(CD, SAOL /H’Art/Zebralution, 2011)
Now, this is a peculiar release. It sounds like European Power Metal, it has a strong Goth/atmospheric smell, you can also call it neoclassical at times while there’s also some sensed of extremity in specific dominant melodies. MOONCRY is a band of German origin and this is their second album, originally released in 2010 as an independent effort. They are a five-piece act and they seem to focus a lot on the promotional side of their music too, as I can see from their website and relevant MySpace and FaceBook pages.
I do not dig this style that much but I have to say that MOONCRY have done a fairly good job here. The atmosphere is a key word, with lunar parts interacting with more galloping moments and the keyboards having a dominant role in the songwriting. The atmosphere in “Rivers Of Heart” is not extreme but boasts a darkened and obscure personality, while the guitars are not that leading in the song-making. The vocals are quite weird. I did not like them at all first time I listened to the album but they gradually put a spell on me. Dark, baritone and dramatic, they boast a theatric profile and give a lot to the songs’ general aura.
There’s not enough speed in this CD. Most moments are mid-pace with a lot of more silent moments and the general scope of the band seems to be the upbringing of atmosphere plus a darkened message of lunacy. I could mention a lot of bands that popped up in my mind while listening to this album but I do not feel it would be fair since it seems MOONCRY has developed their own identity. Here we have melody, darkness, mystique visions, some horror smell and a deal with enough things in the Metal variety in favor of some personal exposure that doesn’t for sure apply to much of the Metal audience but surely has something to say to fans who like to combine elements from separated sub-genres.
7/10
Links:
www.Mooncry.Eu
www.MySpace.Com/MooncryEu
www.FaceBook.Com/Mooncry
Tracklist:
01. Seconds In Time
02. Memories Drowning
03. Ghost Of Mind
04. Grief And Hope
05. Rivers Of Heart
06. Into The Night
07. Hopeless Play
08. Suffer My Pain
09. Among The Fallen Leaves
Lineup:
Sali - Vocals
Berti - Guitar
Enno - Keys
Alex - Bass
Peter - Drums