Year of Release: 2007
Label: ProgRock Records
Catalog Number: PRR280
Format: CD
Total Time: 56:05:00
Is progressive rock still alive? Are there still bands or musicians that dare to be different? It seemed that in the late 90s, the prog rock world had dozed off into a safe state of music. But in recent years, bands pop up that dare to be different, original and fresh. Bands that take their listeners on a musical journey that is far from safe and boring.
One of these bands is Invisigoth and with their debut album Alcoholocaust, they shake the foundations of the prog rock world. Invisigoth is a duo from Buffalo, NY, by the names of Cage (instruments) and Viggo Domino (voice). They have a history in esoteric philosophy, theology, dark arts and Arabic music. They have revived the true rock and roll spirit, by abandoning a lucrative corporate life and pursuing the musical journey.
These two like minded men have poured their soul in their first album and it offers a variety of melodies, atmospheres and sounds. The songs sound aggressive, passionate, dramatic and yet fragile and touching. Domino's voice often sounds quite similar to Damian Wilson's, as he expresses the same range and passion. The band is slightly clouded in mystery, as the lyrics are not included on the album and the band's MySpace page offers only some background info on the members.
Alcoholocaust sounds like an album that touches on various personal topics, but also religious and even romantic influences are found. Listening to the album evokes a wide range of emotions. I have listened to the album quite a lot and every time I discover new elements in the compositions. Like the Arabic influences in the music … man, that is so subtle and yet so obvious. The way they have composed and performed the music has really impressed me. Alcoholocaust is an album that I love to play over and over again and is rapidly climbing up in my top 20 of fav albums!
Some songs can be quite catchy, like "Ancient." Others are dark and filled with anger, like "Strip Search." Each song stands on his own, with ease, and shows a different side of the band. And there is a nice surprise at the end of the album: a very good cover version of Zeppelin's "No Quarter."
Viggo Domino is a very passionate singer. As said, his voice is slightly similar to Damian Wilson's, but Domino is in my opinion a more versatile singer and that is shown on the album. Cage plays all instruments and I can only say: "wow" … The guitar parts are great and the solos really go down your spine. The keyboard parts are as I like them: present, sometimes on top, but always very melodic. The drums are good, but I think with a live drummer, it could sound even better.
Still, with Alcoholocaust, Invisigoth has brought us a very impressive, highly enjoyable and original debut album. Don’t let the name or title scare you! Invisigoth brings progressive or art rock at its best. This is an album that can take you on a musical journey and to me, that is what music is about. I can only recommend this album to all of you who read this … you won’t be disappointed. As for me, I am going to my CD player and press "start" again, as the album is finished. :-)
Tracklisting:
Strip Search / Ancient / Talitha Cumi / Serepentine / Poison Drip / The Everlasting / My Absinthe Lover / Soft Asylum / No Quarter
Musicians:
Cage - all instruments
Viggo Domino - vocals
Gizzi - percussion (2, 3)
Discography:
Alcoholocaust (2007)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Origin US
