OPENED PARADISE
Tides EP
I have developed a predatory instinct over these years as far as Gothic Rock is concerned. I mean the 'true' one. That which starts unfolding the artist's intrinsic inspiration and ends cristallizing the influences in an atypical formula (not just another successfully clonning), but also retaining the orthodox flavor. So from the first time I play Opened Paradise I realised that I will seek refuge in its no-additives dark music when renewing my passion for this genre will be necessary. I'm quite partial to this awesome greek band as their music reminds me the best episodes in the career of nineties legends such as Garden of Delight, Fields of the Nephilim, Dronning Maud Land or Secret Discovery (early years). But also they make me travel to my cool pubescent years, when I used to play secondhand vinyls (specially 70's Occult Rock) with a glimmer of candle and tasting cheap wine. Not many bands have that vintage ability to change the tempos properly. Opened Paradise perfectly combines the evocative atmospheres provided by the beautiful keyboard melodies and the brilliant arpeggios, with the forcefulness drum pace and the assertive riffs. Periklis' voice, deep and torn, catalyzes the instrumental emotive nature. His clever singing makes sense to the lyrics, with depth and intense drama, like a tormented human captured in somewhere between life and death. The Greek reverends returned from Ximbalba in August with a memorable release hidden in their habits, featuring an elaborated instrumentation and a further more refined sound. No less than Artaud Seth (Garden of Delight / Merciful Nuns) has done an impeccable mixing work in "Ximbalba", "Terra Incognita" and "Omega", leaving his distinctive print in them. High quality sound and a plenty of cunning arrangements, make this three tunes pure gothic rock gems. The CD seems to end with the piano instrumental version of the title track. In fact is an interlude which introduces the bonus tracks included: their brilliant cover from the Garden of Delight's song that gives its name to the band, "Opened Paradise", and "Blue Lights", an unreleased demo from the "Occult" Era. "Tides" is the panacea... an effective remedy for nostalgia. The proof that 'true' Gothic Rock is now more alive than ever.
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. Ximbalba
- 02. Terra Incognita
- 03. Omega
- 04. Tides (Instrumental)
- 05. Opened Paradise
- 06. Blue Lights