by John Kindred
– Publisher —
Norway’s Triosphere returns with its latest album The Heart of the Matter, which follows up its 2010 release The Road Less Traveled. It has taken four years for fans to get their hands on new material. And the wait was well worth it. The Heart of the Matter offers a dynamic juxtaposition between genres. Produced and mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Paradise Lost, Symphony X, Amon Amarth, Kreator), the quality of compositions and the audio presentation make The Heart of the Matter a superior CD release.
The Heart of the Matter offers 12 new songs that clock in at nearly an hour of music. The third album by the band introduces new drummer Kenneth Tårneby. Led by vocalist/bassist Ida Haukland, alongside guitarists Marius Silver Bergesen and Tor Ole Byberg, the group continues to deliver brilliant compositions, drenched with Progressive, Melodic and Power Metal elements. The femininity of Haukland’s vocals are a perfect match for the band’s Progressive-Metallic songs. Her voice offers plenty of grit and soaring melodies, and her approach makes it possible to add heaviness or subtle contrast with or against the music. Haukland provides a fresh take on female-fronted bands when compared to many of today’s Metal vixens, who trend toward operatic-symphonic vocals or a brutal death growls.
While the focus begins with the amazing and strong vocal prowess of Haukland, the musicianship of the band also is a primary focus and highlight. Vocals and musicianship, together, are key components for any band, but forging those talents into finely crafted arrangements that become cohesive, listenable music always is the primary objective. It is apparent that Triosphere takes songwriting seriously. If you liked The Road Less Traveled, then The Heart of the Matter is as brilliant, maybe even better, than its predecessor.
“My Fortress” launches the musical adventure that traverses Metal genres with relative ease and smooth perfection. Every song keys in on melody, no matter how aggressive the arrangements are. And when the band delivers a ballad, such as “Virgin,” well, everyone shines, as each musician gives the music and each note the desired space to touch an emotional nerve with each listener.
“Dynamic” is an important word when it comes to music. Without it, songs become monotonous and boring that drone on without purpose. “Dynamic” is word that Triosphere knows and understands. Each song explores a variety of musical elements, granting the listener a private journey into the sonic landscape of melodic notes, chords and rhythmic progressions that beg you to listen from the beginning to the end of each song, from the start of the album until the last note rings out on the final track.
The Heart of the Matter is another great album to add to the select list of releases that will garner a place on Top 10 lists for 2014.
Genre: Melodic Metal, Power Metal, Progressive Metal
Band:
Ida Haukland – vocals/bass
Marius Silver Bergesen – guitars
T. O. Byberg – guitars
Orjan Jorgensen – drums
Track Listing:
1. My Fortress
2. Steal Away The Light
3. The Sentinel
4. Breathless
5. Departure
6. The Heart’s Dominion
7. As I Call
8. Relentless
9. The Sphere
10. Remedy
11. Storyteller
12. Virgin Ground
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.thetriosphere.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
