REVIEWS
RECORDINGS |
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| Your Caress (25) |
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. AMAZON CO UK This album is amazing, and recommended to any fans of death metal, gothic metal, or just good metal generally. The main thing that struck me about this CD is the incredible fusion of clean vocals with death metal growls. This style is reflected in the music too, which alternates between beautiful acoustic sections with some folk influences through to the more traditional heavy guitars. A big plus to this album is the inclusion of Melanie's vocals, which are often found singing haunting melodies behind the in-your-face onslaught of the guitars and excellent drum work. One last thing to point out - don't be put off by the fact that there are only seven tracks on the album. The majority of these are epic songs with many changes in style and tempo, and each track by itself is a masterpiece. Strongly recommended. ***** Mind-blowing., October 29, 2002 Reviewer: A D Johnston from Arnold, Nottingham United Kingdom
ANDI'S HOMEPAGES Fronted by the former "Seventh
Angel" guitarist and Vocalist, Ian Arkley,
"Ashen Mortality" are a four piece outfit who
combine a powerful and atmospheric musical style with
dark yet hopefilled lyrics. Andi Lee.
ART FOR THE EARS It was in September 1994 that I saw this band live in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Then the band had two demos out. I enjoyed the concert very much because of the great atmosphere they created by their doomy deathmetal which they varied with English folk elements and medieval type of sounds. Then I didn't buy one of their demos because I hoped they would release a CD soon. I regretted that decision eversince because it took till 1996 for their debut-album (Sleepless Remorse) to come out. And that album wasn't in the stores. Your Caress, their second CD, is the first one I could lay my hands on and I'm glad. Ashen Mortality is the band of Ian Arkley of Seventh Angel fame. Your Caress fits his historical development. With Seventh Angel he started with thrash evolving into doom metal with some death-influences. Early Ashen Mortality was doomy deathmetal and now there are keyboard elements added and it's no longer as deathy. What stayed during the years is the folk-stuff. On Your Caress that's done more soberly then in the Seventh Angel days with only acoustic guitar and vocals by Melanie-Sarah Bolton. The opening track Broken Bonds displays that. Then follows the title track with some heavy riffs and occasional leads by Ian, sustained by an oiled rhythm-section. Beautiful song. Vocally Ian varies during the album from the clean (and sometimes emotionally dreadful-sounding) vocals to deathgrunts. Your Caress is a beautiful record with wonderful songs I enjoy. The biggest drawback is the duration of only 37 minutes. Eric Overvest
BLOOD SACRIFICE (USA) Issue 1 Summer 1999 Ian Arkley can be considered, in my opinion, as the Tom Warrior of the Christian metal industry. Ian Arkley never does the same thing twice. He is always charting new territory. Your Caress is the sophomore release by Ashen Mortality, and although more plodding and somewhat heavier anddefinitely more technical than Sleepless Remorse, it took me a while to warm up to it. I think this album is one of his best, but because of how technical this album is, I had to listen to it a few times to really appreciate what Ian was doing. The best thing about this album is, Ian uses two vocal styles and uses them in just the right spots. Death vocals give way to true singing and vice-versa that highlight the moment, and show the feeling of the song. Melanie Sarah-Boltons's vocals are at times mixed in with Ian's, which really adds a new dimension to the sound.Your Caress is more classical than Sleepless Remorse but at the same time, as deathy, and still as heavy. The more I listen the more I enjoy it. It's really well thought out. Sample song titles: Your Caress, My Reflection, Our Eden, Through the Vale Abdiel
BRAINTICKET Nice and tightly played doom/death from the U.K Good Songs, strong production and will appeal to fans of My Dying Bride, early Paradise Lost, etc.
BRITISH EXTREME METAL DIRECTORY With their second album Your Caress recently released on Forsaken Records, Ashen Mortality continue where they left off with some brooding atmospheric Death/ Doom which has a wide range of textures blended into a variety of male hoarse/ clean and female vocals. There are hints of My Dying Bride yet the band have a distinct feel to their mournful music.
