Mar de Grises
Mar de Grises (Demo) 2001 None
It hardly ever happens that we hear about a doom-metal act coming from another part of the world than Europe or North-America. Apparently, the doom scene in the rest of the world is close to non-existing. Though every now and then, a little spark arises from those dark dominions, as is the case with the Chilean band Mar de Grises, which means that, together with doomsters Poema Arcanus two Chilean bands try to breach out of the South-American boundaries, into the world-wide doom scene. This demo has been recorded with the primitive means that are at the disposal of any underground band with limited funds. Nevertheless, the 5 members of this young and promising band managed to create four heavy and doomy tracks with a distinctive own style and a rather nice production, after not even a full year of playing together. The band consists of two guitar players, backed by bass and drums, and a vocalist who also plays keyboards. The music varies from very quiet, atmospheric, frail and melodic stuff, to downright brutal doom. The keyboard lines (often just piano) are used in intro's and as addition to the guitar melodies, not taking an upfront stance as in many gothic-metal bands. But what I like most about this band, are the genius vocals. Marcelo sings (often like the vocalist from Officium Triste), whispers, screams, grunts (very much like those of Evoken), speaks, and all this fit exactly in the mood of the music: passionate, emotional, haunting. Two thumbs up for this band and what they are doing. Mar de Grises are heavy, atmospheric and doom. We can only hope that someone working for a label will see the genius of this band and propose them a deal.	1. Storm 2. Recklessness 3. Mar de Grises 4. For Just an Eternity Approx. 30 minutes
Reviewed by: Heiko Isselee
The Tatterdemalion Express (CD) 2004 Firebox Records
One of the least likely countries, Chile, produces one of the most powerful debuts this year will see, as Mar De Grises release their full fledged album unto the doom-loving world through Firebox records (who else?) With this effort the band waves the South American doom banner high and proves that modern doom is still an evolving genre where there is room for a broad spectrum of sound. As became clear on the self-titled demo of the band, they play Doom/Death, but in a very original fashion that was perfected on this album. Above all Mar de Grises play dynamic music, which ranges from crushing heaviness to culminating emotion to delicate fragility. It is rich in tempo changes, solos, varied vocals and exciting through and through. The melody is a very important element, and it is borne by the guitar leads and the keyboards, of which the latter are exceptionally well suited to this type of music. A bit of criticism goes out to the lyrics, where the English isn't always entirely as it should be, but on the whole this doesn't make a big difference and other bands, Shape of Despair for example, have been known to get away with such things as well because of the quality of the music. Mar de Grises have no trouble whatsoever meeting that criterion. Highlights of the album are the beginning of 'El Otro', which approaches Funeral Doom and the wonderful 'Storm', which was redone for this album, along with 'Recklessness'. The subtly climaxing 'Onírica' is the perfect end for this album, which will prove to be one of the better debuts of the year. This is a must-have for anyone seriously into modern Doom/Death and for fans of Funeral Doom as well.	1. El Otro 2. To See Saturn Fall 3. Storm 4. Recklessness 5. Self Portrait no 1 6. Be Welcome Oh Hideous Hell 7. Onírica Approx. 56 minutes
Reviewed by: Oscar Strik