PATERNOSTER

Paternoster is a one-shot band from Austria that brought a gloomy type of psychedelic kraut-organ rock that was far ahead of its time. At least so when it comes to the mood and plaintive vocal style. In a way it announces the Weltschmerz of Joy Division, or early Christian Death or other Gothic acts that managed to avoid over-excessive pathos. It's pretty much disconnected from anything from its own era, only the eerie vocals of Ozzy come close.

For the unprepared Prog fan expecting harmonious Beatle-boys harmonies, the vocals will be too close for comfort, but it's exactly the vocals that make this album so stunning and such a unique gem for me. The music is the known 60's based type of psychedelic Floyd rock with pounding drum trances, floating organ sounds, electronic experimentation and spacious guitar wails.

If the music is like an upbeat mix of the Floyd with the Nice, the mourning vocals will change the tone to something that many Prog fans will find unbearable to listen to. The guy makes me sit on the edge of my seat though. There's so much tension and pain in his delivery and he sounds so unique and refreshing. Well to me at least, to most listeners he will sound as if he's ready to give up and hang himself any time during this record.

While musically very far removed from metal, the band caught a vibe here that should be a mandatory listen for Goth and doom fans. Of course, for them, the psychedelic Kraut-like experimentation will make this a tough listen. An excellent album, but one without target audience, approach at own risk.