BRUTAL REALITY (USA) Issue 4 (Jan/Feb 1999) This second release from England's ASHEN MORTALITY is truly a masterpiece in the realms of doom. Vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, Ian Arkley (formerly of the pioneering Christian thrash band SEVENTH ANGEL) is the frontman of this superb death influenced doom unit. In comparison to their first CD "Sleepless Remorse" this is a vast improvement. The production is flawless and Arkley's guitar playing seems to have improved a bit. The songs are a bit shorter, and that only makes for a more structured album. And it's a bit less monotonous (as most of the stuff on "Sleepless Remorse" clocked in at over ten minutes per track!). He has also incorporated a lot of clear vocals a la newer PARADISE LOST. Melanie Sarah Bolton (keyboards/vocals), sings lead on two tracks and lays down an atmospheric Goth-like background with the more subdued keyboards and backing vocals. Guitar-wise they still rely upon the doomy sound structures of bands like TROUBLE, BLACK SABBATH, and LAST CHAPTER. Also to the benefit of this CD is the artwork and layout which add beauty and style to this epic CD. Lyrically the songs deal with love, beauty, forgiveness, restoration, innocence lost, and some abstract poetry. They do mention Christ but this is not an evangelical album. It is however a fine piece of doom metal that would be a welcome addition to any music collection. 5/5 = Sheer Perfection Norm
CROSS RHYTHMS MAGAZINE (UK) Issue 50 (April/May 1999) Amidst the mass of music from the States, it is both refreshing and encouraging to see UK bands raise their heads from time to time. Since "Sleepless Remorse", Ashen Mortality have taken a couple of years break and returned with a breath taking third release. Featuring newcomer George Aytoun on drums, Ashen Mortality's sound has both deepened and matured. "Your Caress" celebrates a richly diverse and proficient onslaught of sound, deftly created by the band. Both Ian's and Melanie-Sarah's vocals are on top form for this project; an album that is both rich in texture and diverse in sound. Though heavy and intense, the majestic blend of gothic doom laden progressive metal lets up from time to time, exposing passages of delicate acoustic ballads over which Melanie-Sarah's haunting vocals appear. There is but one word to describe "Your Caress" - stunning! 9/10 Alex Figgis
CROSS RHYTHMS MUSIC Ian Arkely and Co are back with their second album of Doom/Death metal. Imagine a cross between Seventh Angels "Lament for the Weary" and Paramaecium.
DISENTOMBED (USA) Issue 6 Why is their insert full of flowers and trees?? Ha ha, I guess A.M. is just four tree-huggin' hippies! Ha ha! It's been three years since we heard anything from British doomers A.M. when they released their debut disc "Sleepless Remorse". How is this new effort different? First off, Ian is singing a lot more, not just growling throughout. I like this because it creates such a good contrast: the singing against the cold, hard guitar riffs. Also I think their using a lot more acoustic parts mixed in with the riffage and this sounds cool! A. M. has always been a classy band and they've only gotten more so. I sense that there's a lot of feeling and emotion in this and I think that's what authentic doom is all about: creating a real atmosphere and putting your emotions into the music.
DOOM METAL.COM Ashen
Mortality deliver a top-notch second effort with 'Your
Caress'. This Christian Death/Doom act might not sound
too innovative anymore in this day and age with the
alternating female/male vocals and grunts vs.
(exceptionally Aaron of MDB like) clean vocals. But
remember that this CD was recorded back in 1998 towards
the end of the hay days of death-doom. The overall
quality also blows most competitors out of the water. Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel (2005)
FIFTH SEASON (UK) Issue 9 (August 1999) I'd wager favourable odds of course, that none of you have heard of this band, which severely limits the tools I have at my disposal, for I can't just compare it to their debut album or either of the preceding demos. Shame really, because to describe it in that way using far more words than I need (to fill up space of course) would be far easier. I've managed it for god knows how many years so far, so I guess it's time to learn otherwise. Ashen Mortality, and certainly mainstay husband/wife team of Ian and Melanie-Sarah have just about made a genre out of medieval death/doom, although it's quite a small and not so popular genre. Far from being Meads of Aspohdel medieval, here it's expressed (although they're not utilising that aspect so much) in terms of acoustic guitar work, akin to early Dissection acoustic pieces. That's only in odd parts though. The four piece, rounded out by Tim and new drummer George, sound like they're playing to relax you, yet they seem to be using a bit more distortion nowadays. Not as easy to chill to as their earlier stuff, but it could be a result of a slightly higher proportion of death metal infused on the album. It's still gloomy, and you can still make out every word sung, but the keyboards are made to sound low and depressed, without the benefit of a happy ending that constantly loomed over "Sleepless Remorse" 's horizon. Due to the slight style change I prefer the early stuff, but this stuff is as good live. Worth getting.
