Review of Vesania - Firefrost Arcanum

Furious Black Sympho Metal that resembles a certain band that broke up a while ago. I mean, there it is. Kind of Emperor without the horrible attempts at clean vocals. I honestly don't know what else to tell you as far as a general opening statement about this band. So lets move on.

In the area of musicianship, you have deftly talented performances all around. Every player contributes perfectly to the overall tightness and intensity of this CD, and although this is not the kind of music that demands solo virtuosity, it does require a commitment from the musicians around you to pull it off. Again, this is a staple of musicianship most overlooked. But musicians know, if you have ever been involved in performing original material of this type of complexity and accuracy you know what I mean.

The songwriting is suitably epic as you might expect. You shouldn't get the impression that just because these guys are doing what others have done that there is no value to be found here. This is indeed an intense and compelling collection, for the most part. The songs are varied in tempo and emotion, sometimes blasting with bomblet ferocity, just as often wrenching your head from your neck with a violent moshing march. And always this band spreads fire and despite on a grand emotional scale.

The production is very much in the modern tradition...as far as it goes. Black Metal wishes to sound razor sharp and icy, but many bands seem to have decided it's also important to remain HEAVY. The tension is where so much of the best produced BM finds success, and this is no exception. The weight versus the frostbite is where this CD shines, in fact. It keeps the edge of the recording laser tight and keeps you involved from beginning to end. It's easy listening in the non-traditional sense.

Bottom Line: There is no escaping the comparison to other bands, I am afraid, but I still want to recommend this to metalheads. The raw energy and violence plus interesting songwriting and production is worth the price. I am not a big fan of BM, but when it's good, there is no denying it. And I feel like this CD is undeniable.

Release Details

Vesania

Firefrost Arcanum

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