It's evident right from the start, that with 'Miracles: Totem Taboo', Misanthrope wanted to stand out from the metal bands. Beginning with some aerophone, it immediately sets up an obstacle which for me is hard to get over.

Out-of-norm song structures aren't easy to get into either. There's some good parts in there, but also some rather unlistenable material, and the music feels like it is just a chain of different parts. At most recognizable, there is some links to the ancient music of Paradise Lost and Cathedral, but as Misanthrope are French, this is really French, so to speak. There is also weirder bits like classical music and monk choir snippets included. The biggest EVER obstacle is the weepy vocals, which are presented on the second song. They are, slightly put, horrible! However, the same thing on 'La démiurge (Gloomy Remix)' as a slowed down sounds something beyond words... *vomit* *vomit* Actually, the whole song is slowed down. Anyways, vocal styles vary from snarl to whispered voice. The third "miracle" (the last 4 songs) is the death metal one, with growled vocals, double kick drum stuff and gut-wrenching riffage. Definitely the most accessible part on this platter, although not anything special, just doomy death metal done okay (not including bass guitar).

The band's avant garde doom/death metal is not easily accessible for sure. I simply can't get into this, and I think Misanthrope began to shine on their 1997 release 'Visionnaire'. This is only for the brave ones, but definitely will not appeal to every brave soul. I can't listen to this, thanks to weepy vocals, which are horrible stuff to listen to. I have to say, that 'Miracles: Totem Taboo' is one ugly album. If you think that true metal must sound ugly, then be my guest and try this one. Please, never again.

Rating: 3 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/02/2007 11:31