HM Magazine (USA) ASHEN MORTALITY. Those who know this band know what to expect - big, down-tuned gloomy guitars with growly vocals. The uninitiated will delight to know that former Seventh Angel vocalist, Ian Arkley, has been fronting this outfit for a few years. Quite a departure from his thrash days, he hasn't left the heavy out of metal here. Bands like this certainly benefit from the increased interest in the goth-hybrid music prominent today. Fans of doom originators Black Sabbath should find plenty to enjoy, as should the fans of Ian's ex band or even Vengeance Rising (thanks to the vocals). Lyrically, the pain of love lost is a reoccurring theme.
ILL LITERATURE (USA) Issue 17 England's Ashen Mortality received a lot of critical acclaim for their debut effort, "Sleepless Remorse", a few years back and I believe we've all waited with bated breath for it's follow-up. While their growth is noticeable the band have stuck to their doom/death metal foundation, which either sounds dated or fresh dependent upon your point of view as most of their peers have moved on musically. While, I'd say I'd have to applaud Ashen Mortality for sticking to what they started it does sound like more along the lines of the tried-and-true British doom metal heard by classic purveyors like Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Anathema in their formative days. The stuff is good, though, don't get me wrong as I am just trying to draw parallels. Naturally, if you are a fan of the style (and maybe miss it) then this band is still churning it out. One complaint, I would recommend utilizing keyboardist Melanie-Sarah Bolton's voice more to complement guitarist Ian Arkley's and break up some of the more dismal moments. Marco Barbieri
KENTUCKY FRIED AFTERBIRTH (UK) Issue 6. 12th November 1999 It's been a fair while
since they bought out their last c.d., but the interim
period was very well spent writing the 7 great tracks
that adorn this c.d. like priceless gems around the
creamy white throat of a virgin princess. (What!?)
LYKOS (UK) Dig around in the UK underground, and you really can turn up some gems here and there. One of them is this Ashen Mortality CD. Yet another band upholding the traditional flag of British Doom Metal with a self released CD, their music is all that doom metal should be. Heavy, slow to medium tempo, a variety of vocals (mostly understandable) and, above all, a lot of negative emotions portrayed in a very convincing manner. Some rather high tuned guitar solo work is out of the norm, and there are definite bonus points for the excellent vocal work. Deep music that goes down well with a glass of red wine. (Doesn't that sound pretentious? Well, it does though. Go well with wine that is.) Very much a together band, and probably a good job too, as more than likely they stop each other from committing suicide or something. Recommended.
MEGIN GIORD (UK) Issue 2 (Summer 1999) After a
break of almost two and a half years Ashen Mortality
return with their second album "Your Caress"
which shows a band who have improved immensely in sound,
musicianship (in no small measure to the recruitment of
Tim Cooper on Bass and George Aytoun on drums)
arrangements, vocals and lyrics. If I were to categorise
Ashen Mortality I would bracket them under
"Atmospheric Death Doom" although this is not
to say that they are by any means lightweights as some of
their riffs could floor a rhino when they gather momentum
such is the power behind them.
