Tartharia--Abstract Nation
Crash Music 2004
No one will ever say fresh, new, inventive sounds are bad for music. Still, sometimes it's enough for a band to walk beaten paths, as long as they do so with flair. Tartharia prove this hypothesis to be fact on their new album Abstract Nation.
Tartharia deal exclusively in synth accentuated, melodic, orchestrated black metal. For point of reference, think Dimmu Borgir. Abstract Nation definitely isn't reinventing the wheel, but it is a solid and powerful listen. Very competently executed.
Well-done songwriting really saves Tartharia from being just another face in the crowd. For the most part, Abstract Nation stays on one speed but there are moments of standout in here. The coldest of this batch, "Stand In The Wind," boasts some nicely disorienting harmony riffage. Cutting synth-strings drive both "Reprise" and the title track, each sure to delight diehard fans of this blackend form. "At Every Step" rules the roost, though. An injection of female voice provides this one an Into The Pandemonium Celtic Frost feel--something many bands strive for and fail at.
If this branch of the black metal tree suits you best, Abstract Nation should prove a worthwhile listen. Again, Tartharia don't break any new ground with this outing, but they are good at what they do. Might also be welcome to fans of Passage-era Samael.
Score this CD directly from CRASH MUSIC
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