Customer Reviews

Archangels in Black

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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".

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!

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..

First i wana say that many years ago i heard these guys and didnt find anything special about there music...it was the same neoclassical stuff that i hear from most of the bands nowadays

one week ago i got this album and thought to give it a listen...and it was surprising really

all i said is wow..how did they do that...how did they improve and changed totaly

the songs are very very solid...the vocal lines are memorable and very melodic..the guitar riffs are very dark a la castlevania style and the drums are killer...it was so refreshing to listen to this after i lost hope in all bands lately and their newer stuff.

i cudnt stop listening to the album for hours...

and let me tell you somethin...i was symphony x fanatic fan for many years but adagio took their place with this album...from now on they are one of my fav bands

but i hope that they wont change their style in the upcoming album

cuz this one was awesome in every single meaning

What can I say for this? I hate it when bands like this are unknown to the masses. These guys deserve to be noticed. This is an awesome album. Dark, Progressive and VERY heavy at times. Keys are incredible to hear. This guy is one of the best I've ever heard. Seriously...he is awesome. I notice keys all the time but this guy made me take exceptional notice. I mean WOW this guy is....Well...GREAT and I'll leave it at that. Singing is nothing new in this genre but still this guy can blow. He growls sometimes which is very interesting to hear. I like the catchy hooks he comes up with. You will pick up the choruses very fast. Pay attention to the music on this album. Guitar work and drums are just amazing. All around you have a band of great musicians who put together an AMAZING progressive album. I just heard of this band last week. I was searching for new bands on amazon and they showed up. They never did before. I don't know why but I'm glad they did. This is just a mature album for us prog-metal fans. I stress the METAL here. If you are not a prog-metal fan you can at least appreciate the metal. If you like your Prog-Metal heavy and blistering loud like me, this band is for you. This band is a favorite now and I don't have many favorites. Get it.