|
DEMO EP REVIEW
"...a dark, emotionally charged and
often claustrophobic atmosphere that is performed with enthusiasm and |
|
|
01.
EMOTION SICKNESS
(6:27)
MP3
Length: 18:21 (min:secs)
www.illuminatus.uk.com
Line-up: |
Formed in 2001, this Nottingham 4-piece chose to keep the name of the founder’s earlier band from the late 90’s, but the music has evolved unrecognizably and so this is essentially a new project with an old name. This three track demo has been around for a while now (2003), but it still gives a good showing for the band and they are now understood to be writing and recording their debut album. Their sound is an aggressive take on traditional progressive rock with a belligerent modern edge and while the songs average six minutes, they are anything but boring or indulgent. They have a big sound to their songs, a good use of melody and there are some fine guitars and keyboards that add depth and layers to that sound. It’s great to hear bags of texture and depth in the arrangements and plenty going on, rather than today’s more usual big thrash. Vocals vary between clean and gritty singing, with the occasional screams and growls - dependant on the emphasis required as they are used for impact - and are generally well sung. “Emotion Sickness” has a classic feel, it is a brooding epic that builds and builds. “Wargasm” is a song for which they’ve created an accompanying video and feels more subtle, while “White Lies” is an amazingly mature track and features classic strong guitars, including a sweet solo that completes the song perfectly. Illuminatus create a dark, emotionally charged and often claustrophobic atmosphere that is performed with enthusiasm and masses of vitality, like telling a brothers Grimm tale while hiding in the shadows and then using a loud hailer! They have definitely taken quite a different and refreshing approach compared to most bands currently submitting demo’s and emanate a level of professionalism worthy of their experience. “Aborted Revolutions” puts a laudable marker in the ground and it will be interesting to see the progression when they finally release the album.
12345678910
- Rigsby
(6th November, 2005)
|
