Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

Before going into the review, I will be taking this review in a different approach, then my normal review format.

Let’s begin with the review and who is: “Ampola”. “In 2018, the Ampola Project was born—a spark of creativity envisioned by Paulo Martins, a seasoned musician from bands such as Ramp, Noidz, A Naifa, and Corvos. With the soul of a drummer and the heart of a poet, Paulo takes on vocals and composition, channelling his emotions into a project that transcends the ordinary. Here, heavy rock becomes the flame illuminating the verses of immortal masters like Fernando Pessoa and Edgar Allan Poe, transforming words into a sonic ritual laden with intensity and mystery.” [Ampola]

As we delve into the review, let’s turn our attention to the first song on our list, O Corvo. This track bursts forth with a fierce instrumental backdrop and hauntingly poetic vocals, delivered in the band’s native tongue. It invites listeners on a lyrical odyssey, painting a vivid picture of a frigid, solitary night where the narrator, lost in the pages of ancient tomes, seeks solace from the heartache of a cherished one now among the “heavenly hosts.” The lyrics conjure a profound sense of melancholy, enigma, and sorrow, echoing the dark essence of Edgar Allan Poe’s timeless classic “The Raven”. The composition intricately blends aggressive grooves, technical prowess, and rhythmic depth, enhanced by ethereal keyboard melodies, creating a seamless fusion of powerful, poetic shouts and tightly woven musical arrangements.

The follower piece titled Saudade beautifully captures the anguish of love lost to distance. The narrator, seated by a flickering campfire in the quiet aftermath of battle, gazes up at the stars, yearning for his beloved, who is portrayed as a celestial being. His heart, ablaze with passion, echoes with the rhythmic beating of a drum, while a haunting lament amplifies the sorrow and the chasm that lies between them. This creates a raw expression of longing and desire. Unlike the more aggressive tone of the opening piece. Saudade embraces a gentler, more rhythmic style, enveloping the listener in a sombre yet enchanting atmosphere. The backing vocals add a rich, magical quality, perfectly mirroring the poignant themes woven throughout the lyrics.

The third composition, titled Wica, immerses listeners in a mystical ritual brimming with symbolism and pagan traditions. It features iconic elements like the athame, the pentagram, the cauldron, and the Book of Shadows. As the altar is set and the circle is drawn, the narrator calls for a spiritual connection, yearning to share profound experiences and bond with an everlasting brotherhood. This piece, lasting under four minutes, maintains the same structure as its predecessors, while the fruit of art creator of atmospheres intricately weaves ethereal soundscapes that enhance the emotional depth of the song and the overall composition.

The final track, Crucificada, delves into profound themes of liberation and transcendence, juxtaposing the joy of breaking free from responsibilities with the quest for deeper spiritual significance. It contemplates the ever-changing essence of nature, the act of forgetting, and the possibility of redemption, conjuring vivid imagery like the “perfect crucified rose” and the blood of Christ. This track stands out as the album’s weightiest and most rhythmic piece, featuring vocals that lean towards the avant-garde, while the instrumentation surges with an aggressive yet atmospheric energy.

Ampola and their album, O Corvo unfolds as a captivating fourteen-minute journey, divided into four distinct tracks that challenge conventional heavy rock norms. This composition is a testament to the band’s exceptional devilmanship, with Melkor on guitar unleashing a tempest of fierce and precise death and thrash metal riffs. His playing is complemented by the second guitarist, Sergo Esteves, who smoothly bridges the gap between raw heaviness and melodic intricacies. The result is a rich tapestry of sound that draws listeners into its depths, while Paulo Martins delivers poetic vocals that serve as a creative force, and Cesar Silva crafts ethereal soundscapes on the keys, enhancing the overall experience. The enigmatic drumming adds layers of complexity and depth to each track, making the entire composition a thrilling exploration.

Focusing on Melkor, a familiar name to followers of Athenaeum Of Sin, his contributions have been highlighted in previous reviews of his solo projects. Yet, it is the collective working ethic of the band that truly shines, with each member showcasing their artistic and devilmanship prowess. Paulo stands out with his dynamic vocals, infusing life into the music and propelling its heartbeat forward. The other musicians maintain a seamless flow, their instrumental artistry intertwining to create a vibrant and engaging sound, while keeping the music flowing, like blood to the heart. The production quality is impeccable, allowing every note and beat to resonate clearly, ensuring that the listener is fully immersed in the experience.

Ampola and their album, O Corvo transcends the label of a mere EP; it beckons listeners to step into a realm where reality and imagination intertwine. This is music that tantalizes the senses, a poetic journey for the ears, and a blazing fire for those brave enough to embrace its intensity. Each track invites exploration, urging the audience to lose themselves in its intricate layers and emotional depth, making it a remarkable addition to the heavy rock landscape.