Amber Asylum - Still Point [Profound Lore Records - 2007]I was pleasant surprised by Still point, in the past I ‘ve found Amber Asylum mix of ambience, neo classical and metal interesting on paper but it never really seemed to gel properly for me. This just feels more enthral, darkly grand and inviting than their often awkward sound in the past. I think it’s possible down to they’ve stopped trying so hard to mix elements and concentrate instead on writing darkly beautiful songs. The first few tracks drift effortless & richly into view full of exquisite female vocals that border on classical trained singing, which sails over a mix of acoustic guitars, strings, dark ambience and the odd drift towards more metallic territory- staying for the most part haunted, melancholy and enchanted, wrapping you in it’s silken downfallen dark charms. Latter on more doom, rock/ metal elements are weaved in, but thankful they mostly stay away from over crowding the graceful strings and fallen grander. It’s always nice to be surprised by a band who you’ve felt in the past didn’t quite cut the mustard. So if like me you liked the Idea of Amber Asylum more than the actual music now the time to give them another go. Roger Batty
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