Customer Reviews

First Temple

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

 

 

Closure In Moscow's "First Temple" is without a doubt, one of the best albums released thus far in 09'. I say this knowing full well that there is still 7 months left for bands to release a potential "album of the year." This one will be hard to top.

This band delivers pure musical talent mixed with genuinely amazing song writing skills. Much like many other previous EVR bands, Closure In Moscow incorporates technical proficiency with melodic song structures to create an excellent 12 track album packed with musical bliss. This album flaunts a crystal clear production coupled with crisp vocals and extra tight musicianship. From the very first track you will be absolutely floored by what this band has to offer.

Obvious influences ranging from The Mars Volta to Circa Survive can be heard throughout the album, there's no denying it. However, with that being said, CIM undoubtedly retain their musical integrity by bringing their own unique style to the table.

First Temple is diverse enough to appeal to all kinds of music lovers, making it a must own album for 09'

Seemly contradictory but I explain. I just found this band and was immediately overwhelmed. I've not even started to deliberate over their lyrics but am compelled to continuously listen based soley on guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms, and extraordinary style and energy. Mars can no longer be listened to in passing, but must have time set aside for full attention. With Closure in Moscow, each and every song on First Temple flies by in harmonious bliss, and I always find myself begging for more - until the next track starts and the salivation repeats itself. I hope this band gets so big that they have a chance to sell out to the mainstream; everyone needs a chance to here this album. Love Mars and have found a way to let my love grow with this introduction to Closure in Moscow. 5 stars seems wholely inadequate.

I've just imported this from US, to the UK - the album's currently unavailable in Europe as far as I can see, which is a shame. But Amazon.com is the way forward! So...I'm on my second play through, which makes this is a quick first impressions review...

...and it's outstanding. Tight, catchy, songs, excellent melodies throughout, the type of layered guitar hooks that made the band's first EP (albumette) such a hit. When you delve a bit deeper, you realise that the musicianship in the songs is first class. The guitar work on tracks 4 and 5, for example, is quite amazing - fast progressive runs, and not a note out of place. The two guitarists tones have that bright, crystal-clear, slightly 'spacey' edge that made progressive metal bands like Pulse Ultra (RIP!) so distinctive in their day....listen to track 9 for a good example; if you know the Pulse Ultra sound, you'll see what I mean. The drums are equally sharp and keep things fast-paced, but settle the mood at times...nice

There is definitely a hat-tip towards The Mars Volta; you can hear a bit of Cedric in some of the vocals, and I wonder if a couple of the riffs on here are (I wont say borrowed from) influenced by Omar Rodriguez Lopez's solo albums...the comparison extends to the 'empty' musical filler, on track 7, that TMV do so well, but which seems a little out of place here...but it doesn't detract from the rest of the album. Track 11 even brings to mind some Liquid Tension Experiment/Dream Theater moments. That all said, I'd agree with the last guy, because CIM haven't tried to copy anything here - they've made this their own; an original, progressive rock record, that I think will get more and more listens from me.

I'd recommend this to anyone who likes their music bright, fresh, loud, and intricate.

There are moments on the album when I'm not