Review by Adam M on May 25, 2015.

Fans of gothic acts such as Fields of Nephilim will feel right at home with this Order of Isaz release. It is an emotionally draining and atmospherically rich release that demands your attention. The types of elements that portray these things are actually rather subtle shifts and changes in the music.

Nice melodies are created with the simplest amount of control over the instruments at play. The musicianship as a whole creates a gothic feeling that is very effective for the band, much as it is for the similar act Tiamat. With these types of acts, a very gentle mood can mean a lot in terms of dynamics and Order of Isaz showcases this quite clearly. Adding to the quality of this album is a consistency that makes every track work well in unison with the remainder of them to create a well-rounded listening experience. Even the Dead Can Dance cover fits into place nicely into the overall mood. It’s appropriate that the very next track, the last one Dying Star, closes the album on an emotional high. That track shows a shoegazing aspect as do many of the other ones present on this disc. To complement the drama created on this disc is the fact that the mood is one that echoes loneliness and darkness rather than positivity. The culmination of different atmospheric elements creates an album that has an almost unending level of feeling. There isn’t the necessity of an extreme heaviness on this album, because of the moody effects that are created by moderation.

Seven Years of Famine is a great album for fans of bands like Theatre of Tragedy, Tiamat and Moonspell. Followers of gothic music from both the metal and rock genres have plenty of reason to rejoice with Seven Years of Famine.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Adam M on May 25, 2015.

Fans of gothic acts such as Fields of Nephilim will feel right at home with this Order of Isaz release. It is an emotionally draining and atmospherically rich release that demands your attention. The types of elements that portray these things are actually rather subtle shifts and changes in the music.

Nice melodies are created with the simplest amount of control over the instruments at play. The musicianship as a whole creates a gothic feeling that is very effective for the band, much as it is for the similar act Tiamat. With these types of acts, a very gentle mood can mean a lot in terms of dynamics and Order of Isaz showcases this quite clearly. Adding to the quality of this album is a consistency that makes every track work well in unison with the remainder of them to create a well-rounded listening experience. Even the Dead Can Dance cover fits into place nicely into the overall mood. It’s appropriate that the very next track, the last one Dying Star, closes the album on an emotional high. That track shows a shoegazing aspect as do many of the other ones present on this disc. To complement the drama created on this disc is the fact that the mood is one that echoes loneliness and darkness rather than positivity. The culmination of different atmospheric elements creates an album that has an almost unending level of feeling. There isn’t the necessity of an extreme heaviness on this album, because of the moody effects that are created by moderation.

Seven Years of Famine is a great album for fans of bands like Theatre of Tragedy, Tiamat and Moonspell. Followers of gothic music from both the metal and rock genres have plenty of reason to rejoice with Seven Years of Famine.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Tomek on March 21, 2008.

I love days like today. Not only everything went well and I made all my plans into reality but I’ve chosen Lacerater as background music to do so. What’s good about those guys? Why them? Why do I need background music? Well, here it goes.

Lacerater is a very promising band from Bologna, Italy. “Nessun Urlo Nell’Ombra” is a four song mini CD, clocking around fourteen minutes, crammed with Death Metal with some Grind and Hardcore bits thrown in for a good measure. All songs are well written, with riffs that are very memorable, lots of grooving and some catchy hooks. Solid song structures, variety in tempo and very juicy sound that reminds me of few Swedish bands from the eighties. There is even a brief solo, but unfortunately only on one song. Drumming very solid with some blast beats and double base of course. Burping bass attack also well performed and quite interesting. All instruments recorded, mixed and mastered with highest quality, making listening experience of this material very enjoyable. Brutal Death Metal rarely sounds so good on a first demo or mini CD. Lyrics are entirely in Italian, but with vocalist’s deep growl, low grunt and some screaming, it may have been in any language and would still send shivers down my spine. Reminds me of Glenn Benton when he growls for Vital Remains, but slightly monotonous at times and little less powerful. Nevertheless still good, strong vocals for a newcomer.

And now to answer the questions: 1. very well recorded, well executed and very promising, 2. lots of potential, kick ass sound; and last but not least, 3. a little headbanging makes time fly faster when you got to do what you got to do. Another thing from the list accomplished. I love days like today!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Originality: 7
Production: 8
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.4 out of 10