Search - Krypteria :: In Medias Res

Enchanting!!!

Lee Wen | 07/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first review of an album and I'll show you why this from-middle-of-nowhere band was chosen to be my first. For anyone who loves such band as Evanescence, this will be a good album not only to fill up the gap between Evans' 2 albums but also to discover a whole new thing. The album itself shows great efforts of the German - Korean band. It resembles Evans' blockbusting Fallen in some ways maybe in the female vocal) but is not as dark and does have its own flavour as well. The album is no way near exellence (it is something like a debut) but try it and it won't disappoint you. Their music; however, differs from the other woman-fronted rockbands .Of course, any comparison between Krypteria and such band as Nightwish or After Forever sucks. Perhaps they are something nearer to Evanescence (but they are no copycat). The music is based on Gregorian chant and is led impressively by the Korean vocalist Ji-in Cho. Her sound is not so-good but bright and catchy (quite good for any ballad) and I have to admit that she goes live far better than Evans' Amy Lee (though I still love Lee's voice). That's why I regret missing their live concert when they came to my place in June.

1. VICTORIAM SPERAMUS: The first single starts in a good tune, followed by the soft singing and impressive backing vocals. The chorus is not in English but it doesn't matter as long as you can feel the epic atmosphere. A well-arranged piece... 4/5

2. WILL YOU BE THERE FOR ME: starts with some beautiful piano then speeds up in the middle with the blend of drumsbeat and guitar. The chorus is boring. 3.5/5

3. WHY: My most unfavourable track of the album, so plain and boring. The only thing that saves it is the good starting tune that was once used in another song of the band- Liberatio. 3/5

4. NO MORE LIES: begins more powerfully. The vocal has improves a lot ( compared to the first 3 songs). 3.5/5

5.QUAE LAETITIA: I don't understand this semi-ballad's name and the chorus, yet this is the best song on the disc. Try it and you'll have a reason to buy this album. It flows with the hauntingly beautiful melody. The nicely written lyric is full of imagination and also adds excitement. It's a REAL theme!!! 5/5

6. ALWAYS AND FOREVER: Soft vocal and nothing more... An average track.3/5

7. CONCORDIA: Another highlight of the album. The piano blends well with the bright vocal. The song is about togetherness. Turn off the light or simply close your eyes and let the beautiful melody flow right through you! 5/5

8. SAVE ME: A typical song of this album but with noticeably energetic beginning and pop lyric.

9. ANIMUS LIBER: A haunting ballad, one of my favourite, deep lyric and pale melody, pleasant to listen to. 4/5

10. YOU & I: A duel between Ji-in and a strong dark masculine voice (the guitarist, I guess). The lyric makes good sense and there is a smart reverse between the two vocals. The whole song bring something atmospheric. 4.5/5

11. GOING MY WAY: A goodie puppie song, feels like Britney getting up in Goth style. Funny to listen to. 4/5

12. THE TEARS I CRY: A catchy ballad, not so original but good enough. 3.5/5

13. CAROL OF THE BELLS: A nice piano performance of Ji-in. Cool and enigmatic. 4.5/5

14. VICTORIAM SPERAMUS (bonusvideo): A shorter and better version... 4/5

15. GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY (live): The tracks shows how well Ji-in can go live. Her vocal part is even better than those of the studio tracks. A powerful song with interesting lyric. 4.5/5



Overall: 4 stars. Krypteria is on a good ground to blast!

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