QAANAAQ „Escape From the Black Iced Forest”

Another Side Records & Metal Scrap Records, 2016

Music: Progressive Doom Metal
Website: www.facebook.com/qaanaaqmetalband/
Duration: 45:57 minuty (5 utworów)
Country: Italy

Quintet QAANAAQ was created in Bergamo. This disc is their first and so far only album. This band is wishing to play ambitious music, combining Doom Metal with Progressive influences. However, this plan was not realized comprehensive on the disc. Of course, the songs are long, complex and they contain various ingredients. But not all musicians have sufficiently high skills. The work of keyboard player is interesting, he uses different types of sounds, both the typical digital sounds as well as the generated piano souns. But his melodies are very simple. These are not virtuoso shows. Nevertheless, these tunes attract the ear. The bassist very enriches the band, playing with a specific pulse, sometimes like Jazz style. The drummer is good, but without fireworks. The vocalist sings most often hoarsely, though clearly. There are places of his pure singing and there are the worst, very awkwardly. Additionally the guitarist feels that he does not make a difference to what kind of music he is playing at the moment. He uses the instrument completely impassively.

Notwithstanding the above comments, I must say that the album as a whole is a good. The listening of the disc is pleasant. First of all, the compositions are conglomerates of different styles, which alternately predominate in a particular piece of music. Something is happening all the time. There are moments of heavy Doom Metal as well as climatic darkness, also sharp and Melodic Metal, in addition there is a plenty of space for Progressive Rock.

One track is”High Hopes”, this is the cover-song of PINK FLOYD from the album “The Division Bell”. A lot of bands prepared Its versions of this well-known and reputable song, among others. CALIBAN and NIGHTWISH. The QAANAAQ interpretation compared to the original is heavier and less refined, but it has its own approach to the subject rather. This is not play 1 to 1.

In conclusion: for the lovers of progressive music, QAANAAQ music may seem too simple, and for the fans of Metal it could be too little Metal. But it’s neither Prog Rock nor Metal – this is a Progressive Doom! I wonder what other albums will record this Italian group.

Tracklist:
1.Body Walks
2.Eskimo’s Wine Is a Dish Best Served Frozen
3.Untimely at Funerals
4.High Hopes
5.Red Said It Was Green

Line-up:
Dario Leidi – guitar
Matta Togni – bass
Enrico Perico – vocal
Luca Togni – keyboards
Nicola Togni – drums

Rate: 8.0/10