Decoder [Extra tracks, Import]

Ebony Angel, Ebony Ark | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import
• Label: Marquee Inc. Japan
• ASIN: B0009UV7XK
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,856 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. In Our Memories

2. Dead Men's Lives

3. Damned By The Past

4. Thorn Of Ice

5. Night's Cold Symphony

6. Desire

7. Farewell

8. Humans Or Beasts

9. Searching For An Answer

10. Dreaming Silence

11. Ball And Chain

12. Stones In The Way

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out Of This World!! Magnificient!!, January 14, 2006

By 

Elton Lee (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Decoder (Audio CD)

Ebony Ark is trult an amazing power metal band.... From the opening songs to the closer.. This is one hell of a metal powered to the max with such an incredible female voice!!! Most of the other female fronting band is most average and good. But this!! Oh My... This is a power house female voice here!!! Unbelievable sounds, technicality, song composition and overall feel of DECODER!!! With this album in hand, the most recommended way of listening to this bombastic band is full blast ahead!!!! No holds barrell!!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant New Metal Band, September 11, 2006

By 

Charles Flake "Musician and Critic" (Greeley, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Decoder (Audio CD)

Ebony Ark floored me from the first moment that I heard them. Beatriz Albert has the ability to sing as sweetly as almost anyone, yet can put in her voice a roughness reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Their guitarist and keyboardist both demonstrate a level of technical skill that is above the average, and a style that is powerful but not overwhelming. If only this band was big enough to come to America...I can only hope that they grow in the years to come.

Incidentally, they are from Madrid, not France.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, unlike their second album, October 26, 2011

By 

S. Schultz (IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Decoder (Audio CD)

I first heard "Thorn of Ice" as a recommended video on youtube and loved it and had to check out this band. I got this album (Decoder) and thought it was really good.

I love Beatriz's voice on this album. Powerful, controlled, yet sweet and soft when she needs to be. And none of that terrible portamento that plagues the second album.

Usually in my reviews I like to write a few lines about each of the songs on an album, but pretty much every song on this album would have the same comments: Well composed, epic, great vocals, good production. Whether it's female vocals, male vocals, chorus vocals, or vocal harmony, it all sounds awesome. The guitar work and sweep arpeggios scattered throughout are a nice touch, as well, as are the parts with intricate timing and non 4/4 time signatures. Ebony Ark does everything well whether it's being melodic, aggressive, slow, or fast.

The female-fronted metal genre is becoming more popular and seems to be getting its share of "me too" bands and a lot of bands that try to copy Nightwish or Epica or whatever. I think Ebony Ark's "Decoder" is a unique (in a good way) and powerful entry into this niche. It plays by the rules, bends a couple of them to its advantage, and every track is good without even a single boring moment.

Since I have it playing in the background as I leave this review, I thought I'd mention that the solo on "Farewell" reminded me a little of the solo in "Trail of Tears" by Testament.

5 out of 5 stars.