Artist: Alas
Label: Hammerheart Records
Release Date: 6/19/01
Average Rating: 3.83
Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album
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Title: Absolute Purity Artist: Alas Label: Hammerheart Records Release Date: 6/19/01 |
There are currently 6 Reader Reviews of this album.
Average Rating: 3.83 Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album |
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Submitted by Intangir (10/31/02):
Opera and this type of rock is awesome. The most beautiful blend of music.
Submitted by Disintegrator (1/2/02):
I give this 5 skulls, but I didn't have to change my shorts, rather wipe the tears from my eyes. Such beauty.....Many words come to my mind regarding this masterpiece by Mr. Rutan. Mesmerizing, beguiling, captivating, entrancing, haunting, astonishing, astounding, or perhaps, the title itself best describes this work of art. I am a fan of all forms that fall in the "metal" genre, so I am not straight and narrow as some of the reviewers have been on this album. I am a fan of Morbid Angel and The Gathering, so I was lured to this CD not only due to Erik, but to a female vocalist as well. Sure it was almost flabbergasting to hear this serene side of a guitarist hailing from one of the most brutal bands on the planet. However, this displays that Erik obtains talent well beyond his "extreme metal" abilities.
The progressive and atmospheric tone of his guitar alone is worth getting this CC. Sure, to the hardcore Morbid fans, this is probably what, dare I mention this, Load was/is to fans of Lightning, Puppets or even Justice. If one truly is a fan, then one must "respect" the artist's desires to experiment or create. This CD stands far from the Gateways of Annihilation, so I don't think it will have any effect on the music of M.A.
The vocals, they add the enchantment and haunting element. I have to admit, I had not heard anything from Therion, but they now have a new fan. Martina's vocals are beautiful. As one reviewer stated, she truly did give her best effort in complementing the music. Track #2, "The Enchanted" is my favorite overall. The duo of Martina's "chant" at the beginning and the wailing of Erik's axe sends chills throughout my body. The progression through the chorus is like an ascension up to the heavens with the angelic voice of Martina guiding the way. Martina was a perfect pick for the vocal slot.
Howard's drums provides an entrancing peaceful thunder to the album, yet another great selection. Scott's bass playing is nothing short of spectacular and rounds out the sound well.
Usually one would feel that 6 years to get a finished product out is rather lax, but it is evident Erik was 100% sure of what he wanted this project to sound like. The production was wonderful, each member can be heard without comprimise to anyone else. Erik's lyrics must be noted as well, very meaningful, deep and full of soul. The only "drawback" to the album is that it clocks in at 45 minutes, it is a beautiful journey, but over all too soon.
I wish this album could get more recognition than it has. It deserves to be noted for the talent behind it and sure as hell deserves the limelight that is held by the "boy bands", Britney's and "MTV Metal" bands of today.
If Erik reads this (or anyone that knows him and can contact him) I say Thank you for this outstanding album. If there is anything I can do to help promote the band or spread the word I will do so. I am looking forward the the 2nd effort, as I believe I read in a mag that material is written. Adieu.....
Submitted by Frodi Stenberg (9/14/01):
Alas is a new project consisting of none other than Morbid Angel guitarist Erik Rutan and Martina Astner (previously with Therion) and Absolute Purity is their debut album. The band plays some kind of heavy and melodic metal with some atmospheric keyboards. Every single note contained on this album has been written and arranged by Mr. Rutan and if that wasn't enough he has also written the lyrics and produced the whole affair. I had high expectations when receiving this album, knowing the talent and the playing abilities of Erik Rutan, but after listening several times I still feel a bit disappointed. The album kicks off with the title track, opening with an amazing riff and is one of the better songs on the album. The vocals tend to get a bit monotonous and boring at times, don't get me wrong, I know Martina can sing it's just that it doesn't necessarily end up good in every attempt, but thankfully it doesn't ruin the whole picture. Of course it isn't all bad, she sounds brilliant in songs like "The Enchanted" and "Endlessly Searching." There are two song's that really don't do anything for me: "Silencing The Sorrow" and "Quest Of Serenity," but other than that the album seems to be fairly good but not original in any way. You'll get enough of heavy and technical riffing and a good dosage of solos as well. The drums are progressive and jazzy at times and the percussion work is progressive as well. The bass is a bit behind in the mix, but it's your typical progressive and jumpy bass lines, which work fine. Although this isn't a bad record, it really doesn't deserve enormous praise either; first of all this isn't anything new, and second the sound (though being at a very high level) is not optimal, and third we need some real ass kicking songs on this album. Overall I'm left disappointed with the only hope that the next record will be better, but still its a good album, just not what I expected.
Submitted by Lee (8/28/01):
OK, first off, unlike everyone on the planet who bought this because of Rutan, I actually picked this album out because Martina Astner (of Therion fame) was singing on it. I read the MJ reviews and figured if these guys (and girl) like it then it must really kick ass. Well... first thoughts... second rate Nightwish rip-off, without the talent-- except for Martina. I thought the music just wasn't matching the excellence of her voice. I was wrong, dead wrong. I gave it a few more spins and then when I woke up in the morning singing "Absolute Purity" and "Endlessly Searching" over and over in my head I came around and found the answer. This is excellent stuff and definitely going to be on my top ten list. It isn't what you expect, plus when you really listen to it, it separates from Nightwish and others quite a bit. It is hard to define this, not power metal, not death, WTF is it? Who cares, it is pure metal and shows that Rutan is a genius. The lyrics and music work together with Martina's voice to create one excellent slab of atmospheric metal. Atmospheric metal without the goth keyboards, Napalm Boobs and all the other bullshit. Just a truly excellent album that should be bought, given a chance and absorbed. We always hear the tag of "next great metal masterpiece," well, this is truly one of them. I hope that Rutan decides to stray from death for awhile and pursue this. Tour with and build some more monuments to metal in the future. A flat-out excellent album. BTW, if you all like Martina's voice check out Therion-- Vovin, especially if Deggial turned you off.
Submitted by azazel28546 (7/28/01):
I have been a major follower of Eric Rutan now for some time now, whether it be in Ripping Corpse, Morbid Angel or Hate Eternal, so when I heard about a side project including a female singer I was skeptical. Well, I must say that Eric has yet to disappoint me. This album is amazing!!! The vocals are very dreamy and powerful at times which seems like a weird combination but it works. The guitar playing is incredible. Eric seems to have an endless amount of riffs and leads that stick in your mind for days. At times there are very heavy elements that are definitely in the death category, minus the vocals. Martina could be compared to Tori Amos at times. But it's definitely an Eric Rutan project and he shines throughout the record with his ability to create incredible songs that stay in your mind and create an atmosphere that few people know. Buy it now!!!!!!!!
Submitted by unholy demon (7/16/01):
You know, I consider myself an open-minded person and I usually pick up CDs on the strength of the Metal Judgment crew. But I have never been so disappointed and appaled by a CD in quite a while. This CD sucks so bad I would rather eat my own poo than listen to this crap ever again. Please screw me with a butcher knife, just don't make me listen to this waste of technology and as for Abyss and Death, 5 skulls, you guys must be on some great drugs for this one or maybe we should just call you Flower and Sunshine. You guys really blew it this time and Eric Rutaan needs to stick to death metal and leave this crap to nightwish and their ilk. I give this a rating of 0 skulls, this junk isn't even metal and that girl needs to be put out of her misery. Hail to darkness and true black/death metal.
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