Neptune is the debut release from Finnish melodeath band Coraxo. "The album takes a scifi journey into the unknown terrain, mixing together elements from bands like Tangerine Dream, ELP, Pink Floyd and Vangelis to old school death metal. The band creates a wall of 70’s synthesizer experimentation and harmonized multiple guitars of classic death metal, blend it with the warm melodies of bands like Edge of Sanity, as well as epic, soundtrack-like soundscapes and progressive song structures." Neato.
Those keyboards really are quite lovely. They combine the more traditional elements of melodeath synths with a more electronic edge like a 70's horror soundtrack. These are at the forefront of tracks like "Tangier," and much of the end result is akin to Dark Tranquillity. There's also a saxophone (Musungu’s Ilkka Ferm) on "In Adoration" to compliment the lush symphonics. Seriously, was there some memo this year? "Sax in 2015 or gtfo?" In any case, the end result is quite beautiful, and the inclusion is kept subtle and intentional between the Enslaved-like chord progressions.
But while the keys bring out the softer side, the guitars apply a melancholy heaviness a la Construct. "The Bastion" is a prime example with it's chugging riffs. Their monstrous weight seems to be constantly battling upstream. Those familiar with clinical level depression might liken the sound to the struggle of simply getting out of bed each morning. Another hooky song, "The Citadel," is equally moody, but the melodies offer a spark of hope in the darkness.
Delving deeper into the story:
Future mankind that has come in contact with a hostile race, called Starlit Flame, that has aeons ago shed it’s corporeal form and now only interacts with the mundane through the nanomachines that still bind it to the physical universe. Violently it yearns for release from this form that it views as a prison, and it sees the existence of mankind as a hindrance to that progress.
In the end, I will say that this release could have a just a little more presence and intensity. Maybe bring the vocals up a bit and vary up the performance. The growls are actually quite strong and fit the overall sound nicely. I just think a little extra oomph would pull me in a bit more. But you know me, I tend to like being grabbed by the throat. And despite my fanboyisms for Dark Tranquillity and comparisons to Construct, I think Neptune is the better album. They share a few faults, but overall Coraxo takes all of the its strengths and combines them with more compelling compositions. Kudos.
In any case, do yourself a favor and give this one at least two solid listens. The first pass did little for me, but for some reason the second really clicked. There are some catchy riffs and sections to be found, but more importantly, the atmosphere is palpable. The album can be purchased via the website link above. Another solid release in 2015.