It is all but impossible to pick out highlight tracks. In fact, to dissect it would detract from the concept. Each track is a section of the story and therefore takes many twists and turns along its journey. Such is particularly the case with the sprawling “Midian,” which nears twelve minutes of intense drama.
Every event is captured and brought to life through the huge scale of each piece of music. Grandiose, majestic, semi-orchestral, and sophisticated, the music fortunately doesn’t fall into the trap of becoming overblown or pompous. It recounts the tale with all due drama, whilst holding your attention and educating at the same time.
In some ways it reminds me of Nostradamus in its scale and ambition. As Slaves For Life is the first of a trilogy, I really hope that the band is busily working away on part two. If that can maintain the suspense and depth exhibited here, then I cannot wait to listen and possess it.
This is a piece of cinema to music, a vision of a Biblical epic that captures the real human stories within the account whilst adding colors and flavors of its region and age. All that's missing is Charlton Heston.
Special mention must also be made of the fantastic art work by Mattias Noren contained within the CD booklet.
It was an inspired moment that prompted Erez Yohanan to embark on such a project. To lie awake and have the idea is one thing; to put it into practice is quite another. The result is a work of Biblical proportions. Bring on parts two and three.
Visit Amaseffer official web site or go to their Myspace profile page to listen to streaming MP3’s.
Article comments
1 - Nick
Had I not stumbled across something about this album on Blabbermouth, I might have missed out on this one.
It's like the heavy metal soundtrack to The Ten Commandments, still one of my favorite movies. Definately one of my favorites this year, and I've only just begun to discover everything Amaseffer has put into this.