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Nightfall - Lyssa: Rural Gods And Astonishing Punishments review




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Reviewer:
8.8

36 users:
7.33
Band: Nightfall
Album: Lyssa: Rural Gods And Astonishing Punishments
Release date: 2004


01. Dark Red Sky
02. Swollen
03. Christless
04. Master Of My Dreams
05. The Perfect Li(f)e
06. The End Times
07. Synastry
08. One Of These Days
09. Victimized
10. So(u)l Invictus
11. Essence

Greece's finest Death Metal combo, Athenians Nightfall, are back in full force with their latest album entitled "Lyssa: Rural Gods and Astonishing Punishments" and the unique style which made them somewhat popular over the years is still there, stronger than ever. "Fast double bass kicking mixed with aggressive rhythm guitars, dark, gothic-like lead melodies and oriental elements here and there" as put in the promo booklet, sums it up pretty accurately. Second release through Greek label Black Lotus Records after 2003's "I Am Jesus", "Lyssa" is Nightfall's 7th full-length album since 1990 making them the longest recording Metal artists from their country.

This album features some extraordinary moments from the diabolic opening number 'Dark Red Sky' to even more aggressive riffs in 'The Perfect Li(f)e', "Lyssa" is worth every penny. The drumming by George Kollias is fantastic and seeing that he has recently been recruited by Death Metal legends from the US, Nile that doesn't come as a surprise. The vocals show superior quality to Death Metal standards, with numerous background activity, mostly performed by Efthimis Karadimas himself. However, the biggest advantage of this album over others is the darkly crafted atmospheres that accompany each song. 'Synastry' is the perfect example with a haunting keyboard ambience that sets the ground for aggressive yet gothic guitar riffs while Kollias is blasting in the background. On that specific last remark, it's not without evoking what a band like Moonspell would sound like if they went Death Metal.

All 11 tracks average around 3 to 4 minutes with a preference towards fast blasting beats with occasional slow-paced bridges. The most representative songs of the record are 'The Perfect Li(f)e', 'Synastry' and 'Victimized'. Mixed at Tico-Tico studio in Finland, the overall production is really clear and sticks to the album's identity, topping over-produced Death Metal albums with ease.

Nightfall once again prove themselves worthy of being regarded as the best Greek Metal band around. "Lyssa" is one of these albums that wait for you to find them and then make you proud of finding them. Unconventional Death Metal with gothic influences with tremendous vocals, drumming and guitars, Nightfall are celebrating their 13th anniversary with a present for you. And you'd be foolish to say no. "Lyssa" is a reflection of our times that you ought to experience.

Favorite tracks: 'The Perfect Li(f)e', 'Synastry', 'Swollen', 'Dark Red Sky' and 'Victimized'





Written on 05.02.2005 by Bringing you reviews of quality music and interesting questions such as:

"A picture is worth a thousand words. How many words is a song worth?"

I have only got so much patience and skills, you do the math.


Comments

Comments: 1   Visited by: 42 users
22.11.2008 - 02:45
Rating: 6
iaberis
Advice Troll
I agree with the review, but at some points the vocals are bad and stupid. It's worse than the previous three albums... I'd give this 6 since the compositions are not so great either.
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