Golden Core (2008)
We live in exciting times in the metal realm. The possibilities seem limitless as products assault from every corner of the world. In every subdivision you could get two to three new releases a month, which for an ardent consumer like myself keeps my brain excited in the hopes for excellence. Sure burnout can lurk on the horizon if you aren’t willing to have broad tastes- yet there seems to come a point where an album eclipses any expectations and supersedes your daily routine enough that you can’t wait to return incessantly through each and every track.
Cloudscape’s third album "Global Drama" reaches that ‘in the zone’ zenith in an already stellar discography background. Singer Mike Andersson alluded in previous emails to me that this 12 song, 67 minute album would be much more progressive than their earlier records, and I would agree whole-heartedly that the quintet reached deep down and explored all avenues of songwriting, tempos and arranging with these compositions. "Mind Diary" begins with a quiet, space-like keyboard sequence before the dual guitar chops of Bjorn Eliasson and Patrik Svard squeal, rip and shred in aggressive volleys as if Pagan’s Mind, Kamelot and Evergrey tangled in a three way cage match. The first video cut "Cloak & Daggers" contains an ethereal exotic framework, allowing drummer Roger Landin an exploratory glance into doom laden pastures with an African, world beat approach as well as inventive keyboard/electronic effects enhancing the unique atmosphere. "Global Drama" can also settle into addictive mid-tempo head banging grooves, as evidenced by my neck strains throughout "The Silence Within" and "Ritual Of The Blade".
Even the epic songs like "Algonas" (8:22) and "Eyes Of Jealousy" (9:07) have enough melodies and hooks in mind to capture your attention while also throwing down some forward thinking playing ability- be it subtle bass solo dynamics from Haynes Pherson throughout the latter or the new age guitar splash running headlong into the best elements of Fates Warning and Symphony X within the former. Superstar production, the continued brilliant artwork and CD booklet design from Mattias Noren and probably the defining moment of Mike Andersson’s already impressive vocal resume leads me to the conclusion that Cloudscape aren’t contenders in the progressive metal arena- they are the real deal and deserve top billing.
In year end polls I sense a ton of top 5 mentions. This one just usurped Serenity’s "Fallen Sanctuary" out of my first slot for the year. All my senses are stirred, the hair follicles stand at attention as Cloudscape enlighten and entertain in their own inimitable manner.
www.goldencore.de
www.cloudscape.se
Composed by Matt Coe