Well... I must say that ALMOST SAINT from Hungary
is a huge surprise in my book! Formed in 2002 and they have released two Demos; “At the Gate of Two Worlds” (2003) and the one I’m holding in my hands "...For and Against Everybody" (2007).
The music of ALMOST SAINT could very well be labelled as Symphonic-Melodic-Black Metal but to me they are so much more than that. To me they are Symphonic, Melodic, Folk, Death, Pagan, Progressive, Epic and Black at the very same time... and they could very well be the surprise of the year 2007... At least to me.
The guys can obviously play all sorts of different styles of music and they do show how to mix every single of the above mentioned styles into one bowl... and get a stunning result.
We get 5 tracks... the opening track is called “Heart”... at first they sound like a Progressive Rock band... but suddenly they go all Power Metal on you... but that won’t last for long, because they suddenly burst into one hell of a Symphonic, Melodic Black Metal song with a melody that’s absolutely brilliant. This track contains every fucking of the above mentioned styles... great start.
The title track "...For and Against Everybody" starts with a Death Metal riff, but they will very soon go Symphonic and Melodic Black Metal again with Pagan and Folk influences. A breathtaking track if you ask me. I can listen to over and over again... it’s beyond me how these guys can be without a record deal!
“Only I exist” follows and once again a small masterpiece... a Black/Death Metal track peppered with Pagan/Folk influences... Fast but still with an absolutely enthralling melody. Just mix Ensiferum with Sonic Reign and you know what I mean.
Track 4 is called “The Beginning” also a very good track. Instrumental track... it gives you a chance to catch your breath after the first 3 songs.
This EP ends with “My Goodwill”. Once again a splendid song and when the EP is done... I start it all over again... and again... and again... and again...
Well... I’m glad that I checked out this band, because this is Melodic-Symphonic-Black Metal of the highest quality.
Stunning!
