Hidden - Alexisstar Morphalite CD Review

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2005-09-08 : PM : Link
Alexisstar Morphalite is a complex listen, and not one easily digested. The genres incorporated, mutated, and mashed together are myriad. Black metal, thrash, death metal, VOIVOD-is frenetics, and more are combined to a very raw and satisfying end. The production is rough, but doesn't detract from the music. Rather, like early VOIVOD efforts, the barbaric production adds to the appeal and overall harshness of otherwise complex music... an interesting dichotomy. No personal information about the band is provided, further adding to the "old school" appeal, back when bands were actually a little scary because you knew so little about them (remember how intimidating Tom Araya was as a metal figure before we saw him in a Spongebob Squarepants shirt?). From listening to the final product of the members of HIDDEN's collaboration, my guess would be the band is comprised of old school metalheads with a deep love of protothrash and mindfucked technical metal, and if you would count yourself among their number, as I do, Alexisstar Morphalite is sure to please. - Al Kikuras
2005-04-26 : PM
HIDDEN
'Alexisstar Morphalite'
BAPHOMET/RED STREAM
One of the loopier propositions going in the underground, not only are Hidden alluded to include Necrophagia's Killjoy and Krieg's Imperial amongst their (mysterious) ranks – actually, it’s clear as day – but underpinning their twisted 'n' pissed black/death barbarism is a lyrical concern that ranges quantum physics, extraterrestrial life, and to tellingly paraphrase but one track, ‘Interplanetary Space Physics And Climatology’. Yep, fucking believe it. Mightier, more molten and confident than the not-inconsiderable ‘Spectral Magnitude’ debut, ‘Alexisstar Morphalite’ compellingly walks the line between shambling and psychotic. Drums go from shuffling blast to tom-tom rumble to pregnant-pause stomp, providing disciplined counterpoint to the oft-burly riffery, which seemingly races forward/backward by contrast or cools proceedings down to a doomed-out trundle. Outer-space synths subtly bubble up from the cauldron, nailing that wholly alien – in nearly every respect – vibe while the rest of the wreckage perpetually unravels or tenses up. Altogether, pretty unnerving stuff, and concertedly headier than the ‘retarded genius’ of the erstwhile war-metalled hordes.
[7.5] NATHAN T. BIRK
2005-04-23 : PM : Link
Hidden -Alexisstar Morphalite (Baphomet Records) Review by Helen Nott
So after half an hour or so on the Internet, I have to ask the question, 'Who the hell are this band??' I've been desperately searching for information on them but to no avail and their record company don't give away much either. As for describing their sound, I really am stumped if I can tell you what they sound like. However, I'll give it my best shot - how about 'Intergalactic Doom-fuelled Blackened Thrash' ?! Sounds ridiculous? Well if anyone else can define their sound, please let me know! As you may have guessed, Hidden's sound is pretty complex and dare I say it, very avante garde. More to the point though, this album is exceptionally good and a very rewarding listen at that. It's just so refreshing to hear something that doesn't just comfortably sit within the boundaries of one genre and instead can fuse different styles with such competency. And let's face it, a lot of bands who attempt this usually fall flat on their faces. When it works though, it works really well and Hidden are a perfect example of this. As soon as I heard the intro track, aptly named, 'Introduction', I knew I was about to hear something pretty impressive. This would be ideal as a soundtrack to a Horror film, with eerie piano playing and church bells, you've pretty much got everything you need to scare the shit out of an audience. Not knowing what to expect from Hidden, I assumed that next track, 'Interferometer' would be atypical Doom. I have no idea why, I guess the Intro just cried out 'Doom' to me! Anyway, I was right in my assumption and feeling very smug with myself as I was greeted with a slow, mournful start to the second track. Don't get too comfortable though, because 40 seconds into this track, the pace suddenly changes to eighties-style Thrash with raspy Black Metal style vocals (not the screamy type I may add). After my initial shock wavered, I welcomed the change with open arms, eagerly anticipating any other tricks they may have up their sleeves. You may still be wondering what the hell I was going on about with my 'Intergalactic' reference earlier on. Well, for two reasons; firstly, the subject matter of their lyrics is all based around planets. And no, I’m not talking about your usual 'Stoner' psychedelic references- I'm talking about rock formations and climatology here! I tell you what, I've learnt more reading the sleeve of this album than I ever did in six years of studying science at school! The second element to Hidden that makes them 'cosmic' shall we say, is the frequent interludes of keyboards, which just sound really freaky - as if they are actually noises from out of space which just adds to the whole unnerving atmosphere.
Hidden certainly don't sound like any other bands although certain tracks had me thinking of who may have influenced them. 'The Search For Where Life May Have Existed' had a very early Sepultura groove running throughout especially with the chorus. At times I was also reminded of early Katatonia with the more Gothic Doom elements. Probably my favourite track though, along with 'Interferometer' has to be 'Ripples In Time' with a slow catchy groove and memorable roar of the title words which made me realise just how impressive the vocalist's range really was. There were also tracks though such as 'Interplanetary Space Physics And Climatology' that even made me think Hidden weren't being entirely serious. Maybe it's just me but relentlessly shouting 'Interplanetary Space Physics' just sounded kind of humorous to me (in a good way I may add). A touch of the Lawnmower Deth style humour perhaps. Or perhaps these guys just take Physics very seriously. Who knows! What I do know though is that Hidden have left me very intrigued and wanting more. This is groundbreaking stuff and I suggest you ALL check them out. www.infernalhorde.com/baphomet
2005-03-16 : Britton : Link
Holy shit, is this ever a good album! Great thrashy black metal with hints of doom here and there. The space theme is friggin' great and the Sci Fi sounding keyboards you won't believe untill you hear it. Get this now!