GONE IN APRIL - Threads Of Existence
June 28, 2016, 7 years ago
(WaveTransform)
Gone In April’s sophomore release, Threads Of Existence, is an epic, progressive/melodic death/goth metal platter. There’s a lot of variety on its ten tracks while still adhering to these particular genres. Gone In April is no stranger to this style of operatic, folky-symphonic metal, as the band consists of guitarist Marc-André Gingras (Quo Vadis), drummer Yanic Bercier (Quo Vadis, Märchenbilder) and vocalist/violist/violinist Julie Belanger Roy (Märchenbilder.) There’s some fabulous fret work performed by guitarist Marc-André Gingrashe, while bassist extraordinaire Steve DiGiorgio makes Gone In April’s stock rise exponentially.
The two-minute, overdramatic-yet-thrilling opener “Dawn Of Time” serves as a mood-enhancer while the first track proper, “The Curtain Will Rise,” explodes with a blistering melodeath pace. The operatic female vocals of Julie Belanger Roy mixed with the raspy growled vocals of Aaron Rogers is the basis of Gone In April’s sound throughout the album. It’s a good vocal mix without following the typical Beauty and the Beast vocal tandem. The Therion-esque “Our Future Line” contains some slow-churning riffs, complimentary sharp leads and perfectly-executed symphonic accents. The folk and death metal elements of “Remember The Days” is a good combination, while “As Hope Welcomes Death” is the most technical and deathy of the ten tracks. “The Great Contemplation” also explores the band’s progressive death metal side as well. Because each song is loaded with so many layers, it sort of makes the production sound a bit smothering. However, although female-fronted melodeath/Goth metal may be an acquired taste, Gone In April offers a fresh take on the genre.