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Over the past several years there has been a strange phenomenon in metal: the move towards popular music. From metal’s inception in the early seventies up until black metal in the early 90s there was a consistent progression towards greater and greater “heaviness” (perhaps “intensity” or “aggression” would work equally as well). Metal was, after all, heavy; and each new generation of bands continued working in that direction, attempting to surpass their predecessors, while still being oddly conservative and faithful to them. Yet throughout the 90s and today bands began to emerge that used techniques originally developed to increase heaviness (such as double bass and high-speed riffing) in music that became more and more accessible, soft and “pop.”
Today this general style has grown considerably, (and its influence can even be felt in bands that do not strictly belong in that category). Raintime is a perfect representative of this new “style.” While some pop-metal bands like Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Soilwork, Cradle of Filth or even Sonata Arctica are still firmly rooted in metal songwriting and execution, Raintime seem to possess a true pop sensibility. Elements of metal are to be found, but are even further removed from their origin, and are used to create songs that are pure pop. The keyboard is very prominent, being the principal the lead melodic instrument in every song. The vocals vary a good deal, from Michael Kiske-esque power metal to the pseudo black/death style that is ever gaining in prominence. That is not at all to say, however, that the music is bad. On the contrary, the music is actually quite good (although keep in mind that I’m a complete sucker for synth hooks). The songs are rather moderately paced (not that there is a shortage of bands that focus on speed), and are quite pleasant, aside from the truly dreadful ballad “Chains of Sadness;” why metal bands feel obliged to produce such garbage is beyond me. “Pleasant” is actually a very good word to use to describe Raintime, not only because it is accurate but also because their style precludes adjectives such as “exciting,” “profound,” “interesting” or “engaging.”
Only recommended for those who ask little of their music (perhaps a good definition for “pop” itself).
| Tracklist |
| 1. Moot-Lie |
| 2. Faithland |
| 3. Creation |
| 4. The Experiment |
| 5. Denied Recollection |
| 6. Chains Of Sadness |
| 7. Using The Light Forever |
| 8. Daily Execution/Paradox Deafeat |
: 41.51
| Buy other Raintime albums |
