€8.90 album pick @ firebox.fi/store Persefone - Shin-Ken CD https://youtube/watch?v=jnRo5dMu6aw Finally, an album somewhat based on The Book of Five Rings (written by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi). Well, at least the book songs are based of his work (earth, water, fire, wind, and the void). The remainder of the songs definitely are samurai themed, however, I am not sure if they are based around Musashis book of strategy. Either way it is great to see the books influence, especially on my favorite genre of music. While the cover art, song/album title(s), and lyrics caught my attention it is the music that kept it. Thank god Persefone didnt screw up the only metal album I know that takes some influence from arguably the best book of strategy ever written. In fact, this album if far from a screw up, its quite good. Instrumentally, Persefone is stellar. Nobody can claim that the members cannot play, even if they despise the album. The technicality is definitely there, but , unlike some progressive bands (cough, cough... Dream Theater... cough, cough), it comes second to the music. There is not a single point on Shin-Ken that could be considered wank in my opinion. The production is pretty good, all the instruments are mixed pretty well (save the bass) and the music doesnt sound overproduced. A comparison can be made to Opeth due to the shift from light to soft; however, Persefone mainly does this shift from song to song and doesnt use acoustic guitars. The majority of the guitar riffs could be best described as melodeath with a technical edge; however, the riffs rarely reach thrash metal speed. There is also a fair amount of chugging to be found throughout the album. Thankfully, the chugging is never overused. The guitar solos are one of the highlights of the album, being technical yet extremely melodic. They are full of emotion as well. A perfect example of this would be the guitar solo on Fall to Rise. When listening to that solo I can literally see a brave samurai charging through the snow, overcoming his adversary. I can feel his will and conviction as he slices his enemy down. The guitar solos on Shin-Ken Pt. I are very good as well. The bass work is decent, but I wish it was slightly more audible (this is the case with most bands though). Not much else can be said about the bass. The drums are quite technical, many complex beats being used. The drumming on Death Before Dishonor is superb, probably the best on the album. In addition, the snare is tuned in a way that gives it a punchy sound, which I personally enjoy. Another thing that can be noticed is that the drums, like the guitars, rarely rise above mid pace. Blast beats are generally uncommon as well. The vocals are mainly a combination of high screams, death growls, and, occasionally, clean vocals. They are all done rather well, but are not really anything too amazing. The keyboard is used sparingly, mostly for solos. One of the best placed keyboard solos is the one at the intro of Rage Stained Blade. Many melodeath bands often overuse the keyboards, but this is not the case in Shin-Ken. Some traditional Japanese instruments are used throughout the album, but this is a rarity. Overall, Shin-Ken turns out to be quite a good album. I cant say that I love it though. This progressive style of melodeath has been done before, and done well; however, Shin-Ken still proves to be a rather interesting listen that keeps my attention for the most part. There are not really any major flaws, it is just that the album isnt overly impressive, which is why I gave it an 8.5/10. Definitely very good, but not great. The highlights of the album are Fall to Rise, Death Before Dishonor, Rage Stained Blade, and Shin-Ken Pt. 2. I would recommend this album to fans of progressive or melodic death metal.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:36:52 +0000
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