Search - Luna Mortis :: Absence

Excellent. Simply Excellent.

Joseph Broge | Twin Cities, MN USA | 03/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After having been subjected to poorly executed, rehashed metal albums from new bands for nigh an eternity, "The Absence" by Luna Mortis comes as a breath of fresh air in a music scene deluged by mediocrity. To compare Luna Mortis to another female-fronted metal band would be a tragic disservice, as Mary Zimmer's beautiful, full-bodied contralto stands in stark contrast to the breathy sopranos and "one trick pony" guttural vocalists that constitute the status quo. Zimmer can do guttural vocals with the best of them, but that is just one of the many techniques she has mastered.



Brian Koenig's guitar work (along with rhythm guitarist Cory Scheider) is in the league of players like Vai, Malmsteen, and Petrucci, shattering the mold of the modern metal guitarist who relies on slack tunings and excessive gain to compensate for lack of technique and ability. Just when we thought that guitar lines and solos in today's heavier music would consist of nothing more than overly-saturated power chords and pentatonic wankery, we get the virtuoso playing and dual guitar harmonies that have been so sorely missed. If you happen to be the type that appreciates true musical talent and ability, you'll love this album. Every member of Luna Mortis is truly a professional on his/her instrument, and the finished product shows exactly that.



Of course, all would be for naught if the songwriting wasn't there. The fabric of the song is 99% of the battle, and Luna Mortis has it nailed down. Koenig's compositions are beautifully melodic, intricate, and quite memorable. Without relying on any clichés or cheap pop hooks, his songs draw you in and make you want to keep listening over and over again. Even when you're not listening to music, you'll often find Luna Mortis still playing in your head - a rare feat for a contemporary metal band. I'm particularly fond of the songs "Ash," "Ruin," and "Forever More," but if someone asked me to name the best songs on the album, I'd just say "tracks one through ten."

"

A great combo of old and new school Metal

John P. Gunn | NC | 05/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The title of this review say it all. The influence of Maiden is there with the story telling in the lyrics, the Killer riffs with a flare of Judas Priest is there and the headbangability of Slayer all packaged with Luna's personalized touch. Mary's dynamic vocal range can only be compared to Rob Halford's without the over the top opera stuff. This is one for the ages for sure and I personally can't wait till their next one comes out."

WHY HAVN'T U BOUGHT THIS YET?

I. Davila | Denver | 08/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is really good metal from a fresh american band. Think Arch Enemy and At the Gates meets Kamelot, and Stratovarius, with a little Evanescence. Luna Mortis has powerful female vocals from Mary Zimmer, both clean and harsh, which showcase the dynamics of this band. They are extremely melodic, containing the best elements of Melodic Death, and Power, and Progressive metal, along with all the classic metal influences. They used to be the Ottoman Empire, but recently changed their name to Luna Mortis helping to signify them as a darker band. While not gothic metal, they have some of those tendancies, which totally fits their newfound moniker, but completely pave out new paths along their heavy metal journey. There are a few flaws in this CD, but it is still very enjoyable, especially the brutal melo-death/thrashy guitar, and death metal vocals. Luna Mortis is one of the bright spots on the new american metal sphere."