DesDemon are a symphonic metal band from New York who describe their music as "Blackened Symphonic Metal". I didn't investigate the lyrical side of the album and the vocal style makes them quite difficult to pick out unless you are trying particularly to do so. However judging from info that came with the album, it seems the band are focusing on the darker side of life.
The opening track, "The Acquiescence of Illusion", is a speedy power metal outing with the operatic wailing of Mistress Tina layered on top. Musically I found myself quite liking the track, despite the fact that it is fairly standard fare, albeit well executed. The next track, "A Soul In Exile", confirmed my feeling that the dramatic vocals seemed to be too far in the background and divorced from the music, instead of driving it along as lead vocals should.
The next couple of tracks didn't do anything to change my opinion. Final track, the almost 12 min epic "The Absence Of Light", is the best on the album maybe because the vocals cover a wider range and the places which feature more straightforward vocals are more to my tastes.
So I'm left with the impression of a singer with a good vocal range and a band that can play. For me the vocals need to an integrated part of the music and not layered on top in a disconnected manner. The band show promise, but need to make some adjustments prior to unleashing a full album upon us.
Rating: 2 stars
