CoC : Ancient Ceremony - Under Moonlight We Kiss : Review

Ancient Ceremony - _Under Moonlight We Kiss_
(Cacophonous, 1997)
by: Pedro Azevedo (7 out of 10)

Vampyric symphonic metal -- perhaps that's a reasonably accurate description of what _Under Moonlight We Kiss_ sounds like. If that description reminds you of Cradle of Filth, forget about that; there's much less black metal here than in CoF's music and a far stronger emphasis is placed on dark romanticism, vampyrism and mid-paced keyboard-based melodies. Keyboards therefore play a major role in Ancient Ceremony, and they're clearly the highlight in their music. The vocals (male, from black to spoken/whispered, and female) are also very good, and work very well with the keyboard sound. However, despite these promising qualities, _Under Moonlight We Kiss_ is let down by a significant lack of instrumental strength on the part of the drums and guitars. Both drum and guitar work are just average, and sound rather weak most of the time. Still, despite being somewhat let down by a less than adequate production, the melodic side of _UMWK_ makes it an interesting album; and if you're attracted to the subjects dealt with here, then you may very well enjoy the atmosphere as well and the production faults mentioned above may seem much less important.

(article published 13/4/1998)

CHATS
13/4/1998	P Azevedo	Ancient Ceremony: Tales of Vampyric Romanticism

ALBUMS
25/10/2000	P Azevedo	6	Ancient Ceremony - Synagoga Diabolica
14/3/1999	P Azevedo	8	Ancient Ceremony - Fallen Angel's Symphony