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Released: 2001
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Black Symphony- Tears of Blood Total Running Time: 55:46
True power metal mavens are doubtlessly aware of the fact that if there is a trend with promising future and strong possibilities of continued evolution, it is the American one. Nevermore is barely the tip of the iceberg rising from the ocean after continued underestimation and oblivion in comparison to the immensely popular European counterpart, and yet the conviction and sheer power that the band commands have been enough to decimate the cowardly imitation of many a new power metal act across the big pond. Melody and harmonized leads à la Helloween have their place in the world, of course, but that space has been trespassed and the invaders have long since overstayed their welcome. Black Symphony is not exactly going to stand by passively. Armed with a panzer division of pummeling riffs and a bloodlust for manipulated force, this band takes off exactly where American power metal left off in the early nineties. Removed from thrash in its increased appetite for hooks, choruses, and relative catchiness, but bound to it like a Siamese out of attitude and impact, it is an approach fit to feed muscles with driving energy and leave the listener with a sore neck the next morning. Still there is more than just a hint of restraint during several moments of Tears of Blood that allows the band to let a few well-placed moments of tranquility and softer nature come out and thus create a contrast without which the album would perhaps start to ail from a bit of monotony; the latter constituting a flaw that often becomes the downfall of many a power metal act. Yet there should be no doubt surrounding the fact that Black Symphony's very essence depends strongly on the power of its riffage and the almost Dioesque voice of Ric Plamondon rather than on its understanding of finesse; something that the band clearly understands and takes full advantage of by laying down chunky guitar power chords one right after the other and providing choruses of catchy bone-breaking aggression, "I Am Hate" being a perfect example of this with its crushing main riff and anthem-like juggernaut of a chorus. And to be perfectly honest, it's a formula that the band understands quite well, albeit not fully. Why? Well, it's hard to pinpoint a certain element that could serve as proper explanation, but suffice it to say that despite the band's obvious capabilities and potential, its sophomore effort suffers from inconsistencies in songwriting and general strength that keep it from setting Black Symphony right up there with the big boys. It's simply a case of an act that seems to have what it takes to join the big leagues but nevertheless has not found the appropriate manner in which to bring its strengths together with efficiency and staying power in measure enough to bring itself to a higher plane. Even then, however, Tears of Blood certainly has its moments, and is a release that, while not absolutely crucial to the power metal connoisseur's collection, would not do any harm to it either. -by Marcelo Silveyra |
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