Arc
Fracture
CD / 5 tracks / 53.34 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Rapture')

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A really deep menacing but contemporary sounding rhythm provides an impressive start to the title track. There is a snarl to proceedings full of menace. A superb melodic sequence bounces forward, forming quite a contrast to the earth shaking syncopations. Things subside for a moment but the bass rumbles soon return, this time accompanied by a slow but stunningly effective water droplet lead. Shuddering rhythms reappear juxtapositioned by the most sublime of melodies. The level of sound manipulation and production on this track is just awesome. More wonderful sounding sequences weave around each other from the very first moment of 'Departed'. A haunting lead line floats above the pulsations like some lost soul. Another lead conjures a feeling of longing. As with the first track it's the way that the melodies combine with the rhythms that is so impressive, both elements exquisite in their own right. Then quite unexpectedly the rhythms depart for a piano solo before the intensity builds once more to epic proportions. It's the sort of music that would accompany some triumphant conclusion to an intense film.

The film would have to be one Hell of a classic to justify music of this standard however. 'Slipstream' uses deep sonic stabs and string pads to create quite a melancholy atmosphere through which another bass laden sequence (fans of their last album should love this) rumbles forward. Another sequence, much brighter that the first is deployed then a playful organ lead. The sequences morph and combine in differing patterns whilst fresh leads come and go so that the mind is kept in a state of wonder. Sometimes it all seems quite mellow and then at others, when the growling sequence snarls to the surface, we are treated to that ever-present darker edge. 'Friction' takes the standard of production to even greater levels, the pulsations so bass laden that they are felt as much as heard- then in come layer after layer of melodic but intense sequences. This is really in your face stuff. As is becoming quite a trademark of this album the lead line is simply stunning but also a softening element to the mayhem.

The final track, the twenty-two minute 'Rapture' is well named, as it will have fans of 'Arcturus' in Berlin School bliss. We commence with atmospheric swirling sounds with quite ominous undertones. These take over the mind providing a sort of uneasy peace until we are brought back to wakefulness with strange animal noises. A storm starts to brew and the biggest beast of a sequence on the album so far (and that is really saying something) is unleashed. A lead skips over the top, and excellent it is too, but it is that sequence that will grab you most, getting the whole body moving to its irresistible power which grows and grows - turn that volume right up and really let yourself go! We return to fantastic moody atmospherics to finish. Absolutely awesome! (DL)

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