If Deathanity of the group Odin's Court is a measure of what they have done in the past, their previous CD's must be very good indeed. This concept album is about the very sad state of our planet. Each track conveys an aspect of this global death. BTW, the titles of their songs are mostly neologism. The jacket cover leaves no doubt about the message. We see what seems to be vultures circling a burning tree; an apt imagery to clearly show what is happening. They play a mix of metal (hard rock oriented more than death metal) and symphonic prog. I have found this album rather pleasing to listen to. Their music is at time complex with many changes of rhythms and tone. Matt Brookings has composed most of the tracks. It takes a few listen to appreciate it fully, but IMO it is worth it.
"Terracide" is the murder of the earth. In the beginning, it is a quiet piece full of nostalgia (and with good reasons). It made me think of certain pieces of Pendragon. It contains passages more intense. It is a very good introduction to this project.
"Volatilestial" is a piece more in the hard rock tradition. The singing is adequate, but no more. Is the air evaporating from earth or becoming to dense?
"Manifest Destiny" is a classic metal track with interesting twist. And what is our destiny? The keys are rather good. I like very much the melodic parts and the guitar solo.
"Oceanica Toxica", which is horrific to contemplate, but sadly true, begins with a folk melody. Then it gets heavier as the subject commands. It made me think a little of Iron Maiden. And I love the piano! This piece is one of my favourite.
"Mammonific", in ancient time Mammon was the god of money (or a demon in Spawn)Is our civilization still worshipping him? LOL. The answer is everywhere to see. It is a good rock tune with very pleasing melodic passages.
"Anmimaulic" made me think of Metallica or Iron Maiden. The guitars are playing in a classic metal rock mode and their duo solos are very good. The keys introduce an interesting mood. I like it very much. Animaulic, is it the technique of animal destruction?
"Esoterica" is another tune in the manner of metal rock which seems to be in continuity with the preceding one. This is a very solid tune with shredders guitar wrap in a melodic package. It has also a very nostalgic feel.
"Crownet" begins strongly and has a nice bass structure, more akin to jazz than rock. It contains many interesting twists.
"Obesite" begins as a quiet ballad and develop as a pop song. We heard what seems to be sax, but I'm not sure, since there is no mention of it on the bands credits.
"Ode to Joy" is a fun metal version of old Beethoven 9th symphony 4th movement! There is an ongoing love story between classical music and much of symphonic prog.
"Cosmosera" is certainly for me one of the most interesting and varied tune of the CD. It is certainly one of the best on this project. It made me think a little of Soft Machine or other Canterbury bands.
"Vasatificant" continues in that vein and closes very convincingly this original effort.
I surely recommend this CD. It is a great listen. I will certainly watch and hear what comes next with Odins Court.
