WITHOUT FACE
Astronomicon (Earache/Elitist)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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Better known for bands like Aurora and Black Out, Hungary can now also lay claim to producing sinister progressive metal with touches of Dream Theater. This, the follow-up to 2000's Deep Inside finds Without Face refining their sound and ripening as a band. Touring with Kovenant and Anathema helped not only in their development as songwriters, but it also brought them to the attention of Earache and Elitist Records who will oversee three more offerings.

Keyboards and electric piano play off the guitars and drums in with violins helping to maintain the supernatural cohesion. The vocals arrive twofold, with Juliette's eerie yet velvety singing offsetting Andras' lower register. I didn't rub away invisible cobwebs after listening - I wanted to hear it again. Stay tuned. I know I will.

8/10

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry