'A Fallen Temple' is a collection of varying material from Septic Flesh (SF from now on). Kind of. It was recorded in a few months at the end of 1997, but consists of new and old songs. Released after wonderful 'Ophidian Wheel' (1997), which happens to be my favourite one from the band, this didn't gratify my hunger for more.

My favourite part is 'The New Order' (songs 1-4), which comprises of the new material only. 'Brotherhood of the Fallen Knights' begins with eerie sounds from the underworld, soon exploding into very 'Ophidian Wheel' -esque soundscapes. Yes, the production is thin (drums do sound like a machine, but credited to some Kostas), but that's soon forgotten as majestic twin guitar melodies begin. They alternate with gruff death metal riffing, but definitely generally this is tilted towards the melodicity. Deep growled male vocals alternate with clean sung ones, which were another trademark. 'The Eldest Cosmonaut' is an atmospheric piece including orchestral bits and experimenting with different vocals. Natalie Rassoulis' opera singing is siren-like! Calling, supernatural. 'Marble Shining Face' was the band's most "rocking" song to date. It's just melodic metal with Mediterranean touch (dreamy, eerie), or whatever made this band so original. If these melodies do not stick in your brain, then music's not your thing. 'Underworld - Act I' is the first of two classical, theatral tracks. Not my stuff at all and not very Septic Flesh, more like Chaostar (this peoples' otyher "band"). Singing is fine, but some instrumentation sounds a tad toyish (all done with synths). As always, lyrics are mythical/mystical.

'Testimonial' (songs 5-8) is the whole 'Temple of the Lost Race' (1991) mini album re-recorded. Blackish death metal with is finely crafted, but thin sound ruins something. Blast beats, generally more evil atmosphere and simpler riffing, but still this weird dreamy yet eerie atmosphere and rocking soloing. 'Setting of the Two Suns' differs with its bass-driven basis and clear thrash elements. I bet the original was much more gruff, I don't know if there were originally.

'End of the Circle' (last two songs) includes second act of 'Underworld'. 'The Eldest Cosmonaut's dark version is surely different, but I prefer the original a loads better. This is heavily mixed: Effected drums are on the background, but guitars and bass are on same level with atmospherics. I usually skip this part.

'A Fallen Temple' is sold at full price and I find it a bit lacking for such thing. The new material does not justify the high price tag in my opinion. Nicely packed in a digipak, as SF albums used to be. One for the fans of the band. SF sounded most individual during this period. They called it a day in 2003, sadly. Rest in peace, the dreamlords.

Rating: 6- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/09/2004 18:15