Search - Abyssos :: Fhinstanian Nightbreed

Phantoms of the Vampyre Opera

soulscythe | Orlando, FL United States | 12/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Let me tell you, I was surprised to find this album wasting away in the discount bin of my local used CD store. No doubt I picked it up with a sheepish grin and listened to it on my way home, but did not fully understand and appreciate the melodic majesty until I had sufficient peace the next night and digested the compositions as sleep gripped me tight...Being the brainchild of two (YES, 2- if you don't count the session vocals) artists, Abyssos' 'Fhinstanian Nightbreed' is a densely layered creation that mixes black metal elements with operatic and heavily melodic discourse. By "operatic" I do not intend to suggest that they sound anything like the unique Nightwish styled artists... it is hard to explain: expect a black metal experience with select operatic parts on both female and male vocals. I still cannot explain why the first track, "Masquerade In the Flames (Another Black Friday)" sounds like a lost performance from 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Maybe its because the vocalist envokes the Phantom's familiar voice and style during some sections (as found on any 1986 compilations with the original cast).The songs on this album are very well conceived and prove that talent does not depend on numbers, as Abyssos easily dissmember the 9 man outfit Slipknot. Afterall, you'd better sound complex if you have a high number of "artists"... look at Therion, Theatre of Tragedy, etc and then compare the primitive and shallow output from Slipknot...The title track, "Fhinstanian Nightbreed", brings a smile to my face each time I listen to it as it reminds me of the Final Fantasy video game soundtracks. And the other instrumental, "She Only Flies at Night" is a pleasure to listen to! This short (I want more) piano piece reminds of classical compositions. What else can I say about this album beside that it is very well composed, each song has multiple movements and sections, and the sound is breathtaking...Though the pricetag of this oft overlooked band is a bit daunting, I would still suggest devising a way to get your hands on this one (hell, try to find it used!)."

Genious.

Teron | Tx | 04/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album totally sends out a sound of talent. Sounding like an entire band, the work of Rehn on two guitars, bass and keyboard accompanied by Soderlund on drums puts down the entire commercialised Heavy Metal scene. The guitar riffs and drumming can put any of those bands to shame. The problem with these guys and the ret of the Black Metal scene is that they are not getting enough publicity. If this band alone comes to light, the likes of Kor, Limp, Chamber, Slipknot will have alot to work up to. This album is highly reccommended to those into Black Metal or want a new approach to metal in general. Get it, now."

Wow... this is nice

Michael Smith | Calgary, AB, Canada | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love anything heavy with a melodic edge to it. This CD is quite brilliant, the guitars have some super melodic riffs. I'd have to say this isn't just black metal, it's a mix of black metal and melodic death. And it's sweet! more bands should join this genre. i'm not a huge fan of straight black metal, so i was a bit sceptical at first, but it really grew on my after the first or second listen. My favorite track is the last one, Whenever the witches fly, the melodies are awesome! no vocals, which i don't mind because i could always do without death vocals most of the time :) not that they're bad, but they don't add much in my mind, it's all about the melodies, and honestly it's hard to make a catchy melody when you're monotone growling :)"