There are very few albums that I have had a hard time writing about in my ten years as a music reviewer. The latest from Virgin Black, undoubtedly Australia’s finest export since the echidna, has the potential to be pompous, arrogant, overwhelming, and even alien to the band’s die hard fans. Created over the last few years with the aid of a symphony orchestra, ambitious does not even begin to encapsulate what the band has been up to.
Part of the Requiem trilogy, the utter genius and beauty contained on mezzo forte (the second part but first to be released), is nearly indescribable. Virgin Black are centuries ahead of their peers and their vision of what music should be is crystal clear here. Their vision is clear in the same way Syd Barrett’s was when he told interviewers in the late sixties that in the future bands would have to really on a lot more than their songs, that they would have to give people a show. Recognized or not, Virgin Black are ushering in the next stage in music’s evolution.
Mezzo Forte begins with the stunningly beautiful “Requiem, Kyrie.” A song as comfortable in the realm of gothic music as it is in the kingdom of traditional classical music. This song begins a journey that truly fits into two worlds at the same time. “In Death” is up next and is, while slightly awkward sounding in spots, probably the closest in sound to the band’s previous works. “Midnight’s Hymn” boasts a more operatic sound led by the give and take of a wonderful female voice that is beautiful and haunting all at once and the immensely sorrowful vocal that Rowan London is known for.
The most touching moment comes with “Lacrimosa (I am Blind With Weeping).” This is undoubtedly the bets Virgin Black song to date. As Samantha Escarbe’s guitars ring out you can feel your soul stir. Augmented by breathtakingly reserved strings and London’s nearly anthemic leading of the choir it’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by this striking piece.
Every time Virgin Black releases an album I wonder if they could ever top what they have done and each time they offer something miles ahead of its predecessor. Requiem – Mezzo Forte is no exception to this rule. This is the band’s premier work to date and in reality it is only a fraction of what they are truly offering. This is an album that leaves the listener beautifully exhausted when it concludes. Virgin Black a rarity in today’s music scene, lending credibility to music that it long left behind. Do not miss out on this album.
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Reviewed by Mark Fisher |
