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UNIVERSE217
www.myspace.com/universe217
I'd not heard of Universe217 prior to receiving their self-titled debut album for review, and with the press sheet describing them as "probably Greece's best kept secret", I guess they are, at present, a largely undiscovered act within the metal scene. Formed in 2005, they categorise themselves as "Down-tempo/Jam Band" on their MySpace page and the record company blurb describes the music as "miserable fucking avant-garde doom", although I would add that their compositions, although conveying a discernible jam-like vibe throughout, are held together by a genuine progressive tenacity that is fairly unique within the doom genre. The Greek quartet are comprised of only guitarist, bassist, drummer and vocalist, although their sound is huge, aided by a wonderfully resonant production/mix by the band themselves, and frontwoman Tania's incredible vocal talents. With an affectively expressive voice, she utilises her wide vocal range almost as a fourth instrument rather than conventional singing (although there are moments of this too). Tania not only adapts her voice to suit the music's ambiance as each track meanders through sonically unpredictable twists and turns, but also adds to it from angelically captivating singing over the mellower passages (such as the second half of 'Harmless') to the powerful and aggressive, aurally euphonic screams over the doomier than doom opener 'In Your Head'. In fact, it is perhaps debatable whether Universe217 should be labelled as doom at all merely because much of the music is down-tempo. There are most certainly distinct doom idioms to be heard in some of the music but, whatever the case, the Greeks' debut offering is one of the best experimental metal albums you will subject your senses to within the last decade. Apparently limited to only 1,000 copies, 'Universe217' may soon be hard to find. My advice? Buy this right now so you too can experience its magnificence. Breathtakingly sublime.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Duplicate Records
Album
UNIVERSE217
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Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
37:24
RELEASE DATE:
2008
TRACK LISTING
1) In Your Head
2) Inferno
3) Swallow
4) 66
5) Harmless
6) Nobody's Sincere
7) I Don't Give A Damn
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Greece
"...a discernible jam-like vibe throughout...held together by a genuine progressive tenacity..."