Anguish - Symmetry

Year of Release: 2002
Label: Massacre
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 50:21:00

Germany's Anguish has released its 2nd disc and consists of the following members: Gerd Krieger (Lead guitars), Tom's Krickl (Rhythm guitars), Mary Niebner (Keyboards), Stephan Flicker (Bass), Jochen Frie (Drums), Nuno Miguel de Barros Fernandes (vocals).

The band plays a semi-progressive melodic metal, similar to the other German bands I've listed above. The music is driven by twin guitars but in addition, the keyboards have a huge part in the sound & style. In the case of Anguish, I have aptly named it "cyber metal," or melodic metal injected with "cyber keys". Indeed, the interesting keyboard sounds make this disc sound like it was born from a computer and as the CD artwork confirms, the look and feel of the entire package has a computerized look, including the morphed pictures of the band.

What defines this bands sound is a varied arrangement of styles and sounds, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact description. The use of twin guitars, and the metal style of the guitars certainly puts them into a metal category, yet the melodic warmth and song structures put them into the melodic metal category, while the computerized keyboard style adds a unique flair, and the vocals seem to be hard rock based, thus making this disc a hybrid of different styles and genres.

Like the other German bands named, Anguish takes their cues from the metal genre at heart, but then mixes in a variety of other styles to complement the overall sound. The songs are, for the most part, straight ahead and accessible, but during each song the verses are injected with progressive elements and are even filled with instrumentals which showcase the bands various talents. Among the way, we are even treated to many double bass runs, tempo changes, and even soft / mushy acoustic ballads. Suffice it to say that there is something for every listener here, except for the most dedicated metal head that needs it totally powerful. For the melodic metal fan who wants their metal injected with beauty and warmth, this is the type of disc for you. The band bio on the home page lists influences such as Dream Theater, Accept, Queensryche, etc, but I'm not hearing those particular sounds in the music, but the individual players may certainly have their dedicated roots in those bands.

The production is fabulous, compliments to Andy Horn (Lanfear), who is making quite the name for himself in the "Famous Kitchen" and seems to have his hand in a lot of bands these days in Germany. Of note, are the huge drum sounds and computerized keyboard sound, in which Horn is certainly familiar. Vocals are recorded right up in the front, and all guitars are layered and placed perfectly in the mix, it would be hard to find fault with the sound at all.

Anyone looking for something a little different in their melodic metal, yet still want to have it warm and accessible need to look no further than Anguish. While not one of the most powerful discs out there, it certainly has the metal base to back it up and the song structure to keep most listeners interested. If you're a pure prog metal head, this disc won't do much for you but for the more flexible listener, there is something in this disc for just about anyone. It will be interesting to see which direction this band heads in the future and whether or not they are able to make a name for themselves in the more familiar metal world as we know it. In the meantime, this is definitely worth checking out.

Similar bands: Atmosfear, GB Arts

[This review originally appeared February 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
N.E.W. / Symmetry / The Mirror / Dreaming / Moonlight / Maze Of Emotions / Obsidian Lies / The Decision / Fear Of The Rain

Musicians:
Gerd Krieger - lead guitars
Tom´s Krickl - rhythm guitars
Mary Niebner -Keyboards
Stephan Flicker - bass
Jochen Frie -drums
Nuno Miguel de Barros Fernandes - vocals

Discography:
Lost Days Of Infancy (1997)
Symmetry (2002)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin DE

Added: December 8th 2004
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri
Score:
Artist website: www.anguish.de
Hits: 2108
Language: english