01. Tapestry Of The Starless Abstract 02. Xenoflux 03. Of The Leper Butterflies 04. Forget Not 05. And Plague Flowers The Kaleidoscope 06. As Icicles Fall 07. Of Petrichor Weaves Black Noise
Now I for one am one of the newer fans of this unique progressive metal outfit. I was unaware of the Aurora Veil EP that came out in 2007, was already establishing a fan-base, and was building up significant hype for the release of Portal of I five years later. I have never even heard of Ne Obliviscaris, until right before the album was released, with the surrounding hype growing to a fever-pitch. I was finally able to order a copy from the band's label and after a few spins, I must say, I was quite impressed.
Reading other people's opinions is a funny thing. Before I checked it out myself, I was convinced Ne Obliviscaris would sound like a bastard child of meloblack-infused Wintersun and Into Eternity on drugs. And I'm not going to lie to you, there's definitely a bit of that in Portal Of I, but that's only a part of the picture.
I was introduced to this band by a friend of mine whose taste in metal was quite similar to mine; he showed me a video of "As Icicles Fall". This took my attention, and I decided to check these guys out; and I was very pleased with what I heard.
Haven't listened to the whole album yet so I'm not rating it yet, but it's sounds pretty awesome, only problem is the songs tend to be longer than they need to, and a bit same sounding. Got some great textures and melodies, and the violin adds a lot, but I think the song writing could use a bit more work.
Haven't listened to the whole album yet so I'm not rating it yet, but it's sounds pretty awesome, only problem is the songs tend to be longer than they need to, and a bit same sounding. Got some great textures and melodies, and the violin adds a lot, but I think the song writing could use a bit more work.
The only song I've always had a bit of a problem is Tapestry, no big complaints otherwise. It's sort of in their blood to write long songs so that's not going away on their sophomore effort (I think they said one song is 15+ minutes on there). There's so much going on in the songs it's not much of an issue anyway.
Haven't listened to the whole album yet so I'm not rating it yet, but it's sounds pretty awesome, only problem is the songs tend to be longer than they need to, and a bit same sounding. Got some great textures and melodies, and the violin adds a lot, but I think the song writing could use a bit more work.
The only song I've always had a bit of a problem is Tapestry, no big complaints otherwise. It's sort of in their blood to write long songs so that's not going away on their sophomore effort (I think they said one song is 15+ minutes on there). There's so much going on in the songs it's not much of an issue anyway.
I have no problem with long songs with lots going in them, it's only a problem well it fails to keep my engaged throughout the whole song. I like Ne Oblivscarious, but I can only pay attention to about half of each song, which I think is a sign their songs are longer than they ought to be.
This is a long song I like, it's complex, but every part has a clear purpose to the whole.
I really want to like this album more than I do - beautiful artwork, long progressive heavy songs, talented musicians, great production, poetic lyrics. Something just doesn't click for me and I don't feel that it deserves more than 8/10, which is a shame as I am a big fan of this type of music in theory.
The best explanation for what I feel about this album is their Artwork. Brutal and Romantic at the same time. I enjoy this album in a way that never occurred to me before. 10 years after the release and still perfect. I just don't know why I don't give it a 10 LOL.
I really want to like this album more than I do - beautiful artwork, long progressive heavy songs, talented musicians, great production, poetic lyrics. Something just doesn't click for me and I don't feel that it deserves more than 8/10, which is a shame as I am a big fan of this type of music in theory.
I more or less agree, though the opener of this album is excellent.
----
"I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense." - Proverbs 30:2
"Music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks!" - Devin Townsend
I have been a big fan of theirs for quite a long time, yet my favorite track in their whole discography still remains to be off of this album: As Icicles Fall. An epin, apocalytic ride with haunting violin passages interwined with a cool guitar solo. The ending has such a powerful climax!
I can't fault the musicianship skills at all, it's the pinnacle of what can be done in regards to extreme progressive metal, similar to what Opeth achieved with Still Life and Blackwater Park I suppose?
That being said, with it's complex structure and compositions, it's an album that requires your full attention, with zero interruption, to get the full grasp of the albums true quality. I find some tracks do go on that wee bit too long, and so I often find myself loosing focus by the end.
"Xenoflux" has always been the track that clicked with me most.
The clean vocal phrase at 2:00 in "Of The Leper Butt flies" lingers on the flat 5 just a little too long, it's quite jarring. The guitar solo also feels odd especially on the diminished arpeggios. Otherwise it's one of the better songs here. This formula is one they would perfect on "Citadel" and, to a slightly lesser extent, "Urn".
Edit: autocorrect typo on "butterflies". I might just leave it though...
----
"I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense." - Proverbs 30:2
"Music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks!" - Devin Townsend