Band:	Ador Dorath
Album:	Bestiari
Style:	Gothic black metal
Release date:	2008
Guest review by:	Troy Killjoy

01. She's In My Veins
02. Moments Of Evolution
03. Space Odyssey
04. Attitude Gyroscope
05. As Free Act And Deed
06. Only The Man Has The World
07. Dead On Arrival
08. Race For Life
09. Words
10. Egoistic Empathy
11. Postscriptum

Ador Dorath is a black metal tandem from the Czech Republic, combining operatic female vocals with grating black metal shrieks and scattered death metal growls. Having been in the scene for more than a decade, the band have only released three full-length albums, none of which can ultimately be compared to any of their other works. These musicians are incredibly original, talented, and driven to produce varied material.

Bestiari marks several significant changes from its predecessor; firstly, the bludgeoning operatic vocals of Lenka Machová have been replaced with Anna Neuwirthová's softer melodies. Secondly, the album begins immediately at a frantic pace, charging the gates with keyboards aflame. Where Symbols sounded more relaxed, Bestiari is more of an assault. Thirdly, the drumming is more solidified; in its simplicity, there is an essence of rhythm and heaviness. Overall, these elements join together to create a very solid release.

That being said, the band members deserve recognition for their involvement on such a transformation. Ivos Dosedel's bordering on the lines of gothic metal's depth, black metal's pitches, and death metal's grunts carries the album from beginning to end. Neuwirthová was used sparingly -- perhaps a personal sacrifice; regardless, her vocals add that much more weight when they are heard. Martin Ro?enek's keyboard abuse tends to hinder the abilities of guitarist Kamil Pfeffer, therefore Kamil Kottek's bass work is inaudible beneath the overwhelming duo.

"Moments of Evolution" sets the overall tone for the album, and should have been used as the introduction in place of "She's in My Veins", which in my opinion is better suited for the album's body. "Attitude Gyroscope" features varied layered vocals, adding to the aggression of the album, much like "As Free Act and Dead", which sets the stage for Dosedel and Neuwirthová to exchange vocal approaches. These two obviously have chemistry, seemingly playful in their artistic battle -- an element that adds character and soul. "Postscriptum" is the true standout track here, albeit not for its brutality or technical efficiency. No, here we have an epic track, a narrative opera that drags the listener into oblivion, casting them off into a psychedelic euphoria and bringing them back into a dismal void. It's far from any heavy metal sub-genre, but this whale of a píseň.

Throughout the line-up changes and years spent creating new material, Ador Dorath have grown stronger with each release, maintaining their seemingly untouchable level of originality, yet approaching a happy medium of independence and marketability. Shindy Records is very fortunate to have this band on their roster, as they should be a force in the metal scene for years to come.