HEAVENWOOD / ABYSS MASTERPIECE (2011)

I could describe HEAVENWOOD as a musical « melting pot ». In fact, HEAVENWOOD is a Portuguese Metal band, more precisely a band that plays a Dark/Gothic-Metal music alterning growl and clean vocals. It’s, also, a trio composed by singer Ernesto Guerra, guitar players Ricardo Dias and Bruno Silva (plus studio bass player Paulo Chanoca and studio drummer Marcelo Aires, for recording needs).

This is the fourth studio release from the band. A twelve track opus. It’s called Abyss Masterpiece. I think this title is a good musical indication; it means that HEAVENWOOD isn’t the kind of bands that loves happy atmosphere ! It’s more dark atmosphere, as I said previously.

So, what about Abyss Masterpiece ? Bad ? Average ? Great ? I can tell you that opus is a solid and decent effort, bringing good melodies. Intrusmental parts are grandiloquent and a little bit symphonic, vocal parts show you a perfect mixture of growl and clean vocals. There’re great and sumptuous tracks, in my opinion, like for example "The Arcadia Order", "Winter Slave", "Goddess Presiding Over Solitude" or the instrumental song "Her Lament". However, I think the aggressive vocals spoil a little bit their music ... I know, some here would prefer as it is. As a friend said, it’s only a matter of taste ! And hey! Don’t forget my opinion is ONE opinion out of many opinions !

To conclude, "Abyss Masterpiece" is dedicated to all curious Metal fans, but, also, lovers of darkside music. It’s a surprising opus, for sure !

Review by Axldobby

----
Tracklist :
01- The Arcadia Order
02- Morning Glory Clouds (In Manus Tuas Domine)
03- Goddess Presiding Over Solitude
04- Once A Burden
05- Winter Slave
06- Leonor
07- Poem For Matilde
08- Fading Sun
09- September Blood
10- Sudden Scars
11- Like Yesterday
12- Her Lament