Galadriel - Empty Mirrors of Oblivion 1995-1999 2CD Review

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2007-01-27 : David
I hadn`t heard of Galadriel until I first saw them on Redstream, but, when I read the description for the band, I was taken right away. Labeled a Doom/Death Metal band, which, without a doubt, they are, I noticed by the comaprisons that they were being compared to, and, high praise, indeed, when you are put on the same level as such greats as (old)My Dying Bride, (old)Anathema, (old) Paradise Lost, as well as, others, that were responsible for making the Genre of Doom/Death Metal such a powerful force in the underground music scene today. With this release, "Empty Mirrors of Oblivion 1995-1999", the band puts forth their 1st three albums before the devastating(term used in a good sense), "From Ashes and Dust". Galadriel really is a great band that deserves the praise and comparisons that they have been compared to. On every release, and take into mind that their latest is their 5th or 6th release, they continue to keep the roots of the band intact without selling out by watering their delivery down in order to appeal to a wider general audience. Gutteral vocals roars with little to almost none of the clean vocal deliveries from the male vocalist, on, not just this release, but, all of their others as well. Sweeping and more classicaly trained vocals from the female vocalist, that, at times, might seem out of place, but, on the whole, do make a good contrast to the beauty and the beast vocals throughout each and every album. Memorable bass and guitar lines stick in the mind with every track from how good the compositions of the band are from their writing. Solos and cascading harmonies are whats at play when listening to the instrumentation on display, when the band goes in for the kill with the buildups and evolution of each and every song. The synths are used to great effect as well, but, fall a little short on a couple of numbers. Not anything enough that you should take into account when it comes to purchasing this great double CD, just, something I thought that I would point out since during the two in question, both tracks synth parts seemed lacking in the finesse that were given to the prior care of the others on the album. Nothing annoying or anything, just, strange as to why they would want that paticular sound in choice over such a moving segment of the piece. Other than that, everything flows nicely with the instrument in topic. The drums are always heavy and intricate as they should be, when it comes to a form of music and its writing so moving. Never moving faster than that of the average Doom Metal band whos roots are more grounded in Heavy Metal more-so than any other genre, the kit work on display hammers out delicate rythms at times, while, at others, it lets loose the beast in the foot work, adding destructive double bass when needed. Just as moving as some of the bigger players in different, and yet, similiar genres(I.E., Moonspell, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Lacuna Coil, etc.,) Galadriel are just as worthy of the attention heaped upon the others mentioned, but, as of yet, have not gotten what is rightfully theirs. For the $10.00 that RS is asking for, you get 3 albums that, from what I have gathered, are no longer in print, and the beginnings of a great Doom/Death Metal band. The production is very good if not great, and, a professional layout with full lyrics for 2 of the albums, as well as, the bands photos, showing what they looked like in the beginning, and ending in the present. "Empty Mirrors of Oblivion 1995-1999", is my first experience with Galadriel, but, I can assure you that it won`t be my last. A great band that is more than worth your attention and money. Highly recommended. Check out the Metal Age Productions website to listen to the band, as well as, other great bands on said label.