Artist: Saturnian
Title: Dimensions
Genre: Extreme Symphonic Metal
Release Date: 24th August 2012
Label: Indie Recordings
Album Review
SATURNIAN is a five piece Extreme Symphonic Metal band from UK, about two years in existence and after some touring, and winning in the Bloodstock Metal to the Masses competition and opening Bloodstock of this year, they are here with their debut ‘Dimensions’, which comes after a single ‘Reflections Of A Forlorn Sun’ (2009). If one needs to reference their sound, one would draw a position between DIMMU BORGIR’s Symphonic Black Metal and SEPTIC FLESH’s Symphonic Death Metal out.
The beginning ‘Construct Illusion’ is a short intro, and quite an effective one – it whets one’s interest. I wouldn’t hold my breath though: as the album progresses this climbs off that initial impression. As the intro was symphonic and not so much mixed within the genres’ melting pot, it comes through as cleaner and tighter, not to mention it delivers on the dramatic and epic aspect. Their ambition to bring many components together is commendable, but their music doesn’t deliver on the aforementioned epic and majestic scale that they promise – it comes out as an attempt, there’s too much labouring than a genuine inspiration if you like. Also its many components don’t come in smoothly enough to create a coherent whole; it manages to stand only as parts if you like, which is not enough to satisfy, it leaves a feeling that there is something missing.
And let’s face it, it will not hold up to the two bands I’ve referenced earlier at all, though on the other hand, it’s not torturous to listen as it’s at least not less than mediocre. The only song that stood as an exception is the ‘Eternal Eclipse’ where the promise is delivered better than in all the other songs put together. The verdict: their sound is not quite there yet, and though I’m not fully convinced I will say that a chance for them in the future does exist, when hopefully they’ll not only pull everything together better, but also feel more inspired.
Tracklist
01. Construct Illusion
02. Into Etherea
03. Aphotic
04. Eternal Eclipse
05. Shadow Of Prophecy
06. Traces From the Past
07. Dimensions
08. Origins Of The Future
09. The Immaculate Deception
10. Wreathed In Flame (Bonus Track)
Line-up
Wilson – voices
Myk – guitars, voices
Martin – guitars, voices
Scrivener – bass, voices
Sam – drums
James – synths
Websites
www.saturnian-band.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/SaturnianUK
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Total: 6.5 / 10
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