Lopsided Moon is the debut release from Canadian symphonic metal act
Armenia whom are fronted by
Armenia Sarkissian. Finding information on this act is no easy task and
Armenia's Facebook page offers little up as well, only stating that the project is "symphonic/gothic metal with Armenian motifs for good measure".
The album opens up with the tragic sounding
My Own Self, that serves up a feast of different dishes from the dramatic orchestral paths to the emotion stirring vocals and the integral metal regions.
Lidwina opens up with an obsessively foreboding choir passage that really does cause shivers to run down the spine, The rest of the track makes use of
Armenia's affectional vocals and the noble, awe-inspiring orchestrations that make this project so intriguing.
Vapour musters a sentimental piano entrance that really highlights the strength and beauty of
Armenia's voice.The orchestral avenues reinforce the power of the song, as well as creating new dynamics that connect well with the heavier segments of the piece. The sound in
Broken Chords ranges from crepuscular and dusky to rich and lustrous. The Middle Eastern melodies that make cameo appearances enhance the beauty hidden within this piece,
The enchanting dancing of piano notes and acoustic musicianship found in
Grounded By My Feet conjure up a delicate atmosphere and allow the fascinating vocals to glide ever so gently in, like a a robin on a fresh winter morn. The title track,
Lopsided Moon, roars out with a majestically fateful sound that combines all the finest and exquisite elements of
Armenia's musics, from the tragic orchestrations through to the propulsive metal passages and
Armenia's angelic voice. The appearance of
Milen Petzelt-Sorace's vocal work adds a very vicious ferocity to the music, that contrasts well with the divine-like elements found within the rest of the track.
Lopsided Moon is a stunner of a debut album and leaves the listener wanting more from
Armenia. Where most bands achieve a good debut at best,
Armenia has provided a masterpiece that can only be likened to albums from acts such as
Leaves' Eyes and
Within Temptation.
Armenia online:
http://www.facebook.com/ArmeniasMusic