Artist: To/Die/For
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 3/20/00
Rating: 5 Skulls
|
|
Title: All Eternity Artist: To/Die/For Label: Nuclear Blast Release Date: 3/20/00
Rating: 5 Skulls |
|
|
|
||
Reviewed by Requiem (3/8/01):
In recent years, Finland has been pumping out a lot of quality music and quite possibly could rival the Swedish scene in no time. Bands like Amorphis, Sinergy, Fall of the Leafe and now the mighty To/Die/For are giving their home turf a good name. All Eternity is about one year old and a new album is expected soon, but part of my job here is to educate those who may not know what lies beneath these 12 tracks of pure brilliance. In fact, this album is easily my top metal pick for 2000.What makes this album so special you ask? Well, the songwriting is just catchy as all hell and the vocals are simply unbeatable. Picture a band with the sorrowful metal elements of Katatonia, the rock and roll feel of the Cult and a vocalist that sounds like he came straight out of the 80's pop scene. Vocalist Jape Paratelo has drawn comparisons to Duran Duran and rightfully so. When this guy opens his mouth, memories of the 80's take over so strongly that you can even smell hairspray in the air. But kidding you not, this guy makes the band. His deep yet soulful voice adds exactly what is needed to enhance the music. The melodies sung throughout the album are very infectious and refuse to leave the memory for days on end.
The production carries a good deal of weight as well with the guitars sounding thick and heavy, the vocals are huge yet not overpowering and everything else is crystal clear. Lots of keyboards are also present to add to the proper feel. Guest vocals are provided by Sinergy's own Kimberly Goss and drummer Tommi Lillman (also of Sinergy) showcases his talent once again in this more rock oriented style. The album's finest track lies within "Live in You" which contains a very hard rock feel like the Cult and a chorus that has the capabilities of converting even the non-metal fanatic into a To/Die/For fan in no time. "Our Candle Melts Away" sets quite a somber mood for those that like their metal mixed with a healthy dose of gloomy overtones. This track is one of the slowest and it carries a droning style similar to those heard on Katatonia's latest albums as well as providing another amazing chorus. "Rimmed with Frost" shows a more upbeat moment of the band and you guessed it... more great vocals.
As you can tell, I just can't say enough about this album. You've just got to get it, listen and slowly let yourself get more and more addicted. Upon each repeated listen, you will reveal the passions entwined within. The vocals are some of my all time favorites, bringing never ending beauty to each and every track. I have played the hell out of this album and have hopes of converting many people into fans of this amazing band. Come and join me...
[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.