DIABOLIQUE
"The
Green Goddess" (Necropolis)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Diabolique is probably the most odd of all the bands on the Necropolis
roster. Necropolis, typically known for their support of bands that tread the murky waters of blasphemous music, have
Diabolique under their wing. Diabolique sound nothing like their Necropolis label mates.
Diabolique only skirt the fringes of what constitutes metal. However, Diabolique doesn't sound much like any
other genre either - and it seems that 'misunderstood' endeavors get lumped in with the metal
crowd.
Diabolique are too dark to be pop, too smooth to be metal, and too mysterious to be hard rock. "The
Green Goddess" contains a bevy of very gothic style of keyboard driven songs with clean vocals.
The only apt description of Diabolique is a European-styled Type O Negative without
the Beatles influence or the dark humor (or any humor for that matter). Another way to look at Diabolique is to
think of Theatre Of Tragedy without the guitars or the growling vocals.
In order to appreciate "The Green Goddess" it's best to focus on the vocal melodies. Highlights like
"Remedy" and "Models" come right to the top of the list. The vocals sound very much like Bryan
Ferry (a decidedly non-metal vocalist, by the way) with female vocals snaking in
and out of the musical tapestry. The deep timbre of the male vocals intertwined with the delicate female vocals
makes for a fairly emotional package.
With nary a guitar in sight Diabolique still manage to make an interesting
sound, albeit one that will likely only appeal to those with open minds. But don't fret - there is some guitar on "The Green
Goddess." "Models" has a shimmering, static-y guitar buzzing in the background
... or could it be a really good programmed synth?
The production is very clean and very good. Good production is still no substitute for the fact that
this isn't a metal CD by any stretch of the imagination.
For more information visit http://www.necropolisrecords.com.
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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