Search - Almora :: 1945

Symphonic Metal? Think again with Almôra.

Tolga BALCI | Istanbul, Turkey | 06/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years we used to listen to a few bands when it came to symphonic metal: Skyclad, Luca Trulli and to a point Stratovarius. Now, there is one another and in my opinion better than those big guys: Almôra. Yes, a very assertive comment against them but you will definitely think the same when you begin to listen 1945.



The album was mastered in New York Masterdisk Studios by Roger Lian (yes you know him from U2, Rush, Overkill, Slayer, Limp Bizkit, Mariah Carey, Pantera, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Rammstein, Smashing Pumpkins, Staind, Papa Roach, Monster Magnet, P.J. Harvey ...). The sound is perfect as anticipated. Every instrument is in place and heard exactly as it meant to be.



The two songs (1945 in Turkish and in English) were sung by Mr. Hakan AYSEV, a world-known tenor (to mention, one of Pavarotti's students). Throughout the album you will listen to keyboards, flutes, violins and God knows what else, all adding more and more value (and not marginal, believe me) to the musicality. Female vocals are all powerful, backed up by the incredible melodies, strong riffs and drums, which make you feel like the song just lasted for a couple of seconds. Surely you don't want any song to end, but that's life: the album lasts for only 36:10.



The album has also a political and social background in the lyrics:



Isik ver bana (Give me the light): Protest against girls forbidden to go to school by their parents or due to the so called traditions.

Kaf daginin ardinda (Beyond the end of life): Dedicated to the father (R.I.P.) of Mr. Soner CANOZER (the man who established the band).

1945: To the nation who could not still account for the nuclear bombs, but sees itself as the world's police department.



Before I forgot: the band shared the same concerts by Therion, Dio, Kreator, Pain of Salvation and Opethg.



My recommendation for this album is "Strong Buy""