The Pitch: Lush, varied, and often quite heavy symphonic metal project The Autist graciously shares an exclusive early stream of their latest album, The Coldest Sun. Symphonic metal for those who may not like symphonic metal. FFO Oracles, Nightwish, Kamelot
What I Like: Frequent viewers of the site will note that it is extremely rare for me to cover symphonic metal unless it is supplementing black or death metal. For The Autist, I was more than happy to make an exception. The Coldest Sun delivers on more than enough fronts to break even the most cynical aversions to what I generally find to be a corny experience. Quite to the contrary, this album is brimming with content that should appease crowds across genre lines. Even if you can't appreciate the gorgeous clean vocal delivery of Polina Psycheya and various guests (are you made of stone?), there are more than enough proggy guitar hooks and epic synth additions to catch your fancy. When the shred meets the atmosphere, this group reaches the same heights as favorites like Ensiferum and Fleshgod Apocalypse. Adding to this are a number of death growls scattered throughout the album to add some melodeath sensibilities to an otherwise operatic affair. But seriously, this is one of the few vocal performances in this style to bring a perfect balance of power and restraint that prevents it from becoming a caricature.
What I Don't Like: I could do without the "Loveless." We're crossing into some cornball territory on this one even if it brings me a certain 80's/early 90's pop nostalgia. Pretty epic rock solo too. The intro to "Sanctuary" is also pushing it for me.
The Verdict: My hats off to Tbe Autist for helping me find love for a genre that up until now brought me very little interest. The compositions are gigantic, the hooks are strong, and most importantly the diversity is highly admirable.
Flight's Fav's: The Coldest Sun, Stardust, The Great Lioness