supraliminal's Full Review: The Butterfly Effect by Moonspell
This is Moonspell's fourth full length release, and surprise surprise it sounds way different than any of their previous releases. This time around, Moonspell have opted for an industrial type of sound, while using plenty of atmospheres and creepy effects. I would say that none of the atmospheres sound particularly gothic anymore, but definitely dark. The boys from Portugal have returned to a heavier sound than Sin/Pecado or Irreligious, but nowhere near as heavy as Wolfheart. The industrial type turn allows for some real catchy rhythms and some of Moonspell's best songs, but unfortunately this was at the expense of the guitar's complexity. The rhythms, while sounding good, just seem dumbed down for Moonspell, and that is the only bone I have to pick with this album. Well, maybe the fact that the drums sound a tiny bit artificial (they definitely aren't... think of how Fear Factory's drummer sounds machine like at times). A definite plus is the vocals, which have the sharpest contrast yet between the deep singing and the blood pumping growling.
Lyrically, the album is supposed to be somewhat of a concept album dealing with everything having an effect on everything else (like the butterfly flaps its wings and a storm pops up halfway across the globe), or at least that's what I'd read in interviews, but I really don't see the connection between the songs myself.
Overall, a very good album from start to finish, with the possible exception of "I Am The Eternal Spectator".... don't get me wrong, I love the new sound, but this seems to go to far into the realms of cheezy club music to me. Still, I'd be proud to have that song as the weak point on any album. Highlights include "Adaptables", a song dealing with man adapting to fit the requirements of religion which starts of mellow and soothing before launching of into brutal screams and a very groovy chorus, "Soulsick", the album opener which quickly informs the listener that this is a heavier Moonspell release, and "Angelizer", a bizarre little mumbled-verse opus with a viciously loud chorus.
A little note, this album can only be described as industrial sounding, but I can't really pinpoint industrial/synthetic type bands that this sounds too close too. I suppose I'd say those who like Kovenant's Animatronics would probably like this (and vice versa). My point being that I have read before brash and ignorant negative opinions on this album accusing Moonspell of jumping on the "electronic bandwagon." It's not for me to say if the new sound is due to this or not, but let me assure you they are a LONG way off from cloning anybody, and as always Moonspell does a damn good job playing their new sound!
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