CEMETERY OF SCREAM – Frozen Images

With over 15 years in Metal, Cemetery Of Scream pioneered in the field of Atmospheric, Gothic, Doomy Metal in Poland. Until 2006 the band released four albums, which saw the band move from earlier quite heavy moments to their current style, which is much more melody oriented and has left most Death Metal influences behind by now.

Instead, the band has come up with an interesting album that incorporates more than ever progressive elements. But fear not – this is anything but a shredding album, the progressive elements are much more subtle and only work in the background by making the tracks entertaining even after a dozen spins or more. Maybe the change was prompted by the new singer, Olaf Rozanski. Whatever the reason is, in the discography of Cemetery Of Scream the new album Frozen Images definitely marks a high point.

Although the cover is not outstanding and seems to blend in wherever the album is placed, it transports adequately the atmospheric, dark emotion of the songs. While there is indeed one song that stands out on the album in a negative way, “Nights In White Satin”, originally by the Moody Blues, which is a clear break to their own compositions and let’s one’s hand reach for the skip-button, the other eleven tracks are first rate Dark Metal.

The new singer, already mentioned, but again his versatility has to be stated again. Although several guest musicians provided additional vocals, and it is difficult to say what Olaf really sings and where he relies on a little help from his friends, let’s assume that most is done by Olaf himself, or could have been, as he certainly has to do most of it himself when the band plays live. A clear, strong, sometimes for contrast almost wailing (“The Bridge Of Ashes”) singing voice is supported by occasional growls that are used increasingly in the second part of the album. Without it some of the parts might have turned out corny and over-melodic, but the added drama makes every song nice even though “Bluebird”, “Prince Of The City’s Lights”, “Black Flowers,”Golden Lullaby” or “A Million As One (as A Million)” are very melodic, even close to Pop, in their chorus. But especially the last song, almost hidden in the late part of the album, turns out to be a highlight, maybe even the best song on Frozen Images. And in between, heavier parts like in “Cat’s Grin” or the Folk Metal influenced “Ritual Fire Dance” provide a welcome change.

Lyrically, the album also delivers what is expected in this genre: dark, menacing, mysterious. Overall, a good album to buy for everybody who likes a bit of old Paradise Lost, Katatonia, or Moonspell. Of course, if one cannot stand those bands, this album is probably not going to be among one’s favorites, as the band does stand solidly in the middle of the Dark Metal stream, without intent to go anywhere else. A frozen image, if you will.