Ram-Zet - Neutralized

Title: Neutralized
Artist: Ram-Zet
Genre: Extreme Avant-garde Metal
Release Date: 12th October 2009
Label: Ascendance Records



Album Review

RAM-ZET was formed in 1998 in Norway, back then intended as a one-man project by Zet, who at that time wanted his own musical ideas to develop after having played in several bands. Joined by a bassist and a drummer, the first album ‘Pure Therapy’, which combined elements of black metal, melody and progressive structures, was released in 2000. In 2002, ‘Escape’ was recorded, now with a complete line-up including a female singer and a violinist. After numerous changes in the line-up and touring with bands such as FINNTROLL and THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, RAM-ZET put out ‘Intra’ in 2005. By now, their latest record ‘Neutralized’ was promulgated, which before had been described by the band as heavier but slower compared to elder creations.

Well, to say the least, ‘Neutralized’ is far from being an album at slow pace. The first song, ‘Infamia’ opens up with a melody-driven, industrial appealing beginning, then continues with a male, screaming singer. That’s also what you’d have expected till then by judging the genre classification. But then, after the first minute, a female voice gets round to join the song, and from that moment on you realise that pinning one’s hope on certain categories might make you narrow-minded. RAM-ZET managed to create a totally unique sound and music. Their songs include ingredients from black, industrial, progressive, melodic and symphonic metal. This all stirred together creates an energetic, one-of-a-kind opus.

For all intents and purposes, the musical adaption ranges from violin-parts over guitar solos, fast shredding, keyboard input and a variety of vocals and other effects. ‘222’ is a straight forward song, whilst ‘Addict’ lasts over ten minutes and drags a bit in the end. ‘Neutralized’ is full of details and beautiful melodies, just like in ‘Beautiful Pain’, which also lasts over ten minutes but does not tend to get boring. It all ends with ‘Requiem’, which is hopefully not seen with regard to their carrier. Again, this is a suitable album for open minded people, who are not afraid to get involved into a multilayered piece of music.


Tracklist

01. Infamia
02. I am Dirt
03. 222
04. Addict
05. God Don’t Forgive
06. Beautiful Pain
07. To Ashes
08. Requiem


Line-Up

Zet – Vocals, Guitar
Sfinx – Vocals
Sareeta – Violin, Backing Vocals
Küth – Drums
Jon – Bass
KA – Keyboard


Website

http://www.ram-zet.com/ / www.myspace.com/ramzetofficial


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 8
Sound: 8
Extras:-
Total: 8 / 10


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