ADAGIO - A BAND IN UPPER WORLD LIVE
Marquee Japan - Out Now
A
Band In Upperworld Live can be seen as the end of chapter
1 for Adagio. This was to be the bands swansong with former
vocalist David Readman and shows the band on one of their
limited number of live gigs to date in front of a rampant
Paris crowd. The track listing sees a healthy selection from
the bands then current album, (the highly recommended) Underworld
and their debut Sanctus Ignis,
Those
that have heard the studio albums may wonder how the band
would produce those richly orchestrated compositions in the
live arena - well the band have streamlined them somewhat
but this probably suits the live environment better. The sound
quality of the album is flawless, a great mix showcasing the
extreme power the band has. Guitarist Stephan Forte is on
fire throughout, easily replicating the stunning lead lines
from both albums whilst injecting even more power into his
excellent rhythm parts and interacting with keyboardist Kevin
Codfert in fine style. David Readman is note perfect whipping
the Paris crowd into euphoria whilst the rhythm section of
Franck Hermanny (bass) and Eric Lebailly (drums) keep the
band pounding along.
Simply
if you were a fan of the bands first 2 solo albums then you
will thoroughly enjoy this live offering. We now look forward
to the bands third album and debut with new vocalist Gustavo
Monsanto entitled Dominate which is out this month in Japan
and early 2006 in Europe. Look out for a review soon..
Rating
- 90%
ADAGIO - UNDERWORLD
Out Now
Adagio
are quite an enigma. Having a very original sound and quite
a reputation after just one album, 'Sanctus Ignis' the band
are rightly considered one of the most exciting acts on the
modern progressive metal scene. Led by guitarist supremo Stephan
Forte and ably backed by vocalist David Readman (Pink Cream
69), Franck Hermanny (bass), drummer Dirk Bruinenberg (Elegy)
and new keyboardist Kevin Codfert who at 22 years old is just
insanely good!
Those of you that have 'Sanctus
Ignis' will have some idea of what to expect on 'Underworld'.
But whereas the debut was quite immediate in a lot of places,
this one takes more time. The complexity on offer and the
sheer depth to the material is breath taking to say the least.
Not only do with have the virtuoso musicianship on offer from
the band but a dark haunting quality courtesy of choirs from
The Vocal Ensemble Of Lyon. With no track under 5 minutes
in length means that there is nothing here that will give
you a quick fix but the overall brooding darkness of the whole
package is mesmerising.
Throughout we have odd time signatures,
complex arrangements, rich orchestration and a stunning vocal
performance from David Readman who can growl, soar or mesmerise
within a verse. Forte is just awesome throughout, showcasing
that he really is one of the hottest talents to have emerged
in the last 3 years or so. Stephan Forte provides us with
dark 7 string riffage which collides with lead work that is
equal parts Romeo, Petrucci, Malmsteen and Vai....yet with
very original melodies and a superb sweep picking technique.
Often parts of are doubled by the keyboards with sounds killer.
The production of the whole album
is superb, possessing a slightly different mix than Sanctus
Ignis which sees the symphonic parts take more room space,
yet it still retains the power of its predecessor.
Opener Next Profoundis is the most
accessible track on the album thanks to a soaring chorus,
yet there is enough instrumentation here to satisfy even the
most demanding musical technician. Keyboardist Kevin Codfert
gets a great showcase early on here and he is every bit as
good as his predecessor Richard Andersson (Majestic, Time
Requiem). Introitus/Solvet Saeclum In Favilla is nothing short
of breathtaking bettering anything on the last couple of Symphony
X releases. Chosen is home to a great verse and some sublime
drumming, particularly in the kick drum department. The chorus
is rich which sees a restraint vocal clash with the emphatic
backing. The keyboards soar before counter rhythm's combine
to stunning effect. From My Sleep...To Someone Elses is harrowing
with a dark gothic introduction, here the orchestration really
stands out, before a chunky riff paves the way for an almost
death metal edge at times before calming down for a great
verse. The chorus is one of the strongest on offer with the
Lyon Choir helping to add depth to an already huge sound.
The title track Underworld is an
epic in every sense of the word. Clocking in at over 13 minutes
means a lot of musical changes, this track is film score like
in its production and scope. Everything that Adagio is all
about is here. The classical influence is throughout and the
performances from all band members can only be described as
a master class. Promises sees the vibe lighten considerably
for this ballad-esque track. Readman's vocal really breathe
here working well over acoustic guitar and orchestration.
The most straightforward track on the album, yet has class
written all over it ...extra points go to the fretless bass
work from Franck Hermmany.
The Mirror Stage is another very
strong pounding track with superb instrumentation, quirky
riffs and probably the closest in style to Sanctus Ignis.
As good as anything on the debut. Niflheim sees the album
out in grand fashion with building crescendos and a sense
of impending victory. The only instrumental on the album allows
all band members to get a thorough working out and the supreme
talent in this band is apparent for all to see.
Overall Underworld is a rich sonic
tapestry that has so much going on that I suspect 100 listens
later will reveal new depths. Musically it cannot be faulted,
these guys are virtuoso's in every sense. Adagio have a very
individual sound that whilst may remind you at times of other
prog metal giants, still screams original. Underworld is a
contender for album of the year and it deserves to push the
band into the big league stakes. Everything else is big time
- production, musicianship and packaging. The band even have
one of the classiest websites around. Underworld is generally
faultless but for those that like immediate rewards you may
feel a little on the outside. Basically Underworld is a must
buy.
Hot Spots : Next
Profoundis, Introitus/Solvet Saeclum In Favilla, From My Sleep
To Someone Elses, Underworld.
Rating : 93%
