Customer Reviews

Prey + Bonus

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

 

 

Tiamat was one of the only goth metal bands that managed to keep my interest. 'Prey' combines the psychedelic & dreamy touches of their ambient-metal masterwork Wildhoney and experimental triumph A Deeper Kind of Slumber with the goth touches of Skeleton Skeletron and Judas Christ. It's not quite as energetic as JC but isn't as much of a downer like SS.

Of all their releases, Prey is the most influenced by Pink Floyd yet, particularly the closing track "The Pentagram" which sounds quite similar to PF's "Shine on You Crazy Diamond." The production on 'Prey' is rich, with satisfyingly full guitars that leave room for ambient sounds. Johan Edlund's vocals are also at their most varied yet, rising from his usual monotone voice at times.

While possessing some wonderful tracks, 'Prey' has its weak moments. Some of the experimental electronic flourishes seem a tad sloppy and the album as a whole doesn't quite have a sense of cohesiveness. Nonetheless, it should appeal to fans of Tiamat who welcome their psychedelic touches and those who like their metal dreamy.

[EDIT: JANUARY 2009. I'd lower this to 3 out of 5 if I could. Time reveals this album's mediocrity. The only track that remains outstanding is "The Pentagram". But it's still much better than their most recent CD Amanethes, which is where this once brilliant band lost me. Stick to Wildhoney.]

Just to clarify, this is NOT symphonic Black Metal. It's not symphonic, and I would hesitate to call it Metal in any traditional sense. I hear more in common with the Sisters of Mercy and Depeche Mode than any kind of extreme Metal. There are pleanty of heavy crunching guitars, bringing Paradise Lost and perhaps Moonspell to mind. There are some mild electronic elements here and there, but nothing "techno." Very psychedellic sounding. As always, the Pink Floyd influence is strong. Overall this is a good Gothic rock/metal album to show that 14 year old at school, who thinks Evanescence is Goth, what's what. Only thing I would have liked are more up-tempo dancable rockers.

To use one reviewers words above, Tiamat can do no wrong! That basically sums up the review for this CD. Prey, really came out as a surprise because Tiamat recently (2002) released Judas Christ (Excellent). Within a year comes out Prey, and is actually better than JC.

The difference now is the the principal band member Johan's influence Pink Floyd is more apparent in Prey. In a very good way. The album begings with the incredibly enchanting Cain. Which I have been listening to in a repeat mode since I got the album. Cain is followed by the brilliant Love in Chains, a neat melody. Divided is probable the best track on the album with some outstanding vocal harmonies. Carry Ur Cross is a song that is moslty sung by the beautiful voice of a lady, followed by Johan. A great number. Most of the songs that follow are similar in structure, enchanting melodies, good guitars, memorable harmonies, mostly ending on a lead guitar note. Pentagram, is a track that is closest to Pink Floyd by a non-Pink floyd band you will ever here. I wonder how Tiamat captured the unattainable soundscape that Pink Floyd creat. This is a great album every music fan should own...Long love TIAMAT...