CoC : Grief of Emerald - Malformed Seed : Review

Grief of Emerald - _Malformed Seed_
(Listenable Records, 2000)
by: Pedro Azevedo (8 out of 10)

_Malformed Seed_ is the second offering from Grief of Emerald, and having missed their first, _Nightspawn_ [CoC #35], I can only imagine where they are coming from musically. This proudly self-produced record does sound somewhat different from the norm, and although some of the production options may be a bit questionable, the overall result is good. They apparently aimed at having a peculiar kind of big, "explosive" sound, which they achieved to some extent. Faster and slower parts and a few different guitar and keyboard styles are used throughout in an attempt to keep their symphonic but aggressive take on black metal varied and interesting, a goal which is partially achieved. In the end, though, album still tends to seem a bit in need of a good interlude or two. Grief of Emerald are very competent and entertaining, thus earning their rating, but they are so without really achieving anything remarkably brilliant or innovative. This nonetheless does not detract from the fact that the album is quite consistent and enjoyable and does have a characteristic sound of its own.

(article published 12/8/2000)

ALBUMS
19/11/1998	D Rocher	9	Grief of Emerald - Nightspawn