Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Persefone - Metanoia (2022)
The most popular Andorran metal band is back with their first album in 5 years, Metanoia! It has been quite that long between new albums, but I think one of the least surprising reasons for that gap would be COVID. Then again, they've managed to re-record their debut Truth Inside the Shades in 2020. Anyway, things can be a bit bumpy when starting anew for this album, but it's still a spiritual journey to transcend through...
For this brand-new Persefone album, expect 10 songs (8 if you consider the final 3-part epic as one song) that are epic technical compositions, all with dynamics stories to tell. Some more of the epic extreme metal sound awaits!
Beginning the journey is the opening title intro. Dramatic piano plays while Einar Solberg (Leprous) adds intensity with his vocals that, along with the background strings, give the opener a Broadway kind of vibe. Then a synth transition leads to "Katabasis", the first real metal song of the album, hammering through riffs, bass, and drums in a flash. This eclectic mix of heavy darkness and melodic light sets the album's complex tone. "Architecture of the I" begins with bass/keyboard elegance before an aggressively speedy rollercoaster of emotion. The savageness never bores me at all with the dark vibe helped out by the hardcore screams of lead vocalist Marc Martins. The percussion often reaching hyperblast levels up the chaotic massacre.
"Leap of Faith" is a 5-minute interlude that doesn't really fit the scene so far but acts as a decent bridge. "Aware of Being Watched" is a stronger improvement, featuring serene chanting from Merethe Soltvedt from Two Steps From Hell. In fact, her vocals and the strings really add a TSFH kind of vibe. The first single, "Merkabah" is the right choice for all those pattern structures to decipher. The near-end breakdown is more straight than everything else. Keyboardist/clean vocalist sings a sincerely catchy chorus.
"Consciousness Pt. 3" is the 11-minute continuation of the "Consciousness" suite from Spiritual Migration, and the second half is one of the greatest moments of the album! Surpassed only by the 15-minute trilogy suite, "Anabasis"! "Pt. 1" begins with calm piano and synth effects. Then "Pt. 2" is the heavier storm, with the second half of that part being the strongest, complete with soloing by Steffen Kummerer and Angel Vivaldi, and more female vocals from Merethe Soltvedt. An epic collaboration! "Pt. 3" ends it all appropriately with beautiful piano and chanting vocals to end things peacefully. The cinematic vibe still shines before the curtain descends.
This innovative imagery from these Andorran metal masters is for those who are up for multiple rounds to gain full-on vision appreciation. I'm glad to finally have some intricate pleasure despite some parts of the interludes lowering down the quality. Fans of Leprous, Enslaved, and Opeth should get ready for this soul-guiding voyage!
Favorites: "Architecture of the I", "Aware of Being Watched", "Merkabah", "Consciousness Pt. 3", "Anabasis" (full suite)