March 29, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

The origins of the Italian doom metal band The Foreshadowing go back to 2005, when former members of Kilmt 1918 formed the band with a few other people.  The shoegaze style of music that Klimt 1918 honed carried over to the new band.  When I first heard their debut album Days of Nothing when it was released in 2007, I hated it.  A few listens later, and I understood what it was about and ended up enjoying it.

So, imagine my surprise when The Foreshadowing returned this year to release a new album in Oionos.  Like the debut album, there is much sorrow and sadness contained within the music that the band plays.  However, there is much more to it than that.  With more depth to the sound and even more emotion, ala Anathema, The Foreshadowing is ready to take their place within doom metal’s elite.

Oionos clocks in near the one hour mark, with only two songs out of the eleven that make up the album being under the four minute mark.  This will obviously require some patience and a good attention span on the listener’s part.  The vocals are full of emotion and sorrow, which is an actual improvement from the first album, where the vocals were merely sorrowful.  On Days of Nothing, the entire band seemed uncomfortable throughout the album, which projected itself onto the listener.  On Oionos, the band seems to have found its comfort zone, which actually makes the listener feel even more uncomfortable, given that the emotion projects a feeling of being alone and outside on a rainy night with few lights on.  The guitars are rich in sound, yet aren’t too overpowering, which allow for the vocals to shine in an equal manner, as evidenced by “Outsiders.”  The piano laden piece “Survivors Sleep” is further proof that The Foreshadowing is expanding its emotional range in its music.  The pace of the music as a whole is such that it rarely exceeds the speed of a walking human, which should allow for the listener to take in everything that The Foreshadowing has to offer.  “Lost Humanity” and “Hope. She’s in the Water” are the best tracks on the album, and there is a Sting cover of “Russians” to go along with the proceedings.  The Foreshadowing isn’t for everyone, and those who are trying to get into the band will need a few listens to fully grasp the music.

Oionos is an example of The Foreshadowing beginning to tap into their potential.  With a stronger emotional pull in their songs and vocals that can provide a soundtrack to a dark evening, there is reason to believe that the band can be even better.  If one can exercise patience, then the listener will be rewarded greatly by The Foreshadowing.

Release Date: April 2, 2010
Label: Cyclone Empire Records

TRACK LISTING

1. The Dawning
2. Outsiders
3. Oionos
4. Fallen Reing
5. Soliloquium
6. Lost Humanity
7. Survivors Sleep
8. Chant of Widows
9. Hope. She’s in the Water
10. Russians
11. Revelation 3-11

Total playing time:  59:49

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

The Foreshadowing - Oionos