by Joe Mis
— Sr. Columnist —
European Symphonic Metal veterans Whyzdom are poised to release their fourth studio album entitled As Time Turns To Dust, and fans of the genre are in for a treat! Superb orchestration, energetic performance, crisp production, and well-crafted, intelligent songwriting are all here for fans of Symphonic and Orchestral Metal to enjoy. Big, juicy, and complex tracks (the shortest tune is five and a half minutes) make Whyzdom’s concept album a true musical journey.
Founded back in 2007 by guitarist/producer Vynce Leff, Whyzdom has gone through a relatively small number of lineup changes since its inception. Marie MacLeod has fronted the band since 2013, singing crisply and clearly with an operatic high end that she uses sparingly when appropriate rather than as a crutch. Leff’s orchestration is spectacular and creates a complete atmosphere around the core melodies, and he is no slouch on the guitar either. Fellow six-stringer Régis Morin complements him well, and the pair work to create intricate rhythms with keyboard player Marc Ruhlmann, drummer Nic Chaumeaux, and bassist Tristan Demurger. Whyzdom released their debut EP Daughter Of The Night in 2007, and full length albums From the Brink of Infinity in 2009, Blind? in 2012, and Symphony for a Hopeless God in 2015.
Their music is all built on flow and tempo, always melodic no mater the pace. The 8 minute epic “Fly Away” is the prime example – it is broad in style and tempo, cinematic and theatrical. The band’s true classical influences are obvious, and the use of “real” orchestral instruments (strings, brass, woodwinds, etc.) adds warmth and feeling to each track. Frequent key changes enrich the sound and keep the listeners fully engaged, yet somehow despite the technical complexity the overall sound is clean, accessible, and fluid.
The album is a concept album. According to the band, it was inspired by the Latin phrase “Memento homo quia pulvis es et in pulverem reverteris” – more familiar to us as “Remember, man, that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” Most of the tracks are reflections on that idea – that nothing is permanent and all things will end. Themes of innocence against moral decay abound, but rather than being a morbid, murky, sad bunch of songs, the lyrics and tone convey a sense of hope.
The album opens with keyboards and massive vocals in “Armour of Dust” before the rest of the band joins in. This track that shows not only the breadth and depth of Marie’s voice, but highlights the musical complexities and technical abilities of the balance of the band. “Armageddon” is pure Symphonic Metal – taken to almost Epica-like extremes – and packed with everything but the kitchen sink. Epica is probably the most logical comparison, which shows the true pedigree of Whyzdom and Marie MacLeod. “Armageddon” is packed with wild tempo changes, operatic and choral vocals, soft atmospheric passages – it is Whyzdom in a nutshell! MacLeod’s vocals during the opening passages of “The Page” are simply jaw-dropping, and the whole band takes it to 11 in “Follow Your Heart” and “Angel of Tears.”
Whyzdom’s As Time Turns to Dust is a Classical, Symphonic, Orchestral Metal masterpiece. Great music, amazing vocals (not just MacLeod’s lead – “The Dark Whispers Choir” brings it as well), and fine technical performances are all on display. The band’s veteran status is obvious, as is there love for what they do. At points heavy and bombastic while light and airy at others, Whyzdom focuses on melody without getting buried in the technical nuances. Their music is accessible and listener-friendly!
Fans of the Classical Metal genres should not miss Whyzdom’s As Time Turns to Dust – it is very highly recommended!
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Band:
Marie MacLeod (Rouyer) – Vocals
Marc Ruhlmann – Keyboard
Régis Morin – Guitars
Nicolas Chaumeaux – Drums
Vynce Leff – Guitar / Orchestration
Tristan Demurger – Bass
Choir Vocals by “The Dark Whispers Choir” – Ninia, Azadé, Ségolène, and Carole.
Track Listing:
1. Armour Of Dust
2. Armageddon
3. Fly Away
4. The Page
5. Follow Your Heart
6. Angel Of Tears
7. Free As A Bird
8. The Mistchild
9. Dust We Are
Label: Scarlet Records
Website: http://www.whyzdom.org/
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9 / 10)
