Built around Dario Mollo (guitars) and ex-Sabbath singer Tony "The Cat" Martin, The Cage released a highly acclaimed debut. The Cage II continues the success of the first one and continues to tread the line between melodic metal and rock. The Cage II actually sounds rather much like Martin's era of Black Sabbath (which produced the decent Tyr, Headless Cross), most notably on 'Poison Roses'. Tony Martin is one of the most under-rated voices in rock/metal with his impressive range and emotive voice. The band have used his range to good effect here. Ranging from straight on metal with the opening track "Terra Toria', a bit of prog on 'Amore Silenzio", and straight ahead hard rock on 'What a Strange Think Love is'. The Cage II's only odd choice is a rather underwhelming cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Dazed and Confused', which is rather unnecessary considering the quality of the material on this disc. Dario, who is also behind the excellent Voodoo Hill, was a great find by Frontiers. In the latest batch of releases from the label this is certainly a standout CD. A great release, from a great band, definitely something to seek for your collection.
Right before undertaking a tour with Mortiis, The Crest released this CD all over Europe, their debut on Seasons of Mist. An impressive live band, I was fortunate enough to see them before listening to the CD. While the album is a bit mellower than their live performance, none of the beauty or density of the songs are lost in the recording. This is an extremely impressive collection of goth pop rock. It has tremendous cross-over appeal and could propel the band into the mainstream if they are not careful. Haunting melodies combined with Nell's stunning female vocals make for a powerful combination. Many of the tracks are fairly mellow but do not lack any of the intensity expected in this genre of music. The label is pushing this band hard to press, and it is not hard to see why. The Crest share a pop sensibility with HIM, writing tracks with an air to mass appeal. If there is any justice this lot should be huge. Simply a stunning debut, and a CD you cannot help but listen to over and over again.
Rhapsody have in the past produced pretentious over the top
symphonic metal that is not for the faint of heart. Power of
the Dragon is not exception, not that this at all a bad
thing. Their "epic Hollywood metal" has all the hallmarks
of Queen combined with the muso-ness of Dream Theater and
the power of Queensryche. The band produced glorious epic
soundscapes inspired by the sword and sorcery of Dungeons &
Dragons. In fact, the limited edition CD/DVD packaging I
have is so well decorated that a friend thought it was a new
computer game. This set contains 27 minute DVD containing
the videos for the "Emerald Sword Saga", and a bonus track
on the 65 minute CD. Inside you find the storyline of the
epic as well as a history of the band itself. They have come
to the end of their multiple album & EP tale. It will be
most interesting to see what happens next. Rhapsody is
certainly not for everyone, but those who like their metal a
bit more posh than the rest will love this. Not quite as
pretentious as Therion, but just as involved. I, for one,
can't get enough of this; is that so wrong?
Welcome to Darker than Dark®, the home of the darker side of all of us. Expect the the unexpected, a bit of fiction, the reviews and rants of Marty and anyone else we plan to add to this place. So take a trip to the place where dark sides come to play, a den for the ominous meanderings of the multitudes.
"When it comes to Cthulhu, I am all out to sea..."
MommaBear April 2002
