Astral Doors - Astralism Review
by Progprince
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Methinks that I've shut off my mind towards true heavy metal for too long, chalking it up as a dead, derivative genre. Fortunately, though, in recent months I've taken more of an interest in it, especially since a lot of the avant-garde, cutting-edge bands(Maudlin of the Well/Kayo Dot, I'm looking at you) have only left me wanting to roll my eyes. I know there was a lot of buzz hovering over Evil is Forever, but I don't have that as a point of reference, sadly. Upon first listen I actually felt Ronnie James Dio jump out like a rainbow in the dark. The Doors'(no, not that band, you idiot) vocalist roars, shrieks, and wails like a sexually confused banshee, although he doesn't articulate as well as I'd like him to on occasion. Still, contrary to many a frontman's ego, the singer does not make the band. The guitar tone is meaty and vivid, and most importantly, it's not too transmogrified with faux effects and synths. You really live and breathe the 80s while listening to this, but the production is modernized to a tee.( I won't mention the drumming and bass, as my ear is not particularly trained to evaluate and mention that every review) I would definitely check this out if you're a retroist and hunger for the 'good ole days' of metal. Although there's a samey quality to the songwriting, it's worth a listen. Special mention also goes to the cover art's religious theme. Very intriguing.
CD Info and Links
Astral Doors - Astralism Label:Locomotive Records (USA)
Rating:8
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