Zespół: SORROWS PATH
Tytuł: The Rough Path Of Nihilsm
Producent: Rock It Up
Format: CD
Kraj: Grecja
Kategoria: Doom
Opis produktu:
Debiutancka płyta greckiego zespołu grającego doom metal inspirowany CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETURNUS.
Metal Perspective:
Most of us are aware of the unluckiness of the Greek doom metalers Sorrows Path. But one more definite fact than the bad fortune that escorts this band is that they are a true gem that decorates the Greek scene; a scene that often is filled with arrogant and unproductive acts. Sorrows Path were always consistent and their attitude was rewarded by the German Rock It Up Records. Formally this is their second album, but actually this is their debut album, as "Resurrection", the 2006 album issued by the home of cult heavy metal Eat Metal records, was a collection of old, then remixed, songs.
There aren't much to say about "The Rough Path of Nihilism". It is a transparent release that keeps no secrets. Influenced by the likes of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Memory Garden and - slightly - by Memento Mori, "The Rough Path of Nihilism" is a solid proof that you can be faithful to your roots and at the same time progress and reveal your own identity. Part of this identity can be attributed to the unique voice of Angelos Ioannidis. I dare to say that without him Sorrows Path would be a completely different and less recognizable band.
The band is confident. You can sense it from second one, from the serene start of "All Love is Lost", to the final moments of "Nihilism". The four-piece has intelligently introduced a few traditional/middle eastern music element type that spice the final outcome. If I had to stand out a couple of tunes, then I would distinguish "Mr. Holy", "Queen of Doom", "The Beast" and "Empty Eyes and Blackened Hearts" (also the video clip of the album). I already commented on Ioannidis' contribution, but I must also say that Kostas Salomidis continuously improves his guitarwork and he has made a remarkable progress in most of his soloing. If you don't believe me, then check "Mr. Holy". What should I say for the rhythm section, comprised by Stavros Giannakos and Fotis Mountouris? They are the section that every doom metal would seek; stable, solid and groovy. The bass lines of Giannakos in many songs, such as "Dirty Game", are simply magnificent and add another dimension to the music, while Mountouris' pounding is simple transforming the songs with its "nerve" and accuracy. Check "Mr. Holy" (you have already understand which is my favorite track, don't you?) and "Fetish" if you don't believe me.
The bad things are the ones that other bands would strive to achieve. What do I mean? I mean that the album has a crystal clear production with unusual for the band - and the genre in general - complex orchestrations. My personal belief is that this fits to a progressive metal band instead of a doom metal one. Is this something to blame the band for? Probably yes. The album is way too polished and the orchestrations often cross the borders of the doom metal field. Once again, should we blame the band for showing courage to experiment? Normally not. But I would insist that the songs are filled with unnecessary details, such as the numerous keyboard parts and female vocals, a combination which is peaking extremely annoying in "Fetish". On the other side, the backbone of their compositions is simple and direct; the doom metal way of doing things. The second negative point is the cover, which is too cold and static. Once again outside the doom metal mentality.
But, and this is a serious but, these issues are minor compared to the music of the album. The songs are test through many live events and exhibit the fact that Sorrows Path are more mature than ever. Hopefully this time the band will set the foundations for a long-term, uninterrupted presence. Deep in our hearts we know that the true ambassadors of Greek doom metal are Sorrows Path and we are damn proud of that.
Lista utworów:
01. All Love is Lost
02. The Beast (S.P.R.)
03. Honestly...
04. Fetish
05. Dirty Game
06. Mr. Holy
07. Getting Closer
08. Queen of Doom
09. Prostitute
10. Hymn of Differentiation
11. Empty Eyes and Blackened Hearts
12. Nihilism
