Archangels in Black [Import]

Adagio | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B001KPNY1G
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,502 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Vamphity

2. The astral pathway

3. Fear circus

4. Undead

5. Archangels in black

6. The fifth ankh

7. Codex oscura

8. Twilight at dawn

9. Getsu senshi

Editorial Reviews

2009 album from the French Progressive Goth Metal band. Formed in 2001, Adagio are a band determined to conquer the world and make it to it's own colors: black and beautiful. Nine tracks. Listenable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adagio emerge after a three year absence; but things are not the same, March 17, 2009

By 

Nikiforos V. Skoumas (Athens Greece, Cambridge UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Archangels in Black (Audio CD)

Fourth album by French symphonic prog metal band "Adagio". Having undergone several line up changes since their debut, the band now consists of Stephan Forte (G) Franck Hermanny (B), Eric Lebailly (D), Kevin Codfert (K) and new lead vocalist Chris Palin.

In contrast to their early days, "Adagio" is no longer a neoclassical band rather an ultra dark outfit with the sporadic inclusion of brutal vocals and impossibly thick guitar parts. However the most apparent sign of consistency would be the melodic vocal lines present in almost every song which truly make this album special.

Still the opening guitar riffs on most songs share incredible similarity in being unreasonably heavy and unmelodic; eventually causing the listener to get tired when attempting to play the album from start to finish. Aside of that, the rhythm parts are actually discrete and support masterfully the vocal lines while the solos are clearly phrased definitely adding to the atmosphere and character of the release; (yet in all honesty one would expect more shredding from an album of this kind).

Favorite tunes include "Fear Circus", "Undead" and "Astral Pathway".

"Archangels in Black" brings together a handful of diverse influences while effectively changing the character of the band. It still sounds like Adagio but major changes have definitely been put to motion.

"Power Play" UK magazine (issue 106) marks this album with 7/10 commenting: "This new formula may take an album or two to flesh out".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relentlessly Heavy Progressive Neoclassical Metal, January 24, 2010

By 

Joel Israel "Professional Shark Wrestler" (Cedar City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Archangels in Black (Audio CD)

After picking up the incredible "Underworld" from Adagio a couple of years ago, I have been eagerly anticipating a new release from this band, and "Archangels In Black" is certainly not a disappointment. I consider Stephan Forte, the mastermind behind the various lineups of Adagio, one of the best guitarists interpreting modern neoclassical "shred" metal as a style, probably second only to Michael Romeo of Symphony X in terms of technical ability and songwriting skill. I can't keep this out of my stereo.

Both Symphony X and Adagio have brought this style out of the "Malmsteen-ish" '80s by adding complex instrumentation and progressive structure, modern digital production and guitar tone, polished vocals, and a darker, less corny air to the proceedings....Speaking of M. Romeo and Symphony X, the guitars on this album seem to have acquired a tint of influence from them, this album is full of awesomely heavy off-kilter guitar riffing, which really adds something to the band's sound. Guitar fans will love this album.....all of the players are incredibly talented, and the music has been taken to a new level of complexity and heaviness....too many amazing solos, harmonies, riffs, and moments from this excellent new release to list here. If you are a fan of epic, shred-oriented metal, you have to pick this up, definately a 5 star release!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best for 2009, August 16, 2009

By 

Jimmy J of Levittown (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archangels in Black (Audio CD)

What can I say?? Tired of hearing generic power/prog metal?? want something new and fresh?? This is it..Sharp guitars, great hooks and new melodies..Best way to describe :prog metal played really really heavy..One of the best things I heard for 2009..