FAR BEYOND „“An Angel’s Requiem””

FAR BEYOND „“An Angel’s Requiem”” - okładka
Music: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Germany
www.far-beyond.com
Cool Songs: The Ancient Realms, Dream in Beautiful Slumber



German power trio, FAR BEYOND plays a style of black metal the group describes as “Angelic Black Metal.” Angels normally do not fit into the idea of black metal, with its dark satanic imagery and themes, but it is the perfect description for the music this group plays. The aforementioned description is similar to the idea “beauty in darkness.” “An Angel’s Requiem” is rich in melody and heavenly atmosphere, yet still features demonic vocals and aggressive rhythms.

“An Angel’s Requiem” contains many of the elements used by the Swedish black metal group Siebenburgen such as cinematic keyboards and thrash riffing. Just like groups such as DIMMU BORGIR, FAR BEYOND’s musical outlook is much different than the typical black metal artist. The production is pristine and the rhythm and style is closer to thrash and even power metal. The keyboard-produced atmospheres are of a fantastic and majestic nature. The band makes beautiful music without the moribund mood created by many black metal bands through their use of funeral organs. The screeching vocals are the only aspect of “An Angel’s Requiem” that brings about the black metal tag.

FAR BEYOND’s music does not emanate evil, but it does relate a gothic and morose feeling. Colorful imagery and detailed tales of spiritual wanderings and loss lend a voice to the mystical soundscapes. The guitar work moves each story along by using high end, single string guitar tones and placing leads on top of the main rhythms for moments of emotions; while thrashing riffs signify a rising in action. Choir vocals, full-bodied clean vocals and acoustic guitar passages further enhance this aura of enchantment.

FAR BEYOND has not created an album of pure originality, DIMMU BORGIR, SIEBENBURGEN and even CRADLE OF FILTH spawned this sound years before this group. However, the group’s efforts should be applauded fore “An Angel’s Requiem” is a fine example of how to tamper the darkness with light.

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. The Gate
2. A Kingdom's Lost Beauty
3. The Ancient Realms
4. An Angel's Requiem
5. Bleeding Rose
6. Dream in Beautiful Slumber
7. Mournful Abyss
8. Tribute to Resurrection
9. Prophecy of Salvation
10. Forgotten Past
Total playing time 53:05

Line-up

Eugen Rose – Rhythm/Lead Guitars & Scream/Backing Vocals
Elmar Schwalbe – Drums
Heiko Friedrich – Lead/Backing Vocals & Bass Guitar

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