AEVUM

"Kaleidoscope" (DarkTunes Music Group; 2025)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

From the first few strains of album opener, "D-20," you might wonder if you picked up the latest Jethro Tull album by mistake because, you know, flutes.

But after just a few seconds, "D-20" kicks in with a surprising dance beat and spiraling music that makes you sit up and go, "Hey, wait. What's this all about?" But track two, "Be a Lady" kicks in and you get a clearer idea of what this band is all about. It's an operatic/symphonic/cinematic/female-fronted metal album that colors way out beyond the lines and that keeps it fascinating from beginning to end. From the jarring growl vocals of "For and Fear" to the quartet of instrumental tracks (including "Dark Tunes," a tribute to the band's label?) to the truly operatic "The Inquisition" to the Terminator film score sound of "Ashes to Ashes," "Kaleidoscope" lives up to its name, delivering track after track of epic music that surprises you at every turn but has no problem luring you in for a closer listen.

Curious, fascinating and solid from beginning to end, "Kaleidoscope" is definitely worth your time.

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Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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Copyright © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.