NEWS FROM THE INFESTED GRAVEYARD I have been waiting a long time for this CD from the new owner of Birmingham’s Doom Metal throne, a position previously occupied by Black Sabbath. Ashen Mortality’s first release, the "Sleepless Remorse" MCD, was a very good Doom Metal release. Ashen Mortality do not release easy accessible Doom Metal. It takes some hours of listening before the music fully sink in. Ashen Mortality do not produce music for music consumers. They produce music for the serious music listener. On this CD, the female vocals from Melaine Sarah Bolton, plays a more withdrawn, but still important, role in the music. The male vocals are dominating the sound, together with the guitars. The quality is very high throughout the thirty- seven minutes of this CD. Especially the title track and the brilliant "My Reflection". It is difficult to compare Ashen Mortality to any bands, but if you are into the early stuff from The Third And The Mortal and Theatre of Tragedy; this release will delight you. 5/6 - A very good release Lord Loch Lomond.
NORDIC MISSION (Norway) I think it is fair to say at this point that Ian Arkley has created a sound of his own. This is an important point to make when so many reviewers are comparing Ashen Mortality to Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride. Ashen Mortality do come from the same neck of the woods as those other two bands and do play a similar vein of metal, but, they have been consistent only to themselves. Even on this disc, Arkley’s finest since Seventh Angel’s Lament For The Weary, has that “sound”. Your Caress is a Gothic/Doom metal masterpiece. More satisfying than Sleepless Remorse in many ways, Caress has top-notch production, beautiful poetic lyrics, and emotionally stirring music. The highlight of the disc is the title song, “Your Caress” which is so hypnotic you’ll find yourself singing it all day. But don’t forget the Medieval sounds of Ian’s acoustic guitar and Melanie’s vocals on songs like, “Broken Bonds” and “Our Eden”.
HM MAGAZINE (USA) ASHEN MORTALITY Those who know this band know what to expect — big, down-tuned gloomy guitars with growly vocals. The uninitiated will delight to know that former Seventh Angel vocalist, Ian Arkley, has been fronting this outfit for a few years. Quite a departure from his thrash days, he hasn't left the heavy out of metal here. Bands like this certainly benefit from the increased interest in the goth-hybrid music prominent today. Fans of doom originators Black Sabbath should find plenty to enjoy, as should the fans of Ian's ex band or even Vengeance Rising (thanks to the vocals). Lyrically, the pain of love lost is a reoccurring theme.
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH & STRANGER THINGS MAGAZINE
The sweetest love from you offered Ian Arkley (former frontman of Seventh Angel) is back with more doom and gloom metal. Some say this album sounds just like Paramaecium's A Time to Mourn, which Arkley also played guitars and wrote most of the songs for. I haven't heard that album, but if that's true then he needs to make sure he varies his projects next time. Paramaecium and Ashen Mortality are the two most well-known doom bands in Christian metal, and it makes no sense for them to sound identical. Anyway, Your Caress is in many ways an improvement over Ashen Mortality's debut, Sleepless Remorse. The arrangements are stronger, the mix heavier, the tempo a bit faster. If you've got a good stereo, the guitars pack quite a snarling punch. Still with that same mournfully rough Seventh Angel tone. Arkley has always used slightly awkward transitions, but the unsettling starts and stops are put to better use here than in the past. Arkley goes for more clean gothic vocals than before, but the accessible death growl is still there, making for good contrast. The spooky organ plays a lesser (nonexistent) role than on Sleepless Remorse, which keeps the songs from haunting like a few on the debut did. Solitary acoustic passages, female vocals, and melodic lead guitar breaks help, but they aren't featured enough for my tastes, and they aren't tied in smoothly enough when they are. The lyrics are obsessed with our faithlessness and the darkness of fallen man, but the powerful and up-tempo "Through the Vale" ends the album with hope:
4/5 Josh Spencer (8/14/99)
