Review Summary: Ambient Melodic Death Metal from the Netherlands.
Now when it comes to producing metal, countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland tend to dominate musically, and overshadow other countries just catching on to the worldwide craze. However, as of recent, metal is expanding vastly upon Europe like a disease, infesting the newer generation with it's brutal music and the various messages they support. As of recent times, the Netherland's have began contributing greatly to the metal world with local acts Epica, After Forever, and young bloods "Textures" making their presence known across the pond. Sadly many great bands have never got to reach the surface and expose people to their music. Callenish Circle for example, have been around almost 15 years and yet, have not recieved any commercial success or critical acclaim from their peers. It's a shame because these guys were pretty talented at what the do.
Although Callenish Circle broke up recently, they left quite a message with there last album, [Pitch.Black.Effects.] The fifth full length cd from the ratherly unknown group play a cocktail of melodic death metal infused with electronic elements, thrashy rhythm's and harsh death metal vocals ranging from high to low pitches. With this cd, Callenish have added new elements to their music, finding and perfecting a new niche, one that would remain to be the final sound of the band. What to expect from hearing this album for the first time would involve plenty of harmonized riffing, keyboards and industrial effects basing much of the melody wrapped around the heavieness of the music, and harsh vocals that will grow on you.
Ron and Muuk hold their own, playing the guitars well, hitting all the grooves setting the base of the music with the catchy rhythms and well placed solos. Gav impresses with his drum kit ability's, hearing everything sound so clean thank's to Tue Madsen's remarkable production. The electronic work is very tasteful, adding a sort of ambience around the dark edged music, never swallowing the music completely as true industrial, rather just adding melodies based around the solid string work. The vocals are either love them or hate them, depending on how you react to them. Pat does a good job switchin tones within his harsh voice, showing off his highs and lows every chance he gets.
A good example of what this CD sounds like would be to give the track "Ignorant" a run, which can be found off their myspace. Right away it opens with a full fledged electronica attack before the heavy guitars and harsh vocal's force their way through. Full of catchy grooves, plenty of melody based sections, and the blackened vocals spewing the lyrics out bitterly shine out particulary well in this song. One on occasion during the CD, female vocals make a suprise entrance, adding diversity among the cold music being played.
it really is a shame that these guys havent been reconzized more, as they have been creating quality music for almost two decades. Any metalhead should find this a worthy addition to their collection as it's a swansong done perfectly. Well R.I.P guys, I came on to your band, and hopefully others will join me on this musical journey.
