THE FALL OF BLISS

METHEXIS is the project of Greece's own Nikitas Kissonas. He created the words and music and plays everything but the drums. There's also some guest piano on "Lines On A Bust". The excellent lyrics, dark vibe and even the vocals at times remind me of DISCIPLINE more than any other band I can think of. There is some variety and there's a couple of tracks that I had a hard time getting into but man this is a really good album.

"Eradicated Will" is my favourite song on here. A nine minute trip that I just can't get enough of. This is the most DISCIPLINE sounding song on here. I really like the vocals and also when it kicks into gear each time. A powerful tune and it's especially dark after 4 minutes including an excellent guitar solo. "Poetic Mirrors Wounded Heroes" is completely different from the rest with the vocal harmonies to start and the higher pitched vocals and keybord sounds. Man this is such a great track as well. A top three. "Those Howling Wolves" is one that i've had a hard time getting into. Reserved but theatrical vocals and piano to start then it picks up some as the sound turns fuller. The focus here is on the vocals although I do like the guitar 6 1/2 minutes in. "Lines On A Bust" was the other song I had trouble appreciating. Laid back vocals with piano early on although this is what we get throughout except the vocals do turn passionate at times. Not a fan. "Track The Saviours" is more like it as we get this powerful and dark instrumental intro before the vocals join in with passion. This is close to Prog-Metal at times.

"The Aftermath" reminds me of ANATHEMA and i'm talking the "Alternative IV" period. It goes from dark to light throughout. Sounds like mellotron to end it. The last four tracks make up "The Fall Of Bliss" suite. First is the short "Intro" where we hear birds singing before latter day ANATHEMA-like acoustic guitar joins in as the birds continue. Next is "Part I" where the wind blows in a dark atmosphere before it kicks in heavily. It calms right down and we get haunting vocals after 3 minutes. It kicks back in with vocals before 6 minutes. Great sound ! It settles and blends into "Interlude" where we get mellotron-like sounds and a dark atmosphere. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in then more dark and powerful instrumental work. It settles late to end it. Lastly "Part II" where drums pound and more as he sings in a determined manner. It settles some after 2 1/2 minutes as the guitar solos and the drums continue in this instrumental section. The guitar is ripping it up before 5 1/2 minutes as we hear crowd noise in the background shouting.

This certainly exceeded my expectations. And while there are two tracks in a row that don't do a lot for me the rest of the album more than makes up for it. Well done Nikitas !