Album Review - Persefone - Truth Inside the Shades

Hailing from Andorra, Persefone brings us a pompous debut that is more than noteworthy. The band consists of guitarists Carlos and Jordi, bass player Toni, keyboardist Miguel, drummer Aleix, and frontman Marc. Together they have managed to create a six song album, that takes the listener though an auditory journey (and that's even an understatement) that is both unique and inspired. This is not to say that there are no weaknesses on this album, which there certainly are. However, for a first release these Andorrians have plenty to be proud of.

My first challenge was to try to categorize and compare the music of "Truth Inside the Shades" to other genres/artists that are out there in the metal world and beyond. I found right away that this is near impossible. I seriously hear influences form every genre of metal in this; Power, Melodic Death, Progressive, Doom, Black, etc. I suppose I can hear some Opeth-like leads and structure developments within the music, but it still has its own undeniable identity. This album is so diverse and contains so much variety and song structure changes that I actually feel like my head is spinning on my shoulders when I listen to this.

I am definitely, generally speaking, more of an enthusiast of traditional song structures. I find them to be more easy to listen to, and therefore more accessible. And that leads me to my main point in regards to this album. I really feel challenged by "Truth Inside the Shades." And I mean this in both a good way and a bad way. I recognize that this album needed to be listened to at least five times though before coming to any sort of conclusion, which I did. And even after doing so, I have a slightly firmer grasp (and higher opinion) of its musicality and listening prowess. I still am having some difficulties with it (I am now on my sixth listen though as I write this). Sometimes I feel like I just want it to be a little more traditionally structured, but without taking away from the natural complexity and amazing musicianship that is on constant display thoughout.

Basically what I am trying to say is that if the band toned down the constant changes within each song, and let each part develop a bit more, that it would automatically become more accessible (in a good way, not in a sell-out way IMO). If this could be accomplished without taking away from its progressive, melodic, and technical edge, then I think they would automatically rise to the forefront of the scene. With this promising first release, Persefone has shown that they have got what it takes to kick some serious ass in the Metal world, they just have to work on refining and honing their songs into more of a product if you will.

I can't say I'm a big fan of the production on the album. It sounds very thin to me, and a bit rough at times. I think the band would be better suited to take the next album to a studio where heaviness and beefier rhythm guitars would be more of a focus.

In conclusion, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something fresh and unique within the Metal world. If you are a fan of Opeth, In Flames' earliest material, or any kind of progressive Metal, then I would recommend that you get off your ass and go buy this.

Written by Jonah
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
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Jonah: 7.5/10

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