Search - Subterranean Masquerade :: Temporary Psychotic State

Now this is music

mysanthropyk_overlord | USA | 08/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In all honesty, my first instinct to buy this was the fact that Jason William Walton (bassist for Agalloch and many others) is on it. It had some other big names that I thought would make it good, like Paul Kuhr of Novembers Doom and Andy Winter of Winds, but since I am a die-hard Agalloch fan, it was mainly JWW. Anything he touches seems to turn gold. Subterranean Masquerade's two-track EP "Temporary Psychotic State" is no exception. This is a beautiful mix of prog-rock, folklore, and a little bit of metal. As one critic once said, "this is the kind of music Opeth should still be making." I wouldn't go that far, since Opeth is still rocking hard, but it really gives an idea of how great this band is. There are a few instances of classical instruments, mainly violin, and unlike a lot of the 'doom metal' bands, these violins are actually played well. They sound very traditional; maybe not as traditional as the ones you'll hear in Korpiklaani, but the next closest thing. Very folklore-ish. There are some female vocals that I don't care for, but they don't hurt. All in all, this is something that fans of prog rock and metal should have in their collection. Calling all Opeth, Green Carnation, etc. fans to pick one up today!"

Simply amazing

Jarek | New Britain, CT | 03/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Subterranean Masquerade brings together a variety of artists from some under appreciated bands and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The lineup here is strong consisting of drummer Tino LoSicco (Epoch of Unlight), bassist Jason William Walton (Agalloch, Nothing, Especially Likely Sloth), guitarist Jake DePolitte (Anima Nera, The Kill), vocalist Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom), and a guest appearance by Andy Winter (Winds, Age Of Silence).



The EP contains only two songs showcasing over 17 minutes of breathtaking music. There are elements from multiple genres here brough together in a wonderful amalgamation of music. We see layer of progressive rock, death metal, black metal, post rock, some blues elements and good old rock n' roll.



The 17 minute length is misleading as there is a lot to hear in these two songs. There are female vocals, beautiful violins, excellent death/black/whispered/clean vocals, excellent drumming, fantastic grooves and guitar work that all mesh together extremely well. There is no moment that feels out of place on this EP and it is really one of the best put together recordings of recent years.



The title track Temporary Psychotic State (A Recollection Of Where It All Began) is built upon an excellent bluesy guitar groove and wailing violins. The song progresses from a slow quiet pace with nice peaceful clean vocals and led by some excellent drumming ends up on loud death metal with some fantastic drumming and mournful violins layered behind the excellent music. This is truly one of the best songs in recent years. The progression of the music from peaceful to disruptive is excellent. The song is led by some excellent drumming, a very good guitar groove and fantastic vocals, both clean and growled. The lyrics are fantastic as well and work extremely well within the song. Near the end of the song, the lines "I'm almost there... I'm coming - almost touching - so real - so close - So much for fighting this psychotic state of mine " are delivered with perfection and the change from whispers to death growls on that final line is simply amazing.



The second track is also excellent. The lyrics here are about change and the line "Is this me?" brings about the metamorphosis of sound. Suddenly, the song switches from clean vocals to the wailing of a woman backed up by a somewhat middle eastern sound complete with strings. As her sorrowful cry ends, death metal vocals enter the fray again. There's another segue that brings about more death metal vocals with a leading guitar riff. Violins enter the song again. The drumming and instrumental work here is simply amazing again. The vocals work in tandem with the music and the use of violins proves an excellent choice. Repetition of "Will you hear?" with backing violins brings the song to it's end and as the instruments fade away, the mellotron becomes louder and stronger and brings the song to it's close.



This is truly an amazing release and bodes really well for the future of this band. Despite it's 17 minute length, it is well worth the purchase as the music here is complex, layered and very deep. You'll find more with each subsequent listen. If you're a fan of any of the other bands these musicians are in, a fan of great progressive metal like Opeth or Maudlin of the Well or just a fan of great music then I recommend this album. This is a fantastic release and I just can't wait for their full length album which is due out in April."