Lunar Path - Memento Mori review
| Band: | Lunar Path |
| Album: | Memento Mori |
| Style: | Gothic metal |
| Release date: | February 2012 |
01. The Beginning And The End
02. Promise Me
03. We'll Be There
04. The One Behind The Mirror
05. Thin White Lines
06. In The End
07. Deadweight
08. Farewell To Arms
09. The Only Way Out Is Through
10. Walls Are Whispering
11. Close The Door
12. Nothing To Regret
13. Drag Me Down To Hell
14. Who Are You Talking To?
15. River Runs Deep
Rating in words: Cutting a huge meal into many small slices will still leave you uncomfortably full when it is consumed. But if it is your favorite dish, it's worth it.
(I know it doesn't make sense now, but keep on reading!)
Last year's releases from Autumn and Cardamon were a refreshment for the female vocal enthusiasts last year, because they didn't represent anything overly symphonic, operatic vocals, dramatic themes or just about anything stereotypically tied with having a lead woman on vocals, and yet were suitably dark(ish) and fairly melodic and lightweight. Lunar Path represents that niche in 2012 with Memento Mori, and even though flawed, this concept album might be worth a listen if you're into things like these.
It was scheduled for recording in early 2011 but the recordings were delayed by an unfortunate event: the first floor of the band's rehearsal flat complex was "arsoned by a deranged girl while the band was playing on the second floor". The band rescued themselves by jumping out of the window and their guitarist and keyboardist Jonas was injured seriously in the fall, losing 20% of the mobility in his right foot as result. But the band soldiered on, proving Finns are tough.
Their music is not of the tough kind, which will please some and upset others. It is of the simplest, metal bordering on rock (or vice versa) kind, spiced up with strong and assured vocals by Janica Lönn (who was a guest on Black Sun Aeon's Routa), as well as simple piano intros and symphonic sounds, all performed on keyboards. Arguably, "the most metal" moments come from darkening the mood with "orchestral" parts, which are still rare enough for this to be classified as purely symphonic. Songs are pretty short and catchy, and there is some good quality single-material.
However. For an overly melodic album consisting of short and catchy songs, it is too long. 15 songs clocking in at about 66 minutes, to be precise. You can find at least 15 minutes of material here which, by quality, is way behind the solid whole Memento Mori would represent if it were shorter. You can't exactly call it filler because there was no place to be filled here, light and approachable releases are supposed to be a little shorter in order to be just that - light and approachable. I guess the "extra" songs were needed to develop the concept further, but even the best storytellers get lost in their stories sometimes.
If you're not intimidated by your metal not being way too heavy, and you have some extra time on your hands (whether to deconstruct this release or try to enjoy it as a whole, both are fine), you'll find some nice songs here, especially the ones featuring guests - Attila Csihar ( Mayhem), J-P Leppäluoto (ex- Charon, Northern Kings), Antti Leskinen and Tuomas Saukkonen ( Before The Dawn and, well, a dozen more) have all given interesting performances.
 | Written on 14.02.2012 by A part of the team since December 2011. 7.0 means the album is good. |
Comments
Comments: 28
Visited by: 196 users
| InnerSelf proofread free Posts: 2641 From: Germany  |
Read the whole review just to know what the hell is Attila doing here  I can't picture him doing his deranged vocals in a soft album .... gonna check it for the sake of Attila (and this great review)
---- He who is not bold enough to be stared at from across the abyss is not bold enough to stare into it himself.
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway  |
Written by InnerSelf on 15.02.2012 at 11:31 You could have skipped to the last part  you can guess my favorite song is the one featuring JP, the harsh vocals didn't exactly fit in but they were nevertheless a refreshment.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Susan Smeghead Posts: 6941 From: USA  |
I've had this one on my radar for just a short time so how cool that you reviewed it! I don't love when bands release albums that are too long (leave us wanting more!) but nonetheless I'm pretty excited to at least give this one a listen. Sounds like a nice, easy album 
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Susan on 15.02.2012 at 14:37 Oh yeah, that it is, but it gets tiresome. My overall impression probably wouldn't have been as positive as it is now if they didn't make the closer a REAL closer... so many albums lack that "oh yeah it's over and you're gonna be sorry for it"-song, or they put it in the wrong place.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Unhealer Eclecticist Posts: 2311 From: Argentina  |
Sounds like something I should check out. But I have the feeling those 66 minutes will be an overload of sweets 'n' candy based on what I've read  And... Attila as a guest??? That is definitely a bonus.
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Unhealer on 15.02.2012 at 15:03 If you don't like sweets and candy, don't enter There are albums which are too girly for me, this one was pretty close on the border, but nevertheless they can write some good songs.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Unhealer Eclecticist Posts: 2311 From: Argentina |
Written by Milena on 15.02.2012 at 15:13 I like 'em, but 66 minutes sounds like a stomachache. But there is always medicine, I'll tell you later how did it go
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Unhealer on 15.02.2012 at 15:23 Sounds fine to me one thing I'm sure you'll like is the singer, she has a very good voice.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Susan Smeghead Posts: 6941 From: USA |
Ok, I'll approach with caution. I do like "sweets 'n candy" often enough but I've noted your warning Written by Milena on 15.02.2012 at 14:47 And yes! I hate this!! Too many potentially good albums have this flaw. The closer comes and goes and you think Wow! What a great album! Then you realize it's only half over. Ugggh..
