SHAPE OF DESPAIR
Angels of Distress (Relapse)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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This Finnish band were once known as Raven, and convened in the wintertime of 1995 to start fresh. "Arctic" is a term quite appropriate in describing this mini album. Here is a slow, unhurried ramble through eight-foot power chords with disconsolate violins coursing over the top. In between the drops of rain falls refined, yet spectral female vocals that work nicely with the occasionally growling male lead singer, and synthesizers that land occasionally near the red of the VU meters. That pattern of sound shepherds this confidently away from the Death Metal camp in which "Angels of Distress" could've been boxed. It's all a bit evocative of old Paradise Lost or Cathedral, but only insomuch as it improves on what they've already done. Having said that, there were bits of this that also reminded me of Led Zeppelin's fourth album. This is well worth your time if eating Popsicles made from human tears is your idea of dessert tonight.

GRADE: A.

© 2002 - Jason Thornberry