The Butcher's Ballroom

Hmm, a band with an operatic female vocalist and a cello player, who play Metal mixed with classical and swing? If you're like me, you'll think that's a pretty shite combination. But unlike so many bands that try to force together genres (Nightwish, I'm looking at you) DSO actually do it well, and the result is what so many other bands desperately try to do- it's invigorating, exotic and something quite original.

Probably the thing that really sets DSO apart is that they don't really rely on a gimmick, as such. Sure, there is the whole swing and opera angle, but it's integrated deep into the music- this isn't cliched metal with random keys or trumpets thrown over the top- the influences seem genuine, and are in every level of the music. The whole thing has the feel of.. well, a diabolic swing orchestra.

It's also a good thing that the whole deal is very entertaining and that there's plenty of energy throughout the whole thing. Infralove is my particular favourite, with a bit of a latin (?) feel to it, some nice riffs, and good dynamic flow throughout it. Indeed, every song has some nice dynamics.. While some songs are more about rocking out, (eg Ballrog Boogie), there's plenty of ebb and flow throughout the songs, so you won't get bored to easy. While it would be an exaggeration to say this band is really versatile, there are some pretty interesting mellow moments too- like the exotic, didgeridoo driven Gunpowder Chant, and Qualms of Conscience. Yeah, the band is pretty damn solid- there's nothing too wanky here, but there are some tasteful moments of musicianship here, whether it's the odd keyboard sweep here and there, and the odd-time main riff that's in Porcelain Judas.

Now, one thing that I haven't talked about yet is the vocals, and they definitely deserve some discussion. Their are some male vocals, some quite aggressive, but the real feature here is the excellent female vocals. It's operatic, and a lot more authentically opera-ish then all the other 'sirens' in metal bands. The vocals are excellently pitched, very strong and much closer to the real thing then all the other bands with operatic singers. I never thought the juxtaposition of these kind of vocals and this kind of music would work, but I was definitely proven wrong!

I guess the one criticism I'd have for this album is that nothing really stands out. Every song is entertaining, every song is solid and also somewhat original, but there's nothing here that really is amazing, though Heroines and Infralove come close. DSO have their formula down, but for me, they don't have that extra bit of magic (yet, anyway) that can make them a truly great band. Basically, that's why they are getting the relatively low rating- every song is solid, but there's not a lot of big hooks, or really ownage riffs here.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed this album a fair bit. I reconciles something I thought was impossible- opera vocals, metal riffs - and it's a unique take on metal done in a really entertaining way. Definitely a band to watch out for, and something that I think most people will enjoy a fair bit.