| Pity Love (CD) | 1995 | Candlelight |
The first thing that I noticed, are these intriguing trumpet-like sounds in the background. A closer inspection revealed that it's actually a trombone... Not an instrument you normally associate with metal music, is it?
I can safely say I liked this album from the word 'go'. Sheer originality is something I appreciate when it comes to music. There are two types of vocals; the clear, dreamy ones, at times slightly reminiscent of 'Serenades'-era Darren White, and the harsh, rasping vocals. The production is not the best I've heard, but we're all used to that when it comes to debuts. Plus it actually suits the music, blending with the gloomy guitars and the strong drums.
The main downside to this album is the fact that the songs are quite similar, due to the repetitive trombone melodies. Aside from that, I see no reason why this beautifully weird album shouldn't find its way towards its audience.
1. When Beauty Dies
2. The Penance
3. (Never A) Bygone
4. Teardance
5. As The Evening Falters, The Dogs Howl
6. Embers
7. Storm
8. Ripe As The Night
9. Daughter Sunday
Approx. 54 minutes
| Electric Sulking Machine (CD) | 2001 | Peaceville |
It is safe to say that Beyond Dawn's style is difficult to contain within one, or even a combination of musical genres, but it is unarguably rooted in metal and accompanied by a definitive eclectic twist. ESM's hallmark lies in its incorporation of an idiosyncratic experimental pop aspect over and above Beyond Dawn's typical trademark sound. In short, 'Electric Sulking Machine' is an assortment of quietly melancholic beat-driven pop music.
Using a combination of traditional metal instrumentation in a highly unique way, and less common trombone (as well as intermittent drum-loops and other electronic wizardry), the band has evolved, via atmospheric doom metal, from their original and undeniable death metal roots to their present guise as an exceedingly awkward-to-describe, laid back yet enigmatically driven act, producing jazzed up, quasi-ambient music with profound lyrics and phenomenal delivery. If I had to namedrop, bands such as Soundgarden would feature in the foreground.
Beyond Dawn has always been headstrong and keen to stand out from their competitive peers; this album is no different in that respect. They tactfully balance the merits of subtle quasi-doom and pronounced pop elements with their own innovative touches such as the use of trombone overlays - take a listen to 'Aagé' in particular for a perfect example of this. But the almost inconceivable mixture of such differing elements is in no way forced. On the contrary, they mirror the lyrical intention smoothly and effectively. 'Violence Heals' is a prime example of the combination of cutting edge lyrics supported by the clean vox that run throughout the release, and cynical expressionism emphasised by purposeful guitar strumming, cleverly articulated drum beats and memorable bass-lines that are reminiscent of The 3rd and the Mortal. In general however, the percussion as a whole has become minimalist in comparison to its former density.
As much as Beyond Dawn's style alters with each release, they haven't once disappointed fans, or "sold out" to the ever hungry music moguls of mainstream labels despite introducing mainstream elements to their music, such as trip-hop (particularly in 'Fairy Liquid' and 'Addictions Are Private'). They draw a fine line between crass commercialism and outlandish innovativeness with panache, evolving along a natural course rather than a contrived one and, as far as I'm concerned, 'Electric Sulking Machine' is a tight album in all respects; it confirms the band's musical and lyrical talent and is definitely a cd worth investing in!
1. Violence Heals
2. Addictions Are Private
3. On The Subject Of Turning Insane
4. Certain Qualities
5. Fairy Liquid
6. Aagé
7. Pop Ist Verboten
8. Cigarette
9. Pacific Blue Disorder
10. Hairy Liquor (Mer Kraft I Hver Draabe)
Approx. 48 minutes
| Frysh (CD) | 2003 | Peaceville |
Now, I have absolutely no idea what "Loungecore" is supposed to mean, or how a monarchical despot of "loungecorians" would look and sound like. So this clever marketing sticker is obviously wasted on me. What I do understand however is the wonderful music that Beyond Dawn created on 'Frysh'. This must indeed be one of the kindest monarchs known in history, laid back and relaxing all day in the sun, waving and smiling at his subjects.
Beyond Dawn have come a long way from their Doomish sound of their first albums. Make no mistake there. This album has nothing to do anymore with Doom, metal or a combination of both those entities. Ultra relaxed, slightly psychedelic music with a lot of electronics', that is what's Beyond Dawn's game now. The album in this clearly ventures forward from 'Electric Sulking Machine'. What I especially love is the 70ties/80ties, Commodore 64 feeling to the music. The relaxed "lounge" atmosphere is completed by totally outdated electronics' that make you feel like you're trapped in an old C64 game. Perhaps it's because it triggers happy childhood memories of me as a small geek wasting my days away behind game computer, but I've fallen totally in love with this album because of the retro atmosphere it breathes.
The best track for sure is 'Among the Sedatives' in which the C64 game electronics' almost seem to make up the entire song. It's such a happy tune that even the most depressed Doomster can't help but crack a smile. Most of the songs are not as upbeat as 'Among the Sedatives', but still the entire album is just filled with feel-good tunes. Actually a band like Royksopp comes to mind when listening to this album. Which should give you a good indication on how far Beyond Dawn have removed themselves of the Metal scene.
Basically Beyond Dawn with 'Frysh' have gone down the path of happy-go-lucky synth-pop with a very laid back character to it. I doubt many metal fans will enjoy this album. In fact if you like your music loud and aggressive and feel the constant urge to punch those stupid club-hopping house fans, you might want to stay as far away from this album as you possibly can, give or take the occasional ritual CD burning. But if you're open minded to more then just metal and are looking for a laid back album of exceptionally high quality then 'Frysh' might very well be worth checking out. It's quickly become one of my own personal favourites.
1. Far From Showbiz
2. Increasing the Gravity
3. Among the Sedatives
4. Righteous Underground
5. The Right People
6. Right Money
7. Maybe Deeper
8. TRNQL
9. Severed Survival
10. Bloody Comeback
11. At Ritas
12. Strange Relief
13. Decreasing the Gravity (Trulz & Robin Mix)
Approx. 68 minutes