SONS OF SEASONS

Sons Of Seasons are a German 5-piece band who were formed in January 2007 by keyboardist Oliver Palotai and drummer Daniel Schild following their decision to quit Blaze (ex Iron Maiden/Wolfsbane) due to non musical reasons. ‘Gods Of Vermin’ is the band's exceptional debut album and is described as dark symphonic metal, a term that may not do the band full justice. The whole album is performed and produced to a very high standard and is intense, melodic and very intriguing. However, on first listen, the ideas might seem confused and does not make for immediate or easy listening. Thankfully, with repeated plays, you will be drawn in by the incredible range of moods and styles evident. The album's influences include the prog metal of Dream Theater/Kamelot through to the symphonic gothic metal of Epica. Henning Basse impresses with his great use of vocals, the mellower side being reminiscent of Khan (Kamelot)/Geoff Tate (Queensryche), whilst on the heavier sections he reminds me of either James LaBrie (Dream Theater) or Marco Hietala (Nightwish/Tarot). The album kicks off with ‘The Place Where I Hide’, a short haunting piano led instrumental. However, it's the title track that really sets the tone for the album being both soft and aggressive, featuring an impressive choir backing, heavy riffs and piano interludes. ‘A Blind Man's Resolution’ is an outstanding track, featuring heavy staccato riffing and a very gentle old proggy sounding middle section. ‘Fallen Family’ features some growly vocals and continues with the staccato riffing. This track also features a stunning guest vocal from Epica's Simone Simons and a wonderful synth solo. ‘The Piper’ is an excellent, slow, but powerful menacing ballad which has an impressive acoustic guitar/classical piano intro. ‘Wheel of Guilt’ starts off in hypnotic fashion, combining acoustic guitar with a softly sung vocal before leading into a short piano/choir section, the song returns to a soft sound similar to the opening following a heavy grinding mid section. ‘Fall Of Byzanz’ has a more straightforward feel and is driven by an instantly likeable synth riff. ‘Wintersmith’ is possibly the most accessible track on the album, being a gorgeous haunting ballad, which features another beautiful piano intro and a great duet between Simone Simons and Basse's Khan/Geoff Tate like vocal. ‘Third Moon Rising’ comes across as a classic Kamelot ballad and closes the album in style. The musicianship is captivating but it is Oliver Palotai (Doro and touring keyboardist with Kamelot) who stands out with the piano work, being a refreshing and breathtaking change from the usual orchestral string sounds frequently used on prog/symphonic metal releases. Sons Of Seasons have created a debut album the band can be very proud of making with much of the content sending shivers down your spine. ‘Gods Of Vermin’ comes very highly recommended for anyone who loves superbly played rock/metal of great quality, which is both interesting and challenging.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Napalm Records

Album

GODS OF VERMIN

Review by Dave Crewe

RUNNING TIME:

64:59

RELEASE DATE:

4th May 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) The Place Where I Hide
2) Gods of Vermin
3) A Blind Man's Resolution
4) Fallen Family
5) The Piper
6) Wheel of Guilt
7) Belial's Tower
8) Fall of Byzanz
9) Wintersmith
10) Dead Man's Shadows
11) Sanatorium Song
12) Third Moon Rising

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Germany

"...intense, melodic and very intriguing."