SURREVIVAL

I'm surprised at the poor ratings for this record. Maybe I shouldn't be because 3 of the members have been replaced for this album, including Emila the singer, along with the bass player and drummer. I think the new singer is fantastic. He sings in English and his vocals are smooth and emotional much like Mr.Duda from RIVERSIDE, plus he wrote all but one song. I just really like the way this album sounds.

"Airing" is a cool track but a bold move to open the album with. We hear the sounds of someone getting out of their car after driving home and walking into their house. Then this person goes out the back door and we can hear nature and the wind as this atmospheric music comes in. Very cool. I was actually surprised listening to "Hands Off" at how heavy the opening is as crunchy riffs go on for a minute then they fade away as gentle vocals and some gentle guitar take over. Flute and light drums before 3 minutes. Nice. Electric guitar after 4 1/2 minutes that goes on and on.The heaviness is back 6 minutes in.This may well be the best song on this record. "Not So Close" gives it a run though, opening with strummed guitar and almost processed-like vocals. This pastoral soundscape gets intense before 2 1/2 minutes.The chorus is very catchy.

"The Fifth Season" opens with bass before these Hogarth-like vocals join in with piano. Flute 2 1/2 minutes in. Check out the vocal melodies 6 1/2 minutes in.The tempo picks up and vocals are back before the 8 minute mark. The song gets better as it goes but overall i'm not a fan. "Surrevival" is another good one, I like the mood here and the relaxed guitar playing early. Vocals come in and they do get aggressive along with the soundscape. Nice flute solo 3 1/2 minutes in. "Queen Of Moulin Rouge" opens with flute as fragile vocals come in until about 4 1/2 minutes in (time change !). For the rest of the song we are treated to some fantastic drumming and great guitar.The final song "Everything's Ended" has a piano / percussion intro as reserved vocals join in. A great guitar solo after 4 1/2 minutes. It settles again.It ends as the record began with similar samples.

Well you wouldn't even know this was the same band which I think has turned a lot of their fans against them. I'm sure they'll pick up some new ones though with this heavier sound that is contrasted well with the mellow sections.