Well, the folks at Bad Dog Promotions never disappoint. They have introduced me to so many wonderful new bands, that I might have missed. This time they sent me a promo for another wonderful new band. It is Wedingoth. They have a new album, Five Stars Above, which was released on January, 10th, 2023.
Wedingoth is a French, metal, progressive, symphonic band that will catch your attention, as it has mine.
And it all begins with the lovely vocals of Céline Nephthys. But Steven Segarra’s guitars and keyboard work generates lightning throughout the soundscape. Manon Fortin’s steady bass is always creating great rhythm and deep guitar sounds. Stéphane Rochas helps keep great rhythm with excellent, powerful drums. Olivier Castan plays keyboards on “Cross the Mirror”.
Wedingoth released their debut album, Candlelight, December 2009. It was well received by critics and fans alike. They released a second album The Other Side, in March of 2012. Their third album, Alone in the Crowd, was released in October of 2016.
Five Stars Above, “is an invitation to travel and contemplate the universe, and various themes related to creation, time, space and human nature”. The album’s tracks flow into each other, without a break. Like one long beautiful symphony, or probably their favorite album, Dark Side of the Moon.
Travel, yes, you do; and through a Pink Floyd-like soundscape; especially in the wonderful opener, “Dear Universe”. I can hear the music of Dark Side of the Moon; and at the same time, some early Floyd sounds as well. Céline Nephthys sings, “Dear universe. They roll their eyes. But you know. They don’t want to see. They gaze at your beauty. With empty minds. So, they can’t hear you out. Lost humanity. Yet matters of life and creation, that obsess me. Surely have answers. In your magnificence. Will I ever, see?” A great mix of acoustic and electric guitars intertwined, like Animals and Wishing You Were Here, were brought together, so wonderfully.
Then, they take you over the edge with Nephthys singing, “Welcome to the great gig in the sky”, on “Masterpiece of Life”. Yes, indeed. One of the longest and best tracks on the album. The electric guitar riffing is amazing, as are the solid drum notes. The electric guitar solos are wonderfully, and over-the-top!
“Dear Man of Earth”, has some of the best lyrics on the album. Nephthys sings, “Dear man on Earth. Don’t go to far. ‘Cause you know my wisdom. Is but in your dreams. I gaze at your beauty. Across the skies. Yet matters of Genesis and masterpieces will rise like flowers. On a light arpeggio. I know you will see”. As a long-time Genesis fan, I hear “Watcher of the Skies” in those lyrics and I love it!
“Time” sounds like the classic off of Dark Side, only this time it is drum beats, percussion, bass and keyboards that take the place of clock sound effects and alarm clocks. The familiar keyboards ring out the beat and melody we all remember. The chunky bass and heavy metal guitars are wonderful near the song’s end.
“The Space Man”, opens with big, bold and powerful drums. Then heavy bass and electric guitars. Nephthys sings, “Space. Mighty kingdom everywhere. Stars. That hide the answers in their hearts. For dreamers and space men who dare”. A great salute to the age of space exploration, and a hopeful continuation of the journey beyond.
“I Don’t Care”, opens with heavy bass and guitars as well as punching drums. A metal monster unleased. Nephthys sings, “Oh! I can see through your lies. I see you only for yourselves. I don’t care! Open your eyes! They’re only filled with tears. Open your eyes. Trapped in the carcass of your fears”. Yes, you could say very powerful. Hammering electric guitar with equally powerful drumming. This soundscape rocks!
“Cross the Mirror”, may be the best song on the album. Nephthys sings, “Mama, life has just begun and I’m scared to come”. Like a throw back to Bohemian Rhapsody. But the music and melody are completely different. This song is bouncier and full of rhythm. It moves fast compared to the other tracks so far. The guitar soloing and keyboards are wonderful.
“My Own Sacrifice”, is the longest, and most epic track on the album. The song opens with Nephthys singing, “Part I – The Seas’, “Tides are calling. Seas are awaiting. Nobody’s here. For a kid. I leave alone. With my fears and hopes”. Then, heavy bass, electric guitars and thunder drums. Just perfect execution. Nephthys sings, “I’ve sailed the seven sins, the darkest oceans. The waves of human tears. To bring a smile to a frightened heart”. Then, we fly to the skies. “Part II – The Skies”. Nephthys sings, “Stars are calling. Heaven can wait. Nobody’s here. For a kid. I left alone with my fears and hopes”. It is her best vocal performance on the album. The best instrumentation, guitar soloing and soundscape atmospherics on the album. It really is epic sound.
I guess it would be nice if every album ended with “Love”, of some kind; in this age when it is so hard to find, between people. The band does its best to capture it here. Nephthys sings, “Breathe and take the time. To take a ride. And change the rules”. A wonderful showcase for Céline Nephthys. Her best vocal performance.
This is a wonderful progressive metal symphony that I think you will enjoy. Every track is worthy. The fact they made this a continuous journey, like Dark Side of the Moon, is a wonderful tribute to one of the world’s greatest albums ever made. Sit back and enjoy a modern classic.
Track List:
1. Dear Universe 4:10
2. Masterpiece of Life 8:57
3. Dear Man on Earth 2:36
4. Time 5:36
5. The Space Man 4:30
6. I Don’t Care 5:55
7. Cross the Mirror 6:45
8. My Own Sacrifice 15:30
9. Love 5:07
The album lyrics were written by Sly Tale. The album was mixed and mastered by Olivier Didillion at Recordid Studio. The album is self-released. The artwork was created by Stan W Decker.
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