The Origins
Ulvand
The years of the 80's were essential for the creative power of many bands. It was on this decade that many different elements started to gather in Metal and Rock, because many dared to experiment an ample set of features to make their musical work personal. Maybe it's hard for modern Metal fans understand these words, but from the 70's to the 90's, making what was already done, without putting something of your own in your music would sound as a fake band, and no one would listen to them. But using some experiments, the French trio ULVÅND tries to do something different on "The Origins".
Musically, they mix elements from Symphonic Metal, Gothic Metal and Industrial Metal, creating something melodic, tender and commercially accessible for an ample range of fans of music (not necessarily Metal or Rock fans). It's modern, bitter and introspective in many moments, but concomitantly, it's aggressive, melodic and heavy, something that's not as usual as it could be, and even some grunts can be heard on their songs. It's really very good for the years. The sound quality of "The Origins" sounds clean and heavy, but with those modern greasy instrumental tunes on guitars and bass guitar, but without tearing apart the experimental/melodic symphonic parts. It's not perfect, though, but it's really very good.
Although all the songs share the same elements (but aren't the same thing, don't have early wrong ideas). But the tender and crushing electronic feeling that mixes with charming melodies heard on "Human Zoo" (excellent contrasts between female tender voices and guttural ones), the Pop Rock scent that comes from "Chrysalis", and the modern melodic grasp of "Valhalla" and "Una Vida" are the ones for a first time on the trio's musical work. The band is very good, but a future release, ULVÅND can dare a bit more. For now, "The Origins" is very good surprise.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The Origins" Track-listing:
1. Human Zoo
2. Chrysalis
3. 7 Virtues
4. Valhalla
5. Despair
6. Una Vida
Ulvand Lineup:
Béran - Vocals
Serge - Vocals, Bass Guitar
Wilfried - Guitars, Programming
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