music review

Zeitgeist ::: "Lunar"

gothic - fem - metal - darkwave

A very impressive debut c.d. release by this young Australian darkwave-gothic-progressive-doom-metal-band. It contains 33 minutes of original sombre, shadowy and enchanting music.

Zeitgeist's style is characterised by progressive-metal guitars that are heavily influenced by classical/mediaeval music, gothic-styled bass guitars, drumming reminiscent of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, and well-crafted female vocals which are an original blend of influences such as Dead Can Dance, Cranberries, Sinead O'Connor and the tortured witch-like noises of Diamandas Galas.

Although, having said that, the opening track comes as a surprise as it is an ethereal synthesiser-based orchestral piece. It's the only track on the album which contains keyboards. The second track "Bloodloverush" introduces Zeitgeist's predominant style which is also featured on the tracks "Tormentum", "Death by Porn", and "Kill NRG". Perhaps the most accessible song is the ballad "Fatale"; a piece that features reverby classical-styled arpeggio'd guitars and Irish-styled vocals that remind of the Cranberries.

The lyrics for "Nacht und Traume" are adapted from a 17thC German librettist and contains some amazing operatic vocals. The version of "Death by Porn " is an edited version of that on the "Down Under Ground Vol.2" c.d. and although I prefer the full version, this version works well. The closing track "Tides of Persuasion" is a short experimental piece of sound collages.

Tthis is a great first release from this very talented and original band. While their music could be classed as "heavy", featuring distorted guitars and dark emotions, it isn't actually grinding, draining or assaulting, but actually quite cool and airy -for want of better terms!

You can obtain a copy of "Lunar" for $15 Aust. from:

Zeitgeist - PO Box A927 Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia.info@zeitgeist.xwave.com.au