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Fogg
DARK DREAMS |
 Like a nativity play staged by electric shock patients, Fogg conjures up worlds of biblical proportions with the promise that something dark and powerful is never far away. An enigmatically doomy mix of metal, Goth and folk, this demo delivers seven songs of other-worldly intensity. There’s an almost-classical feel to proceedings as things move from one Wagnerian movement to the next. And like a bad night in Emmerdale, the tension hardly ever lets up.
The galloping Fear Factory riffs of the opening instrumental “Psychosis” are a majestic statement of intent. The pummelling rhythms are punctuated by monumental solos that ride in like thunderbolts across stormy clouds. It’s not until the brooding Mission-meets-Bauhaus dramatics of “Spirit Horse” that we first hear Fogg’s booming ominous vocal, as the song punctuates between solemn reflection and a crashing metal frenzy. By contrast, “Emotion” weaves tender layers of synth-folk, but it’s all washed away by the sound of waves and mechanised metal snarl of “Oceans of Time.” It’s the kind of music you might play to wrestlers to make them really, really angry before a match.
“the Tempest” is another epic free-wheeling guitar instrumental, but things get really serious with the nine-minute-plus “Blissful War.” Jet black arpeggios nod a horned head to Metallica’s more melancholy moments, while Gregorian chant vocals and juddering solos turn up the terror meter from mildly catastrophic to bloomin’ apocalyptic.
Without warning, everything suddenly mellows out towards the end of “Blissful War.” The chanting vocals remain, but they’re softened by delicate guitar noodlings that carry through to the final track, “A Winter’s Tale.” “I am cold, now I know that I am alone” the vocal declares with a glacial passion that’s not a million miles away from those early Black Sabbath records. But despite the isolated sentiment, the stately playing gives these tunes a mournful warmth. Fogg takes us through a dark, desolate and sometimes scary world, but there’s still the chance to snuggle down in a Travel Lodge en route.
by overplay |
 Visit DARK DREAMS page |
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