Odeum – Behind the Fear
In search of new talent again on CDBaby.com, I found French orchestral metal band Odeum. Their new album Behind the Fear is a great platform of an album to launch their musical careers. The music was created by three artists: Romain Lhoste, on keyboards; Nils Delaye-Boloh, on bass and narration, and Baptiste Bois, on vocals, growls and guitar.
This debut album, “tells the story of the confrontation of two opposites: a character completely devoid of emotion and another completely empathetic and seeking justice in the world”. It is an interesting story to tell, and the music and orchestration is bold.
“The Ghosts Salute You”, opens with cold hard steel sounds, like huge metal spikes hitting the dirt. Then growling like a huge cat or dragon. Deep guttural sounds before orchestration and choirs begin to sooth the setting. Horns, keys and what sounds like a full orchestra join in to celebrate the beginning of Odeum’s debut album. A regal opening beyond the initial growls.
“Prospector’s Hut”, is the first single and a cool video was created for the song, displayed on YouTube.com. The drumming and orchestration are on full blast to open this production. The melody reminds me of Danny Elfman’s Batman theme, which has always been a favorite. The charging guitars, pounding drums and offsetting bass are excellent.
“Our Deceived Loved Ones”, is full of more on-charging electric lead guitars, solid bass and drums. The orchestration overshadows the vocal presentation. In fact, it is often hard to hear the vocal presentation, or understand the lyrics, until the orchestration quiets. They need a better balance in a future mix.
“Erase the Shame”, opens quietly with growls and orchestration, before the dragon or lion seems to be unleashed. Then the music gets released. Rushing full speed ahead with orchestration surrounding. Growling vocals amid a torrent of orchestration and lead and bass guitars with drums rolling. Then, suddenly, quiet and intricate orchestration. Then, back to full on fire hose metal sound.
“We are the Future”, opens with a musical gallop of keys and orchestration, along with blazing electric lead guitars and supporting bass. The vocals are much clearer on this song. Bois leads a choir of voices, “We are the future!”
“Vision Collide”, opens with soft, bell like keys, like a children’s toy, before a whirlwind of violent electric guitars, bass and drums rumble in. The vocals are different and interesting.
“Keeper of Balance”, finds another great surprise, female vocals! Robi Ralau brings her vocals to bear and balance out the sound. The heavy orchestration and musicianship continues. Pounding and pulsating drums, with some interesting keyboards supporting.
“Lullaby for a New Hope”, is an over 12-minute epic closer full of wonderful orchestration and music. It provides a wonderful vision of the kind of music this band is capable of creating. Robi Ralau’s vocals balance the sound well. The growling is not overwhelming.
I like this band’s debut release, Behind the Fear, and can see a bright future for this band if they balance the powerful hard sound they create with wonderful female vocals. Check out this album if you are in search of a new band creating metal symphonic music.
Track List
- The Ghosts Salute You – 3:14
- Prospector’s Hut – 5:23
- Our Deceived Loved Ones – 4:47
- Erase the Shame – 5:59
- We are the Future – 7:12
- Vision Collide – 6:52
- Keeper of Balance – 6:43
- Lullaby for a New Hope – 12:58
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/odeum24
https://www.odeumofficial.com/