POWERPLAY ROCK & METAL MAGAZINE (UK) Issue 11 (June/July 1999) Few of the albums I have been listening to recently have made half as much impact on me as "Your Caress". Albums like this are why I got into the extreme end of things in the first place. Here, in Ashen Mortality, is a band who can infuse hefty metal with the most poignant of gentle refrains and get the balance just right. At its root "Your Caress" like its predecessor "Sleepless Remorse" almost fits into the doom metal scene, but not quite. Bands like Ashen Mortality make you realise just how limited pigeonholes are. In fact, half the problem I had trying to review this was attempting to capture the feel of the album, without writing something that would put off people that I am s ure would enjoy it. I am still not sure that I have really done that, but after more than five false starts I had to go with something. Primarily this is heavy stuff. The tempo, if not leaden, does not really thrash along either. In fact, the title track o pens in a very ponderous mode, like the footfalls of giants, thanks to some excellent percussion. Yet even in a song that highlights the band at their most leaden, there are all the other marks that are a part and parcel of Ashen Mortality. "In Empty Eyes", continues the doom fest, only at a slightly greater speed. George Aytoun, drums, and Tim Cooper, bass, have to be praised for anchoring so much of this album so solidly in the extreme metal camp. The reason that the rhythm section have to be up for the task is that Ian Arkley's and Melanie-Sarah Bolton's own output goes places not normally associated with all things heavy. It is what this husband and wife team do that lifts Ashen Mortality above the rest of the genre. In fact, their combined work has more of a touch of heavy progressive rock, heavy with a capital H. Melanie gives the mix a truly sorrowful flavour with her plaintive vocals, and then echoes that with her work on the keyboards. "Our Eden" displays all of this to good effect. As for Ian, well he is a
guitarist of the old school. Within most of these songs
he intelligently works more fluid break in with the run
of the mill riffs. Some of these passages prove once and
for all that heaviness does not come from simply phrases
repeated ad-nauseum. True Ian can produce a good
selection of moody riffs for those who cannot live
without them. Ian also handles most of the vocals on this
record; he has a gruff singing voice that he uses
interspersed with an intelligible growl. So 90% of the
time it is eas y to work out what he is on about. The songs themselves
generally deal with loss, sadness and remorse - a
melancholy selection of bleakness. Maybe gloom is closer
to the mark than doom. Whatever the descriptive term is,
I know that despite its sorrowful nat ure I did get a lot
of enjoyment out of it, even those songs that are
heartbreakingly beautiful. SOUND 7/10 Ian Guy Lockhead
SCREAM (Norway) Here's a band on full speed ahead. Still melodic doom with a gothic and acoustic touch. The songs are heavier, the sound fuller and there's more clean song from Mr. Arkley. Mrs. Boltons fragile voice paints a picture of beauty and tranquility. Great music on this bands second album. Ordering info: Forsaken Rec., 39 Grayshott Cl., Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 6JU, ENGLAND.Mortality from England have managed to do what I expected them to do, namely to release a very strong follow-up album to their already very good "Sleepless Remorse"-CD. Their music has not changed that much since then, and thus still beautiful, emotional, melodic gothic / death metal can be heard. I would say that the songwriting is even a bit more sophisticated. This CD contains seven equally strong songs and the layout of the booklet etc. is excellent as well. If you liked "Sleepless Remorse" you will love "Your caress", if you know neither of them, please purchase them both soon, or otherwise you may regret it! 4/6 - Good AJ. Blisten
THE WHIPPING POST After falling in love with this band's first release "Sleepless Remorse", I just had to get their sophomore album. "Your Caress" is everything their previous effort was and more. This is one top notch album. I've heard many people complain about this band and say how they don't like Ian Arkley, but I have yet to discover why. This band is amazing. One thing you'll notice here is the variety in the vocals compared to the last album. Mr. Arkley does more singing along with his gruff growling vocals. But don't worry, Ashen Mortality is not getting soft on us. The singing vocals are as haunting as they come, making for a very creepy atmosphere. Along with Arkley's vocals are the beautiful vocals of Melanie Bolton. She sings two songs by herself that are short, but superb ("Broken Bonds" & "Our Eden"). She also does a lot of background vocals in the other songs. The music here is very heavy. The guitar work is terrific. Arkley is definitely one of my favorite guitar players. There are also the very haunting keyboards like they used on the last album that send chills up your spine. The production (although not perfect) is much better