Tragedy fashioned into a profound musical statement
JeffGonsalves | Citrus Heights, CA USA | 12/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Neverdream's astounding "Souls 26 April 1986" is a stunning and sobering experience. I had never heard of this Italian progressive metal band, but after hearing clips of their songs I decided to take a chance. I'm incredibly glad I did.
This album is extremely mature for a debut. All the musicians are creative and gifted. The production is stellar, with plenty of crunch and atmosphere that allows breathing room for the backup instruments. The music is hard-edged yet melodic, the tone melancholic. An intense aura of dread and sadness permates the music, perfectly complementing a concept album about the catastrophe of Chernobyl.
The story revolves around the real-life meltdown of a nuclear reactor that created a 5,000 degree inferno that flung massive (and toxic) waves of radiation around the surrounding area. Swedish government discovered the abnormally high levels of radiation and tried to warn Russia, but it was initially ignored. This led to a plague of chronic disease in many families located near the reactor site, including leukemia and other forms of cancer. The album details in alternately angry and mournful lyrics the aftermath of this horrific incident.
Among the thrashy, chunky guitar riffs are simmering keyboards and a wailing saxophone. Inclusion of sax adds sophistication to two of the tracks. Vocal effects often distort the singer's mid-range voice, which enhances the brooding mood of the CD. The choruses are excellent. The album's tour de force is "Waterfall", a ten-minute opus with multiple textured harmonies, subtle drumwork, and an array of emotion that ranges from hopefulness to apathy to regret. Overall the CD reminds me of a post-apocalyptic tale woven into music that left a deep impression on me. Relying on powerful lyrics and inventive song structures, Neverdream is a band to savor."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
