Agathodaimon
Blacken the Angel
[Nuclear Blast]


Blacken the Angel:
1.Tristetea Vehementa (8min 08)
2.Banner of Blasphemy (5min 48)
3.Near Dark (15min 37)
4.Ill Of An Imaginary Guilt (4min 19)
5.Die Nacht des Unwesens (3min 40)
6.Contemplation Song (2min 26)
7.Sfintit Cu Rou Suferintii (4min 47)
8.Stingher / Alone (4min 26)
9.After Dark (4min 26)
10.Ribbons / Requiem (7min 21)

Total Time : 60 minutes

Comments :
Agathodaimon is a Rumanian band which plays very melodic, melancholic "black" metal... In fact, it has nothing to do with black metal, but it is labelled like that by many. This is the romantic CoF-like band of Rumania I'd say, and they are good at that. They mix some gothic and BM influences to create their music. This is not extreme album, but there are some brutal moments on it. Sometimes we can hear female vocals, but they are very discreet... Personally, I find them useless, because they add nothing to the music and the ambience... The drum is well performed, not exceptional but better than average if you see what I mean. But the thing I like the most on this album is the vocals. The singer have a German (or Rumanian) accent, and it adds a special touch to his singing. His vocals are quite aggressive too and without them this album would be very average. The band is signed on Nuclear Blast, so the production is perfect (clear as crystal) as you can expect from a band on this label.

The lyrics : I've just checked them quickly, so I can't say they are about... Agathodaimon sing in German, English and in Rumanian (the country where Transylvania is...).
Conclusion:
Well, Blacken the Angel isn't extreme or really original, but it's dark, melancholic and very long (a bit more than 60 min). I don't dislike this album, even if it is not really my cup of tea. One thing is sure, its much better than Dimmu's pseudo symphonic crap, and its more intense.



© 1999 cythrawl