TO CAST A SHADOW - review added 24th January 2011
Album Review: In Memory Of (2011)
For fans of: Progressive Doom Metal... and long meanderings
Norwegian doom metal merchants To Cast A Shadow features lead vocals from Gunnhild Huser, backing vocals and guitars from Marcus Granlien, bass from Stian Dalslåen, and drums by Kent Arild Helset. The album also see a guest appearance by Theatre Of Tragedy's Nell Sigland on 'Betula'.
In 2007 the band released their debut album "All Alone", which featured artwork by Matthew Vickerstaff (My Dying Bride, Cradle of Filth). "In Memory Of" is the follow-up, recorded with producer Kristian Sigland (The Crest, Theatre Of Tragedy), mastered by Rikard Lofgren. with artwork again by MV.
The sound is doom-laden in the extreme, and also very progressive-orientated. It's a bit like what would happen if Marillion got really depressed, slowed down two-fold, detuned all their instruments, got a female lead singer, and added some death vocals in the background. This isn't music for depressives because it might tip them over the edge. It isn't music for happy people either. In fact it's hard to know who it's for, though there's no denying some of the skills on show.
Good:
Gunnhild Huser has a cool voice, though she does get buried in the sheer moroseness of the album. Plenty of the musicianship is very good, but again it's all so dank and depressing it's all too easy to miss. Full respect for the vibe of the album. TCAS have picked their sound and they stick to it. There isn't a happy accessible track in sight, and the fact they don't make concessions to the chart-nazis should be applauded.
Not So Good:
This is a purely personal thing...and for people who like a bit o' doom there's plenty to dig here...but I like my music to have a glass that's half full, not completely empty. In a pub, this album would sit in the corner with a depleted tankard and a glum expression on its face, moaning that no one ever wanted to buy it a beer. Yes, the band stick to their guns and we like that...but it doesn't mean we like their guns.
Musically, the death vocals don't always work for me. If I was TCAS, I really would stick with Gunnhild and emphasise her more melodious ways.
The Songs:
It's all much of a muchness to be honest. And that means good but utterly downbeat, grumbly and tormented. The end of 'Oceans Apart' is by far and away the best part of the album. The band decide to go brutally fast and heavy. If they played more like this all the time, my ears would prick up in a big way.
In Summation:
If you like doom you may get a kick from this, but it isn't my thing. Some doom can be enjoyable in a tear-filled way. This, sadly, isn't. It's kind of impressive though.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals (Her/Him):
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... The state of your mental health before you listen to this.
Track List:
01. Tormented
02. Morose
03. Nightfall
04. Oceans Apart
05. Betula
06. My Misery
07. When You Leave The Room
08. Set Afire
09. The Answer
10. In Memory Of
Label: Kolony Records
Artist's website(s): To Cast A Shadow | MySpace | Facebook
