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Archived Reviews
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After finally fulfilling their undoubted potential on the excellent Elements Of Silence this third album from Norway's latest electro heroes continues the success story with another solid, full-blooded & emotive release. In comparison to its predecessor there are less overt darkwave influences in evidence here with Svein Johnsen's guitar less in evidence & although the electronics are well able to express the band's melancolic moods the additional human element that he adds to the closing title track is a reminder of how important this is to the band's sound. It's also a very full-sounding affair throughout which increases the emotional impact of every single track, notably 'The Painful Regret' which kicks proceedings off in earnest after the dramatic intro & 'Sacred And Profane' which gets proceedings back on track after the less successful ambient interlude 'The Burning Faith' with its odd effected spoken voice (the English translation on the booklet makes no sense whatsoever!). The feeling of romantic longing that graces 'Adored' isn't a million miles away from Edge Of Dawn &, thanks in part to an outstanding vocal performance from Sigve Monsen is sure to delight your romantic heart while the way in which the stand-out track that is 'My Little' alternates between the emotive verses & the dynamic chorus that, thanks to some excellent lead synths, verges on the anthemic at one point, makes for a simply magical number that grabs your heart & mind & provides further excitement with every listen. But if you're looking to make your body move & your blood pump faster still then the powerhouse combination of pumping beats & assertive sequencing that make the instrumental 'The Black Gate' a surefire dancefloor smash should fit the bill nicely while 'Blood' similarly benefits from a more uncompromising mood & a dynamic, surging pace (good effects at the beginning too!) that again shows the band at their best. All in all, this album is a rollercoaster ride of feeling & dynamics, a mixture which has quickly become Pride And Fall's speciality & once more, they prove themselves to be masters of their craft with another quite superb album that you shouldn't hesistate to make your next purchase. |