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Susan on 15.02.2012 at 16:30 That happened to me a couple of days ago, just can't remember which album it was... seriously felt like smashing my phone but of course I would never do that.Just for the record, this was a review request forwarded to me by Doc... receiving something so professional really makes me glad I work here.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| R'Vannith ghedengi Posts: 3099 From: Australia  |
I haven't heard any good Gothic metal this year, hopefully this will change that. I'll check it out. Interesting review, it makes me hungry for some reason
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by R'Vannith on 15.02.2012 at 16:46 Do be warned that it's not *real* gothic metal. Should have probably brought that up but I've already ranted over genre classification in my previous review so I didn't wanna go there again
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Enoch Account deleted |
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino Posts: 18274 From: Sweden  |
Came for Attila... Sadly he only did like... what... a spoken word in the beginning? Oh well. I was pleasantly surprised at the heaviness of that song and the other ones I've heard. I'm talking about the tune of the guitars here... A really thick and full "meat" sound... It was nice since sometimes I feel this sort of music has incredibly thin guitars. Definitely a good production. Not my style, but I dig it for what it is. I can understand if someone enjoys them a lot. Also, disagree... I think the growls suited nicely.
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by X-Ray Rod on 16.02.2012 at 23:47 Oh yeah, didn't wanna bring that up, so you extreme metal people feel betrayed when you click on the song
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Unhealer Eclecticist Posts: 2311 From: Argentina |
Just checked the record, Mora. Agree with everything you said on the review, lots of good songs but it gets repetitive... Good thing is that just seconds after that thought crossed my mind, the first track with guest vocals was just starting. They did well in adding those collaborations in favor of some diversity. And did you know the album actually clocks 66 minutes and 6 seconds? Read that on the album trailer. I really want to believe they didn't write filler songs just to reach that duration Its a nice record. Heavy riffing with the correct amount of sugar. And the vocals are great indeed. I'll probably spin it a few more times.
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| Unhealer Eclecticist Posts: 2311 From: Argentina |
Written by X-Ray Rod on 16.02.2012 at 23:47 Yeah, the collaboration with Attila reminded me of what Shagrath from Dimmu Borgir did with Kamelot But it gave a nice touch to the song nevertheless.
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Unhealer on 17.02.2012 at 01:07 Glad you liked it And about Shagrath and Kamelot... always adored that song.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Slayer666 Posts: 2466 From: Serbia  |
This album is guilty of false advertising, and I feel like I've been lied to. :[
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino Posts: 18274 From: Sweden |
Written by Slayer666 on 17.02.2012 at 12:51 You are not alone dude 
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| Susan Smeghead Posts: 6941 From: USA |
I must say... after returning to this album I still like it quite a bit. Yes, it's harmless and catchy, but damn it's fun  "Their music is not of the tough kind..." no, maybe not, but a few songs are still quite heavy and that adds a nice touch. Just enough balance to keep me from getting "too full." (Love the food metaphor!!) But in the end I do agree it could be a bit shorter. I enjoy the whole thing but it rarely leaves me wanting to listen again. I wish more bands would understand the virtue of giving us JUST ENOUGH and to keep us wanting more.
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Susan on 19.04.2012 at 19:36 Yeah, I knew there was an audience for this album when I wrote the review it is harmless but you do listen to stuff with teeth and therefore have enough balance and plus, who can say no to a woman that can sing.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Posts: 21306 From: Canada  |
Going to check "Walls Are Whispering" asap.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 19.04.2012 at 21:22 It's a spoken-word performance by Attila
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist Posts: 21306 From: Canada |
Written by Milena on 19.04.2012 at 22:34 Not going to check "Walls Are Whispering" asap.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 19.04.2012 at 22:39 Yeah, I was too mean to mention it in the review because I knew people are going to fly to check it out  there ARE harsh vocs on this album though.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| Jason W. Razorbliss Posts: 3523 From: USA  |
I've been revisiting a lot of albums I passed over early the year, and after reading the review I was mildly hopeful for the release. Mentioning the direction that Autumn offered in their last album and seeing this listed as gothic metal, suggested something, but for me this album isn't what that suggests. I struggle to find the gothic in the album, and found lots of symphonic and maybe an AOR style rock at times(?). I quite agree that Janica's voice is strong, but it's just not utilized or produced expertly all the time. I'd love to hear more, but not so much in this release. And I found myself disappointed with JP's vocals on numerous levels. Ahh well. I do think the mindset your review gets me into is well done, just disappointed in yet another release this year that's not up to the standards of bands in past years.
---- "After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
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| Milena gloom cookie Posts: 4603 From: Norway |
Written by Jason W. on 09.11.2012 at 22:57 Yeah, I'm not a fan of calling this gothic metal either.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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