Search - Alchemist :: Austral Alien

Trailblazing psychedelic-metal Champs!

sintaur | Onoda shi, Yamaguchi ken Japan | 07/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alchemist are back with another fine collection of metallic, melodic, and passionate songs. Since their thrash metal beginnings, through their blast-beat, death metal days, Alchemist keep changing with their listeners. The new album doesn't grab you straight away - it's definitely not a casual listen - but, like all good albums, takes a while to sink in. Musically, there's plenty going on here: metal guitars, keyboard backup for texture, harsh vocals (but not the "Kam Lee" wipeouts of the past!), and thoughtful lyrics about the environment, particularly in regards to Australia. The last is a really impressive development - it's great to see this band commenting on Australia etc, and making such adult, "real" music. Definitely a CD for those with open minds and a love of metal - the two aren't necessarily contradictory! Just wish I could get a hold of "Spiritech" - their back catalogue is shamefully hard to get!"

Unique and brilliant

Brian Fischer-Giffin | Sydney, Australia | 01/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whatever Alchemist serves up, you know it's going to be quality, different and unique. Since their first forays into the metal arena, this has always been a band to tread its own path. Unsurprisingly then, 'Austral Alien' is going to be something you've not quite heard before. In some ways this new album is an extension of the territory Alchemist was exploring with 'Organasm', but on 'Austral Alien' the band expands on it much more, with lyrical inspiration drawn from nature and the Australian landscape and a musical direction that delves further into the realms of ambience. Unlike many others, however, Alchemist's ambience is a warm and rhythmic one, where the sounds and textures of their arrangements weave together to give an earthy and organic feel that is occasionally similar to that of Devin Townsend's 'Terria'. At times the songs lull the listener into a near-hypnotic state before a surging guitar riff breaks the spell and the band's trademark interplay of slide guitars and keys sets up another otherworldly scenario. The mesmeric feel of the album is further enhanced by the appropriately clean and mid-range vocal delivery throughout. 'Austral Alien' is another triumph for this great Australian band who can simply do no wrong.



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