BEHIND THE BLACK VEIL

I'm not usually into concept albums but I can really get into this one. I'm sure the fact that I love the style of music here and that every song is excellent doesn't hurt either.This is somewhat of a supergroup with Devon Graves (DEADSOUL TRIBE / PSYCHOTIC WALTZ), Kristoffer Gildenlow (PAIN OF SALVATION) and Johanne James (THRESHOLD) being part of this band. The music is similar to DEADSOUL TRIBE which is a huge positive for me as i'm a big fan. Dark, melancholic and they contrast the heavy and atmospheric sections well.The concept is about a guy who experiences these constant nightmares and the lines between reality and these dreams becomes blurred in his mind.

"Open My Eyes" opens with a dark atmosphere then it kicks in hard before a minute and the vocals follow. It settles beautifully after 1 1/2 minutes then it kicks back in again with flute as contrasts continue. An alarm goes off to end the song. "The Sound Of Flies" opens with gentle guitar, bass and reserved vocals. Here we go ! As it kicks in but it settles back 1 1/2 minutes in as these contrasts continue. Kicking ass 2 1/2 minutes in. "Ghostride" is pastoral to start with laid back vocals, keys and guitar. It abruptly kicks into gear after 1 1/2 minutes. Killer stuff. Devon is screaming the lyrics before 3 1/2 minutes.

"Welcome" opens with beautiful guitar melodies then it starts to get heavy before settling back with vocals. Contrasts continue and we get a nice guitar solo after 3 minutes. "By The Crossroads" sounds like ALICE IN CHAINS to start then it settles back.The intensity is rising then we get a guitar solo. It settles back before 4 minutes then it starts to build again. "Selebrate" has these fast paced acoustic guitar melodies and vocals. Drums and bass then join in around a minute. Great sound ! "Snakeskin" is a sssinister sounding track that is quite intense. I like the words "there is no death from this life" that comes and goes. "Sleepwalking" has this heavy rhythm that kicks in quickly and vocals also join in. Another excellent sounding tune. "The Black Cradle" has these eerie vocals and the intensity is relentless. I like the background synths and flute too around 2 1/2 minutes. "A Cradle In The Gallery" opens with percussion as flute and whispered vocals join in. Piano later. "A Symphony Of Shadows" is like a cross between QUEEN and FLOYD. Piano and flute early as vocals and guitar join in.The vocal arrangements are QUEEN-like. It kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes but then calms right down as the extreme mood swings continue. It's eerie after 4 minutes then it gets heavy again as themes are repeated.

DEADSOUL TRIBE fans will love this and obviously that includes me.