In tormentata quiete

The novelty of this Italian band was far too intriguing to turn my nose up at. In Tormentata Quiete are a very interesting band given the fact that they cross genres most bands wouldn’t even dare to attempt at moulding. From folk to rock and even further left field to black metal. This interesting mesh of ideas is brought together by a field of musicians who can put all the bands issues aside to perform at their utmost when they’re required to do so. I don’t know the precise line-up for this debut, which is self-titled, but I imagine it is close to the present day line-up. The band, as one can imagine given their line-up history, has gone through some rigorous changes in the build-up to their sophomore, a record which is being widely greeted by praise by those of us who know about it. Although In Tormentata Quiete may be a relative unknown, they perform in each of the genres they utilise extremely well. From the eclectic folk inspired sections, which draws out a jazzy bass section, pianos and other instruments not normally associated with black metal, to the expected addition of elements like rasped vocals. Though these traditional elements may pale in comparison to the eclectic style of the folk and rock aspirations that the band may have, they still serve a purpose within the mesh of sounds.

Though one sound may not sound like the other, they’re blended together well by exceptional song writing skills from such an unknown band. I enter into bands like this with a feeling of apprehension and am happy to be proved wrong by bands. Instead of offering a typical affair, torn into pieces by sloppy instrumentation and lacklustre song writing skills, the Italians have proved a match for any avant-gardé band in the industry by providing an interesting look at how to blend a number of genres together into one swift movement. The band originally started as a symphonic black metal band and this can still very much be felt in the soundscapes. The band, although not listed, seem to use instruments such as keyboards (shown particularly well in songs like ‘Chiaroscuro’), pianos and dual vocals to increase a presence of symphonic style in their songs. Not only this, but the far reaching talents of this quirky Italian outfit also manages to fit in an outstanding bass sections similar to that of progressive metal bands, who often have exceptional bassists plying their trade with them, as well as acoustics which add a different flavour to the already vibrant textures that occur within the immensely layered songs.

I have noticed a similar trend occurring in Italy between bands as this nation seems to have a high number of symphonic based bands stretching their wings into the avant-gardé style which takes some perfecting. There are a number of surprising features in regards to In Tormentata Quiete’s self-titled work. I never expected such profound structures, or perfected song writing skills for a debut from an unknown entity. Given the positive nature of the reviews for the sophomore, which I have not heard at this present moment in time, I would expect that the band go from strength-to-strength, though it is difficult to imagine what they could improve upon. Although I do not consider this record to be the epitome of perfection, it is very, very good. Every aspect of it, from the jazzy guitar leads on ‘Nel Regno Dell’Evo’ to the wonderful dual vocals between the male and female vocalists, is performed well enough that it doesn’t need to be worked on in the future. Of course, evolution is necessary to stop a band from becoming stale, but this exciting style, which switches from song to song, doesn’t seem to be able to bore. In terms of outstanding aspects, the bass is up there. It takes advantage of the clean production style and often leads the way with a sense of jazz inspired class, occasionally reminding me of fellow Italian band Novembre.

The dual vocals, as aforementioned, also make this piece worth hearing for those black metal fans wanting something a little more adventurous than the average Burzum clone. The female vocalist sounds rather like Lacuna Coil’s leading lady and although this may be a turn-off to some, one must remember the music of In Tormentata Quiete is completely different to that of Lacuna Coil, so place her voice in the context of an experimental black metal band, then her voice may very well work. Personally, I have never had any problems with Scabbia’s vocals and the vocalist on offer here has a voice well equipped at suiting the style of this enigmatic band who shift from aggressive to mellow in a matter of seconds as rasps are sparsely utilised and clean vocals take hold more so often than not, including clean male vocals. The keyboards and synths, thankfully, are not overbearing. There isn’t much importance placed on the keyboard aspects as it is quietly moved into the background for long periods at a time. Whenever it is in the foreground, it isn’t too rigid and is placed nicely alongside the flexible bass, as shown on songs like ‘Rosso Sangue’. As well as being a complex debut, in terms of the layered instrumentation, it is also a capable one, often providing adventurously experimental. A very good way to begin their hopefully long and illustrious careers. Solid.