First real album from this Québecois band, Forebearers of Dusk is in fact a "best of" from their many demo albums released in the last two years under the name of Howling Syn. These old songs have been re-recorded and some new songs have been added. Wandering through a multitude of styles like gothic, power/prog, doom and medieval music, the band weaves it all into a conceptual and theatrical work. In spite of all these references, Howling Syn is far from being a simple "melting pot" band. Without reinventing the wheel, we find a blending of styles that is near perfection. I'll be honest, the work that is presented to us by Patryk Pigeon's band has an unfailing credibility. By far the best release of the genre to issue from a Canadian band, directly with the big ones, with a seduction-potential that can be compared to Nightwish, Theatre of Tragedy, Therion, Moonspell and Evergrey.

Based on two concepts - one gothic-vampiric and one medieval featuring the knights of the Round Table - Forebearers of Dusk is an album that instantly captivates your imagination. Personally, I was won over at the first notes from the intro, when the CD first played in my sound system. The compositions are direct and subtle at the same time. Direct because the main melodies of most songs are catchy. Subtle also because it's impossible to savour the opus with two or three listens. Even with the important presence of female vocals, the male vocals take the lion's share. Patryk Pigeon uses a great mix of gothic vocals often reminding of Peter Murphy (Bauhaus) meets Ivan Colin (Men Without Hats). For those not familiar with these singers, let me tell you that they are among the best of the genre. Far from putting it on automatic pilot, Patryk Pigeon adds many variations to the sauce, sometimes whispered, sometimes at the border of death vocals. Sophie LeMay, for her part, adds the touch necessary to create a romantic atmosphere.

The superior-quality production is another facet of the album that has stunned me. The sound is powerful and all the instruments and vocals are, at the same time, in the driver's seat: a pounding bass, flowing keyboards and cutting-edge guitars! The achievement is considerable since the songs are loaded. At a strictly technical level, everything is perfect. But wait… I must be dreaming! It's the same guy (Patryk Pigeon) who signed the production, the guitar and bass parts as well as orchestration programming and most leading vocals!

In spite of all the display of talent and virtuosity, there is a weak point to this first complete album. The cover (which is also signed by Patryk Pigeon!) is hideous. It doesn't reflect at all the quality of the music. It rather looks like a screenshot from an old shooting game. Personally, I don't care, but nobody can deny the importance of visual quality if you want to draw the attention on your product. Especially when this product fully deserves our attention…

In short, "Forebearers of Dusk" is a true revelation. For those who like gothic and power/prog metal, it is a garanteed love at first hearing. The Montreal-based band doesn't simply show their potential, they're offering us a finished album of superior quality that is really worth a few dollars. Also, don't miss Howling Syn for the closing of Weekend extrême at Café Chaos next June 2nd [2002]. What's more, the show is free!!!!

by DSL no DOG

Translated from French