Review by Adam M on November 30, 2010.

This is an unusual album to appreciate. It has an Avant-Garde flavor that straddles the line between different metal genres quite effectively. Certainly the Black Metal and Death Metal aspects stick out on this release the most, but though the sound is smooth and straightforward enough for such an odd release. The songs have the theatrical flavor of a band like Sigh and similarly stay focused on creating cohesive music.

The Black Metal rasps found on the disc aren’t as impressive as the musical instrument meanderings, but do a reasonable job of added an extra touch to the music. The musicians manage to meld together riffs over unique and unusual sounding beats to a pattern that is compelling. When the band finds a guitar lick that is effective, it really sticks out of the pack, as can be seen from 'Cosmic Zero Equation'. The added touches of symphonic elements that show up on occasion add an extra dimension to the chaos. Still, this album isn’t quite as imaginative as it could have been on the whole. For the most part it remains interesting much of the time, but doesn’t quite maintain the same incredible pace all the way through. The great moments on the work are truly excellent though and there are enough of them to entice the listener at a regular pace.

As an album that attempts to put Progressive and Avant-Garde ideas into the mix, "The Serpent’s Manifold" is thankfully very controlled on the whole. It brings enough energy and originality to be an impressive metal release. "The Serpent’s Manifold" is recommended to metal fans looking an adventurous, yet contained, album.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7.5
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by Tomek on July 7, 2008.

Transcending Bizarre?’s The Serpent’s Manifolds keeps coming back into my CD player more often than anything else. Their music is something that makes me drift away and follow my imagination to some scary, surreal place. Anybody remembers the movie “Silent Hill”? The place is kind of like that. It’s time to share some thoughts, warn or invite some people and introduce a band and music that stung me with its mixture of musical genres that I’ve come to enjoy the most.

Transcending Bizarre? is a weird name for a metal band but maybe that was the reason behind the idea. Formed in 2000, released two demos and debut album The Four Seasons in 2003. Five years later they are back and looks like they might be on their way to the top of quite a few rankings most likely in more than one category. Listening to Transcending Bizarre? is an ongoing experience to me. Their music is an excellent blend of intense Black Metal speed, Death Metal heaviness, and an eeriness of a horror movie score. And this is just the beginning. On one hand they serve us double base drums with some blast beats, growls and screams, razor sharp guitar riffs and smell of sulfur, but one the other - piano passages, clean vocals, violins, movie soundtrack backgrounds and synthesizer samples. Black Metal serves as a backbone or a frame to this creature but we can also find plenty of classical orchestrations, instruments and choirs. Bands like Septic Flesh, Dimmu Borgir, and Tvangeste come to mind if I had to compare those Greeks to someone. Whole album is packed with ideas that come forward with each listen, creating a multilayered feel to the album. All songs have their own identity or character, with main themes being very strong and recognizable. I must also mention that all that is perfectly recorded and each and every instrument is highly audible. Whole album doesn’t have a single weak spot, no boring moments or filler songs. Transcending Bizarre? managed to balance all ingredients and elements skillfully, creating album that demands numerous listens bringing new discoveries with each session.

The Serpent’s Manifolds may not be for all to listen and enjoy since it incorporates few different genres, but it is worth checking out. It took them only a few minutes to bring me on their side so open your mind, give it a chance and listen. I wonder where will their music take YOU.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Originality: 8
Production: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.4 out of 10