than "Sleepless Remorse". It's almost impossible to pick a favorite song. Every tune from "In Empty Eyes", to "My Reflection", to "From the Cage" please these ears. The lyrics are very sad and sometimes depressing, and express a lot of regret, but in most of the songs the hope of Christ is brought forth as the answer to the sadness. Lyrics like "...purity still remains for those who look to Christ and see." ("In Empty Eyes"), and "Lift me up, take this weight from me. Break this curse, put your strength within me." ("From This Cage"), show a person who knows that despite the pain, freedom exists in our Lord. The emotion felt on this album is very evident. The switching back and forth between singing and growling, soft acoustic to heavy electric, and the hauntingly beautiful female vocals make for an album that you will want to keep in your CD player for days. Folks, don't listen to the complainers. This band is very, very good, and I'm very proud to be one of their biggest fans. Rating - 10/10 Matt Morrow
TURN OR BURN Ashen Mortality from England have managed to do what I expected them to do, namely to release a very strong follow-up album to their already very good "Sleepless Remorse"-CD. Their music has not changed that much since then, and thus still beautiful, emotional, melodic gothic / death metal can be heard. I would say that the songwriting is even a bit more sophisticated. This CD contains seven equally strong songs and the layout of the booklet etc. is excellent as well. If you liked "Sleepless Remorse" you will love "Your caress", if you know neither of them, please purchase them both soon, or otherwise you may regret it! 7/8 - Brilliant! Oliver Schmidt
WREATH OF THORNS Ashen Mortality is back with their new modern medieval doom sound and awesomely heavy it is I tell you! The stand outs would have to be 'Ian Arkley's' vocals and the brilliant guitar tone. Arkley's gone after that gothic type vocal like MY DYING BRIDE's new style, mixed with brutal death like on their debut release, 'Sleepless Remorse'. 'Melanie Sarah's' vocals are beautiful too, adding a nice contrast between the medieval acoustic parts and the heavy sombre slab of melodic doom - so full of passion. The guitars are fat and brutal and some of the playing reminds me of the SEVENTH ANGEL days, cool leads and melody. The music fits the lyrics perfectly, dealing with feelings of pain of innocence lost and finding hope in Christ. 'Ashen Mortality' has captured a fresh and original sound here. Tight and heavy with a crisp clean production, a must have for all doomsters. James Dixon
WISE MEN PROMOTIONS Ashen Mortality was formed in early 1993 by Ian Arkely (guitar and vocals) and Melanie Bolton (vocals and keyboard). Their original line up also included Tim Cooper on bass and Ben Jones on drums, although through their career, their line-up for drummer changed often. They released two demos, followed by two full-length albums, Sleepless Remorse and Your Caress. During 2000-2003 the band hibernated, and in 2004 came back to life, playing live gigs in the UK. They unexpectedly broke up in 2005 for good, and have reissued their two full-length albums in one package. Musically Posted by Andrew F (2005)
BRUTAL REALITY This album is definitely going to interest those who (like me) are wishing that Seventh Angel had never broken up; because Ashen Mortality's singer, guitarist, and songwriter is Ian Arkley, who now plays with Paramaecium as well. This makes it easy for me to describe this band because they employ definite aspects of both of these bands. Take the thrash riffs, searing guitar solos, and acoustic guitar work of Seventh Angel, mix it with Paramaecium's gloomy doom progressions and throaty death vocals, and add some keyboards, female vocals and a tinge of Goth and you get Ashen Mortality. I like this band, I really do, but compared to "Lament for the Weary" and Paramaecium's latest work this album falls short. I think that if I didn't know what Ian is capable of I'd be a lot more excited about this. "Sleepless Remorse" just doesn't have the power and intensity of "Lament..."; or the dark beauty of "A Time to Mourn". This is partly due to the guitar tones, which sound rather wimpy. Fortunately, I heard a sound sample from Ashen Mortality's second album "Your Caress" and it sounds like it will make up for this CD's shortcomings. Don't get me wrong, this is a really good record, with some great guitar work and lyrics. The title track is one of Ian's finest compositions; the lyrics tackle the issue of abortion in a very personal rather than confrontational manner, which I haven't heard from any other musician, it is really awesome. Tim Cooper's bass work is excellent as well. However, I have to say that this album isn't really worth buying until you have "Lament...", "A Time...", or their newest album. Once you've got those and if you still dig this music, then by all means, buy this album too. --BB
