Revelation of 2008 - After seeing Demians in Utrecht this year (2008) as support act of Anathema I immediatly bought the CD. I heard a few tracks on myspace and was impressed enough to have a go at it...... Listening to the CD I was sold. Steven Wilson already praised them but my God, what a great music.For me, this band and teh CD Building an Empire is the revalation of 2008.
ABSOLUTELY BREATH-TAKING MUSIC - I am literally writing this review within an hour of downloading the album. I had never heard of the band before or of its history, and didnt have a clue what the end result would be, but as I am a fan of Porcupine Tree, Riverside and similar sounding artists, the Demians Album popped up amongst albums I might enjoy. Steve Wilson of POrcupine Tree gave them a glowing review, so that was a starter to check them out. Having also checked out the 5 reviews already compiled on Amazon, I got an idea of what I was getting in to. My only sour point is why some of the reviewers only gave it 4 Stars. This is a FIVE STAR Album if ever there was one. When you listen to the vocals, you would never believe they come from France. The vocal and musical comparisons have been accurately portrayed and more knowledgeable reviewers have told you all you need to know of this wonderful band. It is definitely one of the most stunning modern Progressive albums I have heard in a while. To cap it off, every track is faultless and breath-taking. There is not one weak track. I honestly cant think of any other bands in this genre of music where I can also state that claim. Very powerful indeed. I agree with another reviewer in his comparison to Blackfield and No Man. The vocals at times remind me of a better sounding Tim Bowness. My favourite Track is Empire for some strange reason. I just love the Tribal atmospherics. Tim Bowness comes to mind here especially in the lighter build up but I was also thinking of a more refined and emotional Eddie Vedder fitting in there (Also on Sand). When the heavy guitar comes to the fore, I was reminded of Prime time King s X from the late 80s early 90 s era. I would definitely put this band in the Blackfield, RPWL and Riverside family Tree for starters. To end off, I feel so fortunate that I have lived a life and heard of this wonderful music at such short notice.
A Rising Force - So finally Nicolas Chapel s much-heralded debut has come to fruition! I gave Building An Empire a good many listens on a recent road trip to Atlanta and back and have decided that I like it quite well. While Chapel is no Steven Wilson, with the release of this album he serves notice that he is a rising musical force with one foot in the world of prog and the other in the world of metal.From the very beginning, the listener will know that he/she is hearing someone who is set to make his mark on the music world. Whether you like intricately-woven musical tapestries or prefer a driving guitar attack, there is something for you here. My favorites are The Perfect Symmetry, Sand, and Earth.The CD comes with a booklet containing lyrics, album info, and thanks to everyone under the sun. Perhaps your enjoyment will be enhanced if you read the very literate and intelligent lyrics while listening for the first time so you get an idea of what Chapel is about.InsideOut Music has a history of finding and promoting promising new acts in the worlds of metal and prog. With Demians, they have found another winner. If you are musically adventurous, give Building An Empire a listen and hear what I mean.
The best debut album in years - What an amazing album. As all great albums (well almost all...), the sound is familiar and refreshing at the same time. The music is complex yet very accessible. You can listen to the songs many times without them getting old. The album gives the feeling that the whole is greater than the some of its parts, as the songs support and compliment each other. One of those rare findings... give it a spin.
Amazing New Artist - This is my pick for Album & new-artist for 2008, so far. One amazing song after another. Don t know the background on these guys from France? but they sure got their ROCK on. This is also the 1st neo-progressive band I have heard from France that sings in English, very good english at that.Worth any price for admittance. Hope they come to the US on tour.BT