There are some albums that I like but I can understand why the rest of the world doesn’t, likewise there are some albums that the rest of the world likes, and I hate. Then there are a few albums that I like but just can’t understand why the rest of the world doesn’t. ‘The Blue’ falls into that catagory.
Why? Well, it’s heavy enough to satisfy most melodic metal fans, while remaining very listenable to less metal-inclined audiences. It is varied and themed enough to keep the attention of progressive metal fans, but the longest song is 7 minutes, not 70. More than anything else, though; this album is something a little different from the norm.
While it’s easy to track their routes in gothic metal, and there is a definitive dark melodic death metal sound to the record, but it’s not so much like either that it’s the same as any other album. Like ‘Insomnium’ for example, they have long, winding lead guitar parts throughout. But unlike ‘Insomnium’, the mood of the song doesn’t seem to be quite so dominated by its presence, it more just adds to the atmosphere.
All the instruments play key roles in all of the songs: As well as being thoroughly layered, there is seamless transition from acoustic and clean to heavier distorted sections. If any one member was to determine the feel of the song, it would be Carmelo Orlando and his vocals. He is a strong singer and a strong screamer and the changes in his voice seem very much to lead the music.
There is something about listening to this album all the way through that gives it that little bit extra. Whenever I hear one song from it I can’t help but listen to the rest of the album, too. The songs do flow extremely well together, not quite to the same extent as ‘Colors’, but far better than most albums. Also, there are slight recurring themes through the album that you only notice when listening to it all: Each song stands alone well enough but when combined, it’s very much a journey. This is emphasised by the sheer length of the record, coming in at 67 minutes this is not one for those unwilling to devote serious time to it.
I’ve listened to it many times, but I still am not bored of it. Though it’s unbelievably cliché to say so, this album really does just keep on giving. It will take you at least 3 listens to fully appreciate it, but you may still find new things within its many layers after the 10th listen or more.
9/10
1. Anaemia
2. Triesteitaliana
3. Cobalt of March
4. Bluecracy
5. Architheme
6. Nascence
7. Iridescence
8. Sound Odyssey
9. Cantus Christi
10. Zenith
11. Argenic
12. Deorbit
BUY THE CD HERE
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