CRITICAL MASS WEBJOURNAL I eagerly sought this disc because I think Seventh Angel's Lament For The Weary is one of the best Metal albums ever. After the demise of that band I felt a little "sleepless remorse" myself, you know. However, when I heard of the formation of AM by Ian Arkley I had hope again. Usually you expect a new project to progress more towards commercialism than the previous band. That is not the case with Ashen Mortality. What we have here is heavier and rawer than Lament For The Weary, though it is much more like Seventh Angel's first album, The Torment. The best point of musical comparison, however, is the the early musical releases of English Gothic/Death/Doom bands like Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride. I am most reminded of Paradise Lost's Gothic album. Many of the same elements exist, namely keyboards and the supplemental female vocals. The songs are also lengthy and cover such issues as lonliness/aging, abortion and spiritual concerns. But let me warn you: this is a "grow on you" kind of disc. You start out liking it okay then it grows on you. After it grows on you it'll be a regular part of your diet. --TE
NO LIFE TILL METAL Rooted somewhere between doom metal and death metal, Ian Arkley's new band lays down some of the most beautiful, yet dark, foreboding music I have heard in a while. The male vocals are really the only death element. The female vocals are clean, operatic, and haunting. The two voices mixed together over the heavily downtuned doomy guitars works incredibly well. They are some keyboards that add some melody to the music as well. Being a big fan of Seventh Angel, I must say that this album was disappointment at first, but it was only a matter of time before it grew on me.
RAD ROCKERS In 1993 Ian Arkley (ex-Seventh Angel) started a new foursome, offering a mix of progressive Gothic/Doom metal with medieval, atmospheric, dirge-like keyboard interludes and intelligent thought provoking lyrics. Although Ian handles most of the singing, mainly in a gruff growl, Melanie Bolton counterpoints them with her clear, soft, mournful wailing. Mix early Black Sabbath with Paradise Lost and Dead Can Dance and you get the idea.
EXTREME METAL (UK) Doom can come in many forms; catchy, depressive, blackish, deathish, even groovy, but it is far too seldom played with originality and yet retaining its interest. Birmingham's AM do, and with surprising ease. They began in January '93 with the now married nucleus of Ian Arkley (g/v) and Melanie-Sarah Bolton (v/kb) both of whom were involved in the thrash act Seventh Angel (Melanie was their manager). In March bassist Tim Cooper joined, and a few months later Ben Jones entered the band, although he wasn't to remain permanently. With a month their debut demo was recorded and due to it's originality and impressive musical ability received praise world-wide. They then promoted themselves with some excellent live shows here in the U.K. and embarked on small tours of Germany and Holland. In July, they re-entered the studio to record the "Separation" demo, which features five tracks of skilful, emotional doom, with plenty of crushing heavy parts yet some atmospheric mellow parts too and the music is perfectly embellished with Melanie's lamenting, sorrowful vocals and Ian's extreme death vocals. The music also absorbs some influences from traditional music too, such as medieval and classical, as Ian comments "I particularly like medieval music and try to inject it into the music to give diversity". As the standard of playing is so high, I asked him if they were professionally trained." Melanie is classically trained and has grade eight clarinet, but can play lots of instruments. Tim is trained too on the organ, but I had no training. I just began playing along badly to Black Sabbath songs and went on from there". Last year AM recorded their debut CD which was originally scheduled for release on Head Not Found although they've now refused to release it. Ian comments "Once they realised we have some pro-Christian beliefs, they decided against it. It's bizarre really as they never even listened to it". Well I think their loss will be someone else's gain. And as well as a new label, they are also seeking a permanent drummer. Once everything is sorted out, AM is a name you will hear again and again. Contact Ian Arkley, 39 Grayshath Close, Erdington, Birmingham, UK (note - this is no longer a current address). Craig
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