Carmeria – Advenae
Carmeria – Advenae
Self-Released
Release Date: 18/03/22
Running Time:
Review by Beth Jones
8/10
Well, it’s finally happened friends. I have been afflicted with the plague, after avoiding it for two solid years. But, it has afforded me the time to catch up with some stuff and get cracking on reviews. And today’s subject is the brand-new debut album from Australian Symphonic Gothic Metallers, Carmeria. Now, this is an album that’s been a while in the making and you can tell, because it is a quality product. It’s one for all of you who like a good film score, because it’s jam-packed full of cinematic elements and orchestration.
The album starts with a massive, ‘call to arms’ style overture, complete with timpani, strings, and pipe organ, giving it a very Gothic feel from the start. And the fast pace and frantic nature of the sound continues through the second track, ‘Morning Star’, which is littered with synth strings, guttural growls, and some superb operatic clean vocals from Jordan Von Grae.
This style continues for much of the album, which is littered with catchy choruses and hooks all over the place. The whole thing is also based in the minor key, which gives it a very mournful, melancholic feel. Perfect for a Gothic gathering!
Track 5, ‘Relinquished’, takes the pace down a little. It’s a beautiful ballad that starts with a solitary piano. And this track really displays the silky tones of Jordan’s voice off superbly. After the first verse, vocals, piano, and gentle bass and drums are joined by the full orchestrations, and distorted guitars, making it a much grander and fuller sound. This for me is one of my stand out tracks.
The brief lull in proceedings doesn’t last long, as ‘To Lead The Blind’ picks up the pace again. This uses dynamics brilliantly to build mystery and suspense. And there are some super vocal harmonies throughout. There’s a certain Progressive element here too, with some experimentation in rhythm, which again continues through to the next track.
Pretty much the only beef I can find with this album is the synth strings in track 8, ‘Solaris’. They almost cheapen the whole thing, because they sound too synthesized. I mean, I know that’s kind of the point of a synth, but I think a slightly better string sound would have been advisable.
The final track, ‘Eternity’ isn’t just epic in name. At nearly 12 minutes long it’s a heck of a way to finish an album. With punchy choral vocals and synth, and heavy guitar, sitting alongside those beautiful clean vocals and guttural roars, it makes for a very dramatic closing number.
This is a very accomplished debut from a band that have a very clear direction. I think these guys are seriously ones to watch. I love the album cover art, and the band have a definite ‘look’, too, which is pleasing, as it show’s they’ve thought about more than just the sound. And I get a sneaking suspicion there’s still more in the tank with them – this album is great, but I believe they will get even better. I look forward to finding that out in the future.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Advenae
02. Morning star
03. Carpe Noctem
04. En Rapture
05. Relinquished
06. To Lead the Blind
07. Celestia
08. Solaris
09. Starfall
10. Veil of Sanctitude
11. Halo
12. Eternity
LINE-UP:
Jordan Von Grae – Vocals
Jerry Zahija – Guitar
Mishka Bobrov – Keys
Emma Louise Nagy – Bass
Lachlan Blackwood – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
