The band's name look like there's just another bloody emo-band plaguing the world, eh? However, instead of that, Behind The Scenery were another bloody melodic Swedish death metal worshippers.

Classically inspired acoustic guitars backed up by a piano and a bass guitar intro does its best to create a bleak atmosphere, but when it is promtly cut, it becomes another "intro that doesn't fit with the rest of the music". It sounds out of place. 'Apostle of Greed' (sounds a bit Opethy, doesn't it?!) is where the metal starts to flow. The song moves in very Dark Tranquillity's 'The Gallery' album (1995) style environment, at times hopping over a hedge to other side, that is Opeth's. Mostly, the two guitars' teamwork is very Dark Tranquillity-ish, and then calmer parts are more in the vein of Opeth. 'Blinded by Abnormity' sticks to the same etiquette, but adds some heaviness into progress. On 'Lost Love' the roles turn around. 'Nocturnal Beauty' might sound more Eucharist, bringing in needed variety, even though the change is not big. The last two songs do not offer anything new anymore. The elemental problem with the compositions is their seamlessness in joining all the various parts together. More parts for the sake of more parts... There is some very tasty bits in these songs, but when the next bit leaves a listener with the feeling of "why this and why now?", then there is something wrong.

Sound-wise this is quite messed up. There's no clarity between the instruments, especially between the drums and the bass. Also, there is no low end on this album. It's pretty well played, except for boring growled vocals, that stay identical throughout the album. The lyrics are about greedy religions and all kind of awkwardness of human life. Naive lyricism is abound here, or how about "a garden of twilight-bitter delight" and "remembrance is my wife instead of you"..?

By the way, this album and their next one are available for free downloads on the band's site. Someone interested in taking a trip back in time to years 1993-1996, craving to hear similar metal music to Dark Tranquillity's and Opeth's first and second albums, should pick this up, but being cautioned that this is not none of those classics! Not bad but not great either.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/06/2008 12:49