LONG WINTER'S STARE

The Tears of Odin's Fallen
CD
Dark Symphonies

From the colourful and well conceived booklet which accompanies the CD one is informed of its primary focus, that of the Valkyries and the Ragnarök all of which is succinctly addressed in the booklet's pages. 'In the Hall of Odin' opens the CD with mournful ceremony wrapped in a procession of overlapping voices which seem to revolve about the music. 'Blood of Steel', I feel, begins the CD proper with the vocal trio of Clint Listing (harsh vocals/guitars), Deirdre Faith (vocals) and Greg Ball ('clean vocals'/keyboard/percussion) interacting with one another which in turn produces an extremely effective sound moving as the track picks up pace then pausing somewhat to allow for a marvelous refrain which punctuates the track. Deep growls mixed with the vocals of Faith really add to this atmospheric piece and indeed may give light to a distinguished concert. Faith's vocals here are tinged with a very folkish edge, the tracks closing notes fading ghost-like from the speakers. 'Blood of my Fathers' surges with a healthy pace, again the interlacing of vocals and changes in tempo contribute well to the piece, although I felt Faith's vocals too low in parts - seeming more effective employed when higher and with an adequate tempo. Someway into the track one finds a narrative style vocal which, I feel, doesn't contribute to the mood of the piece but thereafter both the music and vocals coalesce in rising fervour as they almost mimic the apparition of tranquility before a clash of wills and it's a pity this area wasn't developed more. 'Neolyth' provides sombre fare with martial percussion in tandem with keyboard, some narrative here again but this time it is difficult to comprehend the words spoken amongst the instrumentation and it does not really lend its presence to the piece, which in itself is quite good. The remaining tracks flourish within a cauldron of doom and discord such as 'The Last Call' where, again, the vocals of Faith and Listing are contrasted well creating an air of emotion and drama which unfolds in the bleak garden of plaintive night. Keyboards in 'In Arms' silhouette the vocals of Ball which he switches from altar-like to almost musing despair garbed ever in melancholy. As a first full CD The Tears of Odin's Fallen is a brave production which combines effective vocals and musical styles that may hint to a group who are, in a manner, developing their sound and the canvas upon which to colour with subsequent compositions. Tracks such as 'Blood of Steel' are certainly very promising and I look forward in anticipation to see how Long Winter's Stare evolve for this CD certainly provides for a competent foundation.

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM - 2 November 2000

• DARK SYMPHONIES PO Box 547, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
• DARK SYMPHONIES darksympho@aol.com

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