Customer Reviews

Noia

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

 

 

I bought this album after seeing the Pavement bio, which touted the band as "Gothic Metal." O.k., there are some standard synth choir samples used, and some female vocals--but this album is definitely not what you would expect at all of "Gothic Metal" . First, the music: It ranges from mid-paced deathish metal to your typical aggro fare. Second, the male vocals are done in an unmistakably aggrorock/hardcore fashion that is not even remotely goth. My initial reaction was disgust and disappointment. Then, subsequent listens had me warming to this odd album--Aggro metal with synths, sampled choirs, and female vocals (and a metal version of O Fortuna.) I dont know what audience this unorthodox album will appeal to. Fans--like me--of bands like Tristania and Trail of Tears might likely be turned off by the heavy aggro content, and im willing to bet die-hard aggro fans wont appreciate the orchestral synth. Certainly a unique album--for those looking for something 'different.'

Aion (from Poland, not Norway) released their second album - Noia - in 1999. The gothic metal genre is prone to repetition, hence the untold legions of bands that rely on the whole "spooky death metal male vocalist alternating with beautiful opera female vocalist" theme, so it's always nice to see a band break free of the conventional approach and try something different. Don't get me wrong, Nioa is very much a gothic metal album, but with the emphasis on symphonic and choral elements plus a relentless aggressive approach, you're getting something more interesting than usual.

I see this album as the logical halfway point between Paradise Lost and Hollenthon (look them up, you won't regret it). It has the catchy song arrangements and tasteful keyboard use of the former and the epic symphonic touches of the latter, though not at Hollenthon's extreme level. The vocals are aggressive without venturing into death metal territory, and the guitarist has an almost industrial approach at times. There really isn't a weak moment on this album, but the highlight has to be the band's cover of Carl Orff's "O Fortuna", which is something I'd expect only Therion to pull off so well.

Overall, this is a very solid album that should appeal to most metal fans. It's probably closer to 3 stars than 4, but I'll give Aion extra points for crafting their own sound instead of simply imitating Theatre of Tragedy.