Blind Stare are album debutants from Finland, but not a young band. After five demo/EP releases and seven or so years, Arise Records signed BS and 'Symphony of Delusions' is the first fruit of the collaboration.

BS perform metal, mixing various styles without apprehension nor prejudices. The spectrum where from BS have lifted influences is diverse. Guitar riffs stemming from death and thrash metal, power metal style epicality and symphonic elements in synth work, plus a hint of blackened metal in vocals. This hybrid actually works very well, believe me or not! It still feels tight despite all the influences. Compositions are more or less good, every single one of them including something special, but what really sticks out is the band's energetic performance in studio premises. BS sound truly enthusiastic. Swedes such as Dark Tranquillity, older In Flames and even Soilwork, but mostly Skyfire's debut album 'Timeless Departure' (2001) are okayish hints to the BS sound. However, BS aren't a clone, but can stand on their own. Finnish melancholy is a part of BS and makes them different to aforementioned bands coming from western neighbouring country.

A lot of guitar work is aggressive, but melodic tasty leads work well. Synths are very varying, including symphonic work (almost sounding like eg. latest Nightwish with its real orchestra) and some of modern electronic sounds amongst other, more usual stuff. Songs are fastish, so there's loads of double kick drum stuff here. Vocals are mainly blackish ugly orc voice. Okay, they're powerful but can get a tad annoying at times. This is backed by two good clean voices, one of 'em reminding me of Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity, and some deathy growl. All of voices are comprehendable, by the way, and well articulated. Generally, the guys are skilled with their instruments. Soundwise I got no complaints. It can get very full at times, but not overwhelming so. It's powerful and clear. Everything is fluidy. Cover art is beautiful, but also suits with lyrical themes, which are mainly about darker side of human mind. They are well written and sometimes really quite special and different in metal music scene.

Blind Stare, that name makes me think what a fine world of different sounds can blind people hear in their head. Orc voice is the most extreme element of BS, I think, but musically this could suit for thrash, death and power metallers, and all who care for good songs and driving energy. Debut album of the year for me, thus far.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/30/2005 15:19