SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE - Vagabond (01/09)

Israeli/Norwegian prog-rockers Subterranean Masquerade reveals the front cover for their upcoming masterpiece of an album, named "Vagabond".
Signed to the Swedish label ViciSolum Productions (Persefone, Loch Vostok, a.o.) for a 2-album deal, "Vagabond"is set for release on September 1st, and the artwork for the album is just as psychedelic and trend-setting, as the amazing music is.
The artwork for "Vagabond" was created by local artist Ben Danzig and the rest of the booklet has been put together by none other than Travis Smith, widely known for his contribution to the metal-world of art.
Subterranean Masquerade features members of Orphaned Land and Green Carnation, and is one of the most exciting ethnic-influenced prog-artists to emerge from the underground layer these days. It's prog-rock, but it's also psychedelic 70'ies metal. It's "Jesus Christ Superstar" but it's also Israeli folklore and traditional heavy metal - all wrought through the grinder and delivered perfectly by a bunch of very talented musicians.
The album was mixed by Christer Andre Cederberg (Anathema, Tristania, etc.) and mastered by Tony Lindgren @ Fascination Street Studios.
Tracklist for Vagabond:
1. Place For Fairytales
2. Nomad
3. Waves
4. Carousal
5. Kippur
6. Daled Bavos
7. As You Are
8. Hymn Of The Vagabond
9. Space Oddity (David Bowie tribute)

The band is expected to tour extensively, in support of the album.
Line-up:
Kjetil Nordhus - Vocals
Weitzman Eliran - Growls
Tomer Pink - Guitars
Or Shalev - Guitars
Shai Yallin - Keys
Golan Farhi - Bass
Matan Or-El Shmuely - Drums
Ilan Arad - Brass






Le précédent, sorti après 10 ans d'attente, m'avait passablement refroidi. J'espère que celui-là va remonter un peu la barre.

Pareil que toi. Mais il n'en a pas l'air.

Dites donc, je suis présentement en train d'écouter ce Vagabond, c'est une bien belle surprise après la déception The Great Bazar. Créatif, lumineux, plutôt mélodique et cohérent, dans un stye jazz-rock oriental qui n'a plus grand chose de métal en dehors d'un growl utilisé avec parcimonie. Il demande certainement moins d'efforts que Suspended Animation Dreams pour être pleinement apprécié, mais ça ne lui en retire pas un charme certain. Presque inattendu.

Par contre, petit carton rouge pour la reprise de Bowie dont la présence en fin de disque est très discutable.