CoC : Eyes of Ligeia - The Night's Plutonian Shore : Review

Eyes of Ligeia - _The Night's Plutonian Shore_
(Unsung Heroes Rec., 2001)
by: Quentin Kalis (7.5 out of 10)

Judging from their moniker and album title, Eyes of Ligeia are heavily influenced by Edgar Allan Poe. His melancholy tales and poems, replete with grim, near horrific overtones, are a fitting influence for a doom metal record. I'm surprised Poe hasn't exerted a greater influence over some of the more sombre bands. Eyes of Ligeia is yet another one-man band on UHR. While I think that the formation of many one-man bands is due in part to musical pretentiousness (the "no-one has the same vision / understands me / can do it as well as me" syndrome), Eyes of Ligeia's Toby demonstrates that he indeed possesses the necessary talent to pull it off. The guitars produce an unusual, high-pitched, almost artificial sound, almost as if it is trying to sound like a keyboard imitating a guitar. Definitely different. The vocals too are different from the norm: instead of sorrow-filled mournful clean vocals or death style grunts, the vocalist utilises a whispery, high-pitched rasp. Despite the unusual sounds, the slow mournful pace of the songs leaves no doubt in my mind that this is a doom metal album. The song structures bring to mind the likes of _As the Flower Withers_-era My Dying Bride whilst undeniably retaining an aura of originality. Simply like no other doom metal band. Unfortunately, Toby has put Eyes of Ligeia on hold at the moment as he concentrates on his other project, Amphigory, which should also be worth a listen or two.

Contact: eyes@eyesofligeia.cjb.net

(article published 12/4/2002)