Reviewed - 05/15/05
Project 47
[Limited Access Records]
Exotherm are a band that have been around since 1998, though "Project 47" is their official debut. They are one of the latest bands to incorporate factors from multiple genres of heavy music in an attempt to create something new. And surprisingly, this is a band that almost manages to pull it off. Granted, Exotherm are not yet at the point where they can command the respect of underground aficionados. But for a debut album by a previously unknown German band, featuring no recognizable members of other bands, "Project 47" isn't that bad.
Musically, Exotherm combine ingredients from various styles of metal. There are elements of thrash, melodic death metal, and even power metal here, as well as some break downs and shouts that could be considered metalcore. There are no blast beats, but "Project 47" nonetheless features ample amounts of rapid-fire double bass. Some songs are aggressive, some are melancholy, some are epic, but all are metal. Acoustic guitars make a few appearances, and there are no discernable keyboards anywhere. Otherwise, though, there's something here for every metal fan to enjoy. Now, whether most metal fans will enjoy everything here or not is another matter.
Vocally, Georg Laudenberg runs the gamut of underground metal as well. On the first few tracks, Exotherm are reminiscent of Moonspell, with melodic gothic vocals and harsher, almost growled vocals and whispers. The gothic harmonized vocals disappear after a few songs, to be replaced with an increase in the harsh shouted vocal department. Laudenberg can even manifest the occasional European power metal vocal style. He is remarkably diverse, and with a little more practice could evolve into a fantastic vocalist.
The sound quality is understandably raw, as this is not a band with the finances for major studio wizardry. Some songs come across as muddy or indistinct, and there is not enough crunch in the guitars most of the time. Still, those fans of metal who can hear beyond (a lack of) production should be encouraged to give Exotherm a try. It's not as bad as some underground music, but some crisp production or tighter musicianship would certainly help strengthen this band even more.
The unlisted acoustic version of "Icarus" is a nice touch, too.
I would go out on a limb and make the claim that Exotherm are a Christian band; at the very least, several of their songs could be interpreted as such. "Believe in God" and "Icarus" are vaguely religious in theme, as is "4… 1…" Now, there is no preaching here, and not agreeing with this sort of subject matter is no excuse for not giving Exotherm's music a try. Without a doubt, this is a band that is on the verge of creating music that is refreshingly new and highly creative. But for those metalheads who are highly opinionated regarding religious subject matters, be aware that Exotherm is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the religious ideologies of your average black metal band.
On a slightly related note, this band's name (coupled with possible ideological themes) makes me think of a certain mass-distributed e-mail, relating the tale of a student writing a paper answering the question of whether Hell is endothermic or exothermic.
On some levels, "Project 47" is an excellent album, and shows great promise. On others, it is obvious that Exotherm have much to learn before they are ready to ascend to the ranks of underground metal demigods. And how advanced you prefer your metal will determine how much you like this album. But for those who find a raw integration of power metal, melodic death metal, and progressive metal appealing, do yourself a favor and look into Exotherm.
[Limited Access Records]
Exotherm are a band that have been around since 1998, though "Project 47" is their official debut. They are one of the latest bands to incorporate factors from multiple genres of heavy music in an attempt to create something new. And surprisingly, this is a band that almost manages to pull it off. Granted, Exotherm are not yet at the point where they can command the respect of underground aficionados. But for a debut album by a previously unknown German band, featuring no recognizable members of other bands, "Project 47" isn't that bad.
Musically, Exotherm combine ingredients from various styles of metal. There are elements of thrash, melodic death metal, and even power metal here, as well as some break downs and shouts that could be considered metalcore. There are no blast beats, but "Project 47" nonetheless features ample amounts of rapid-fire double bass. Some songs are aggressive, some are melancholy, some are epic, but all are metal. Acoustic guitars make a few appearances, and there are no discernable keyboards anywhere. Otherwise, though, there's something here for every metal fan to enjoy. Now, whether most metal fans will enjoy everything here or not is another matter.
Vocally, Georg Laudenberg runs the gamut of underground metal as well. On the first few tracks, Exotherm are reminiscent of Moonspell, with melodic gothic vocals and harsher, almost growled vocals and whispers. The gothic harmonized vocals disappear after a few songs, to be replaced with an increase in the harsh shouted vocal department. Laudenberg can even manifest the occasional European power metal vocal style. He is remarkably diverse, and with a little more practice could evolve into a fantastic vocalist.
The sound quality is understandably raw, as this is not a band with the finances for major studio wizardry. Some songs come across as muddy or indistinct, and there is not enough crunch in the guitars most of the time. Still, those fans of metal who can hear beyond (a lack of) production should be encouraged to give Exotherm a try. It's not as bad as some underground music, but some crisp production or tighter musicianship would certainly help strengthen this band even more.
The unlisted acoustic version of "Icarus" is a nice touch, too.
I would go out on a limb and make the claim that Exotherm are a Christian band; at the very least, several of their songs could be interpreted as such. "Believe in God" and "Icarus" are vaguely religious in theme, as is "4… 1…" Now, there is no preaching here, and not agreeing with this sort of subject matter is no excuse for not giving Exotherm's music a try. Without a doubt, this is a band that is on the verge of creating music that is refreshingly new and highly creative. But for those metalheads who are highly opinionated regarding religious subject matters, be aware that Exotherm is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the religious ideologies of your average black metal band.
On a slightly related note, this band's name (coupled with possible ideological themes) makes me think of a certain mass-distributed e-mail, relating the tale of a student writing a paper answering the question of whether Hell is endothermic or exothermic.
On some levels, "Project 47" is an excellent album, and shows great promise. On others, it is obvious that Exotherm have much to learn before they are ready to ascend to the ranks of underground metal demigods. And how advanced you prefer your metal will determine how much you like this album. But for those who find a raw integration of power metal, melodic death metal, and progressive metal appealing, do yourself a favor and look into Exotherm.
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Tracklist:
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| Rating: 3/10 | |
| Release Date: 2004 | |
| Length: 47:41 | |
| Review By: F. Justin Ossmann | |
| Total Reviews: (1) | |
| Bands Website: Go Here | |
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