Black Mark
2007
1. The Fields of Life
2. Trial and Error
3. One Way Ticket
4. Reasons
5. Wounded Soul
6. Hideaway
7. To My Inspiration
8. White Darkness
9. Belief
10. Trust
Nightingale have always been a unique band in the metal scene in that I rarely hear a combination of progressive music and such gothic sounds. An interesting mix for sure and one that I've found has worked exceptionally well for the band in both establishing mood and feeling while keeping the songwriting interesting.
The thing about White Darkness is that it seems more white than dark. Really I get more of a feeling of 70s progressive rock influences than anything else and the music seems more upbeat than somber. You can still hear some of the signatures of Nightingale in the synth and distinct vocals of Dan Swano but it is presented in a considerably different manner. White Darkness seems pretty stripped down for the band and I don't feel like a lot of atmosphere is established. The music is still catchy and the singing still good, but something is definitely missing as this sounds nowhere near as polished and isn't driven by any sort of continual mood. Really if there is any sort of story to the lyrics of this one like past albums it doesn't carry as much weight or impact. I'd have to chalk this one up to being a pretty decent progressive rock album but not very metal sounding and not as moody and dark as in the past.
If you're a fan than some of this may leave you scratching your head, but it'll probably grow on you. It took me a few listens to appreciate what this album offers and I have to admit I'm still wishing for something more emotionally involving than this. I wouldn't really recommend this album to newcomers as this album deviates a bit from what the band has produced in the past and is not their strongest effort.
Highlights: The Fields Of Life, Hideaway
Rating - 3.0/5
2. Trial and Error
3. One Way Ticket
4. Reasons
5. Wounded Soul
6. Hideaway
7. To My Inspiration
8. White Darkness
9. Belief
10. Trust
Nightingale have always been a unique band in the metal scene in that I rarely hear a combination of progressive music and such gothic sounds. An interesting mix for sure and one that I've found has worked exceptionally well for the band in both establishing mood and feeling while keeping the songwriting interesting.
The thing about White Darkness is that it seems more white than dark. Really I get more of a feeling of 70s progressive rock influences than anything else and the music seems more upbeat than somber. You can still hear some of the signatures of Nightingale in the synth and distinct vocals of Dan Swano but it is presented in a considerably different manner. White Darkness seems pretty stripped down for the band and I don't feel like a lot of atmosphere is established. The music is still catchy and the singing still good, but something is definitely missing as this sounds nowhere near as polished and isn't driven by any sort of continual mood. Really if there is any sort of story to the lyrics of this one like past albums it doesn't carry as much weight or impact. I'd have to chalk this one up to being a pretty decent progressive rock album but not very metal sounding and not as moody and dark as in the past.
If you're a fan than some of this may leave you scratching your head, but it'll probably grow on you. It took me a few listens to appreciate what this album offers and I have to admit I'm still wishing for something more emotionally involving than this. I wouldn't really recommend this album to newcomers as this album deviates a bit from what the band has produced in the past and is not their strongest effort.
Highlights: The Fields Of Life, Hideaway
Rating - 3.0/5
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