Day into Night

Quo Vadis is a band I have always loved because of their superiority over other bands in the same genre as it, their effort of constantly pushing the envelope and trying something innovative in a rather un innovative genre. The band’s debut entitled, “Forever” which was released in 1996 showcased the talent the band possessed even in its early days. 4 years later, in the March of 2000 with the release of, “Day Into Night” they have gained experience and knowledge in every possible aspect. They have not repeated the mistakes they made on their debut and have actually corrected them, thus making for a much better album than the debut.

The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the first notes of the opening track entitled, “Absolution” is the massive change in the quality of production. The production, which was the biggest thorn and in the band’s flesh and in my opinion was what bought the band down, has now been removed by the band’s new label, Hypnotic Records. The guitars sound crunchy, sharp and powerful. The drums sound great and the bass is deliciously audible. Whereas the production on the earlier album sucked energy out of the band this label inject a vial of power into it.

The band’s line up has remained unchanged from its previous release and a consistent line up always helps a band. The line up is: -

Are Itman – Vocals
Bart Frydrychowicz – Guitars
Rémy Beauchamp – Bass
Yanic Bercier - Drums

Whereas the first album included a tinge of technical elements in the bands approach on melodic death, this release is much more technical and progressive in nature. Complex song structures backed by mind-boggling time signatures are on the band’s menu throughout this release.

Are, though has improved over the past 4 years. His voice is certainly more powerful, but he is still in the learning curve and they are not fully developed. However, the vocals still remain a matter of concern for the band. No emotion and no feel, one needs to get used to the vocals to enjoy the album.

Bart’s guitar playing has improved in leaps and bounds and have increased the ammunition in his tank tenfold. He can play this unique blend of melodic, yet technically perfect and sophisticated combination, something that no one in the Melodic Death genre can boast of. His perfect combination of harmonics and melody requires special mention as he plays a big part in the success of this record.

And what can you even say about Yanic? This guy is a machine with the perfect attitude, which is that of never giving up learning. His work on the previous release was great and he has somehow increased even more. His technicality and speed has increased much to the envy of his counterparts. He however, being of humble nature (you should read his reviews) never tries to hog on the limelight or show off his skills which would harm the band. His work on the cymbals and double bass is something that I have always loved and he doesn’t disappoint. One of the best drummers around today, he gets your respect even if he doesn’t try it. Needless to say, he is once again the start of the show.

The songs this time around as compared to the previous release are longer in length, more technical and complex than ever before and have jazz influences, the reason because of which you never know what to expect next and when the band has the listener entrapped in its inflicted mystery you know they have succeeded.

My only complaint this time around is the fact the band have not showcased their love for classical music, something which worked extremely well for them in the previous release and a trademark which set them apart from the other bands in the genre.

Overlook this, and you have a brilliant Technical Melodic Death Metal, the likes of which are not to be found.