Abscence

Luna Mortis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Century Media
• ASIN: B001OD6HNQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #217,942 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. Simply Excellent., March 10, 2009

By 

Joseph Broge (Twin Cities, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abscence (Audio CD)

After having been subjected to poorly executed, rehashed metal albums from new bands for nigh an eternity, "The Absence" by Luna Mortis comes as a breath of fresh air in a music scene deluged by mediocrity. To compare Luna Mortis to another female-fronted metal band would be a tragic disservice, as Mary Zimmer's beautiful, full-bodied contralto stands in stark contrast to the breathy sopranos and "one trick pony" guttural vocalists that constitute the status quo. Zimmer can do guttural vocals with the best of them, but that is just one of the many techniques she has mastered.

Brian Koenig's guitar work (along with rhythm guitarist Cory Scheider) is in the league of players like Vai, Malmsteen, and Petrucci, shattering the mold of the modern metal guitarist who relies on slack tunings and excessive gain to compensate for lack of technique and ability. Just when we thought that guitar lines and solos in today's heavier music would consist of nothing more than overly-saturated power chords and pentatonic wankery, we get the virtuoso playing and dual guitar harmonies that have been so sorely missed. If you happen to be the type that appreciates true musical talent and ability, you'll love this album. Every member of Luna Mortis is truly a professional on his/her instrument, and the finished product shows exactly that.

Of course, all would be for naught if the songwriting wasn't there. The fabric of the song is 99% of the battle, and Luna Mortis has it nailed down. Koenig's compositions are beautifully melodic, intricate, and quite memorable. Without relying on any clichés or cheap pop hooks, his songs draw you in and make you want to keep listening over and over again. Even when you're not listening to music, you'll often find Luna Mortis still playing in your head - a rare feat for a contemporary metal band. I'm particularly fond of the songs "Ash," "Ruin," and "Forever More," but if someone asked me to name the best songs on the album, I'd just say "tracks one through ten."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great combo of old and new school Metal, May 26, 2009

By 

John P. Gunn "gunnysac35" (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Abscence (Audio CD)

The title of this review say it all. The influence of Maiden is there with the story telling in the lyrics, the Killer riffs with a flare of Judas Priest is there and the headbangability of Slayer all packaged with Luna's personalized touch. Mary's dynamic vocal range can only be compared to Rob Halford's without the over the top opera stuff. This is one for the ages for sure and I personally can't wait till their next one comes out.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Absence is a solid good metal album, September 1, 2009

By 

E. Anderson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Abscence (Audio CD)

Formerly known as Ottoman Empire, Luna Mortis is a heavy metal band hailing from the cheese state Wisconsin. I discovered them through one of the social networking websites a couple of years ago and immediately became a fan of their music. THE ABSENCE is a culmination of the last few years the band spent playing bars between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The results is fantastic. The songs are all loaded with aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous percussion, throbbing basslines, and powerful vocals. Mary Zimmer's vocals are mostly clean but she does tread into the more aggressive side similar to what you would hear in Otep and Archenemy's music. When Mary's vocals are clean, her vocal range is amazing. Mary is backed up by a band who is just as talented as she is. The aggressive guitar riffs never ovewhelms Mary when she is singing. Brian Koenig and Cory Scheider are both talented guitarists in their own right. The rhythm section of Jacob Bare (bass) and Erik Madsen (drums) provides the backbone of the band. Song-wise, I enjoyed all ten tracks. The music has everything that I can ask for in a heavy metal band, aggressive guitar riffs and catchy melodies. I do hope in the future the band explores a little more with their music and diversify their sound but overall I say THE ABSENCE gets five stars from me.