LANFEAR - ZERO POEMS - 1999

Some bands like to mystify their listeners. LANFEAR first album was a perfect example of typical German Power Metal. When the first buzz regarding “Zero Poems” appeared in the press and over the internet, it was justifiable to ask yourself, if they were talking about the same band. What a tour de force they did with this second album; releasing a unique and diverse release.
The Middle-East influences throughout “Eight Silent Chambers” confirm the true attempt of the band to sound like more than a typical Power Metal band. And just when you thought that it was cool to hear such influences, the band throws you right away, in your face without warning, a gruesome Black Metal guitar riff coupled with ghastly growling vocals. They than go back into a Prog Rock flavoured piano part with clean, multilayered harmonies. This only in one song! They even manage to sound like AYREON at some point! That shows how diverse and varied their music can be.
The clean vocals could be a problem to some, as they sound quite strange at times. Somehow too much poppy for the kind of music that is displayed hear, although it doesn’t detract that much from the rest. The overall quality of the album, sound wise especially, is pretty clean and fits perfectly the spacey vibe and the atmospheric parts that come here and there without skimping on the heaviness when the need comes for it.
Just like a good old whine, this album sounds better after some time and many listens, when you get to hear all the subtleties. Seeking something unique and truly progressive, LANFEAR’s “Zero Poems” is for you!
http://www.metal-observer.com