Arcturus - La Masquerade Infernale |
Rating - 5/5 |
By Greg Northrup
This is one the
strangest, yet provactive and progressive albums I have ever heard. I have been spellbound
by this album ever since I heard it. I know that bands always say that their music is
"impossible to define", so much so that the term has last much of it's meaning.
However, in the case of La Masquerade Infernale, the term is more applicable than it has
ever been to any album, at any time, anywhere. The music is sweeping, complex, and
orchestral and navigates the heights of Dionysian ecstasy.
Arcturus employs a wide
variety of instruments and vocal styles in creating an incomprehensible, yet blindingly
brilliant cacophony of sound. The two vocalists play off each other in an almost operatic
style, rarely repeating a melody, yet somehow embedding every lyric in the depths of the
mind. The instrumentation is dramatic and unpredictable, moving from black metal to evil
carnival music to progressive rock within a few minutes. Many of the vocal and
instrumental interplay employs exotic, seemingly eastern (Arabic?), melodies and
structure. It is almost an intellectual exercise to listen to and pick up on all the
subtleties in the album.
This album is probably not for everyone, but
those who enjoy bands like ...In The Woods, Samael or even vintage Genesis stuff will be
the most likely to pick up on it. Those who open their minds to this album are in for a
big time sonic reward.