(CD, Season Of Mist, 2011)
Ok, I have to admit it; getting this review done took longer than usual. I can think of a million excuses for this delay but in the end I would just be a liar. This album is one of those cases where you find it really hard to decide whether you like it or not. During the listening sessions I found myself really impressed by the music progression but there were also times that I felt totally confused. Let me explain why...
This band comes from Sweden and is based on the wants and visions of Lord K. Philipson and Jörgen Sandström. These guys started this band and worked their way though the more than a decade of existence having released 8 albums (the one in question is included) with different lineups. If you are of those label-maniacs then the most appropriate description for this band would be something like industrial Swedish Melodic Death Metal. I am pretty sure I have discovered a brand new genre here…
Nevertheless, the album is as complex as King Minos’ maze and needs time to take a bite of it and not to mention how long to digest it. The songs last on average 10 minutes and while listening you’ll get the impression that there is more than one song hidden behind the single title. The music is heavy and there are many good riffs that pop out of nowhere and most of times when you are not expecting them. There is also a lot of atmosphere here that is enhanced by the industrial layers thrown in form of electronic sounds and keyboard melodies. The rhythm section is granite solid and during the tempo explosions you’ll find yourself getting lost inside this music maze. There is no point to even try to solve and peel all the layers in this album. As I said it is complex and sometimes the female vocals sounded a little bit out of place and irrelevant to the music. But, as the music grew inside me, I discovered a hidden pattern in this insanity making me to like this album. The guitar leads are great and I managed to discover some Friedman influences along the Eastern sounding leads (listen closely to the solo in “They Shall All Be Witnesses”). “A Revelation Of Desecrated Heavens” is my favourite track with all its diversity and the collection of different tastes in single blend that I have to say is overwhelming in time.
Be warned, that is not going a walk through the park album .The listener has to listen carefully and hold tight Ariadne's clew (search this term to understand my saying) since it is easy to lose focus and get lost inside this music labyrinth. On the other hand, you will be awarded by the effort and you will be exposed in a hearty insanity that I have missed from the STRAPPING YOUNG LAD days. Dare to take this challenge?
8/10
Links:
www.TheProjectHate.Net
www.MySpace.Com/TheProjectHate
Tracklist:
01. Iesus Nazarenus, Servus Mei
02. They Shall All Be Witnesses
03. A Revelation Of Desecrated Heavens
04. Summoning Majestic Victory
05. The Serpent Crowning Ritual
06. Bring Forth Purgatory
Lineup:
Jörgen Sandström - Vocals
Ruby Roque - Vocals
Tobben Gustafsson - Drums
Lord K. Philipson - Guitars, Bass, Programming, Keyboards, Serpents and Backing Vocals