ARTAIUS

Artaius, folk metal from Italy, shows that the Celtic influence is alive in a broad range of countries and people. The folk sound is appealing to both listeners and musicians; however, quite hard to pull off by many. Artaius' second album, 'Torn Banners', is a good effort that might have got lost with the different sound layers explored in it. From progressive influences to close to a "goth" sound in some melodies, the highest point it is indeed, the flute and the violin that end up being the only thing "folking it" and getting lost with all the influences you can find. In an Eluveitie style of growl, things don't seem that bad, but the female clean vocals are quite hard to digest. They are not terrible, far from that, but they should not be there, as often. This is something that needs to be addressed. Both in terms of when and where they should be located and how. Don't get me wrong, they might be in the right direction - if they drop a few elements and add a little bit more complexity and deepness to their sound. There are no memorable songs, but there are some really good melodies. Kudos for the effort. 'Torn Banners' should be a work in progress, not a final piece. The overall album is not something to completely put to the side but, instead, imagine it as a very promising idea.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Bakerteam Records

Album

TORN BANNERS

Review by Salomé Sequeira

RUNNING TIME:

52:49

RELEASE DATE:

19th May 2015

TRACK LISTING

1) Seven Months
2) Daphne
3) Leviathan
4) Eternal Circle
5) The Hidden Path
6) Pictures of Life
7) Pearls of Suffering
8) Dualità
9) By Gods Stolen
10) By Humans Claimed
11) Torn Banners

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Italy

"'Torn Banners' should be a work in progress, not a final piece... imagine it as a very promising idea."