maciek Papalski (guitar), Adam Pierzchała (bass) and Łukasz Chmieliński (drums). From the first time I heard Dianoya's debut album Obscurity Divine I was completely blown away. This is a diverse recording as the band is very good at creating different moods and atmospheres. I suppose Dianoya could be categorized as progressive metal but you will here so much more. Post rock, ambient, electronic passages and doomy guitar riffs are just some of the elements at work here. The music is moody, haunting and dark, filled with edgy atmospheres and complex musical passages. Inevitably comparisons will be made to compatriots Riverside and even bands like Porcupine Tree and while there are similarities, Dianoya are their own band and are copycats of no one.

An integral component of the band's sound are the vocals and keyboard work of Zieliński. He is an excellent vocalist whose voice is similar to that of Mariusz Duda of Riverside. He invokes passion and emotion, two qualities this band has in spades. His keyboard passages are also top notch. His style and approach is quite subtle as he invokes the necessary mood with sweeping atmospherics and effects rather than ultra fast solos. As for the rest of the band they are also first class musicians in their own right. Both guitarists shine whether in the form of mood laden rhythms and solos or doom-like riffage and there are some nice acoustic passages sprinkled throughout.

Some of my personal favourites include "Dreamlack" where a thumping bass line and a moody atmosphere meet languid doom laden riffs and the ultra cool "Severance" with its moody textures of synths and acoustic guitar complimenting Zieliński's excellent vocals. This song has an electronic element that builds in intensity along with some of the best guitar work on the album although there are many guitar highlights to be had. The dynamic "Unsound Counterpart/Delusion Stigma" features Eastern tinged guitar along with softer and heavier elements making this song another favourite. Also listen for some tasty acoustic guitar.

The album ends with the mournful "Sepia" where crisp guitar work and jazz flavoured keyboards work their magic. Guest vocalist Lee-Leet provides lovely backing vocals and the acoustic intro recalls Animals era Pink Floyd.

This is one of those records that simply strikes all the right notes making it a fabulous listen and considering this is Dianoya's first album it is all the more impressive. I urge anyone interested in darker and/or edgier progressive rock and metal to go out and grab a copy as soon as you can. It just might be the best purchase you make this year.

***The artwork pictured is for the promotional disc and is different than the actual release.***

Track Listing:
1. Brainwave
2. Heartfelt Souvenir
3. Dreamlack
4. Severance
5. Unsound Counterpart/Delusion Stigma
6. Turbid Mind and Season Madness
7. Darkroom
8. Sepia

Added: August 9th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 4313
Language: english

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