Mirrorthrone "Of Wind and Weeping" CD
[Red Stream]
From Switzerland comes this project where one-man handles vocals, guitar, bass, synths, and drum programming. The style is what I would describe as doomy atmospheric black metal with a lot of orchestral synths and some experimental/gothic overtones. The problem is that the mix is pretty fucked up and makes for a very sloppy, distracting listen, which is a shame, because for the most part I think the writing here is fairly curious. But the guitars are too distant, taking a back seat to synths and drum machines that, while not bad, aren't really that hot. The vocals are also far too loud, especially the sneering growls (though the singing is also a bit dominant). I can't make out an ounce of bass either. But in general the tones are fine, aside from the rigidity of the drum machines (which sound pretty obnoxious during the blasting beats). The synths sound great, the guitar tone is alright, the vocals sound fine, etc. The record just needs an even mix that allows the details to show through without becoming such a messy blur. It needs more consistency as well, because on a couple of occasions guitars come to the front more and the drums sound even thinner and the density drops back. Strange. There is a lot that I enjoy about this, though. Admittedly the drum programming is excellent, it's very technical and fits in with the diverse progressive nature of the writing very well, it's just that it sounds so obviously mechanical and flimsy, so there's no power there. And I do like the singing vocals contrasted with the aggressive styles. Hell, about 75% of the songwriting is actually really good too, often leaning towards more technical and involved compositions that stretch for an average of around five to eight minutes... it's just the delivery that holds it back. Sure, some of the wacky synths and effects used can be a bit too goofy for me, and the complex riffing could use some cleaning up, but those areas are the minority. The acoustic guitars and female vocals in "The Notion of Perfect", one of the strongest songs herein, are definitely a step in the right direction - as is the great lead break alongside some of the harder death metal styled riffing. I like the layout a lot. There are few colors used, and most of the imagery consists of crisp photographs of forest landscapes with tight boxes and compact text placed over top of them. The lyrics are in both French and English, and seem to deal with topics of nature and spiritual transcendence. "But I have to be aware of the dangers of the wrath of Mother Nature, For her sons like herself are to be shattered if they reach such a state, So I have to deceive the almighty Mother, For the state beyond god is the one for which I reach out..." I don't know, I had hoped this would be stronger, and it could be, but as it stands I can't get into this very much. If this guy could get a couple of other musicians to help him realize his vision, he'd really have something going for him. (5/10)
Running time - 52:43, Tracks: 8
[Notable tracks: The Notion of Perfect]
Red Steam - http://www.redstream.org

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