WILL 'O' WISP
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I don't know why, but I expected Will 'O' Wisp to have a heavier, more extreme sound, something close to death metal. Instead, this Italian band has more in common with their fellow countrymen Goblin. "Unseen" is nearly forty minutes of slow, atmospheric songs that would fit well on the soundtrack to a David Lynch or, better yet, Dario Argento movie.
The best songs are highlighted by haunting female vocals, dissonant tones, and off-tempo rhythms - vaguely reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir. The worst sound something like a children's record gone bad - chimes and acoustic guitars mixed with flat male vocals. Surprisingly, on both the good and the bad tracks, the production and orchestration are very well done.
Fans of gothic rock may find something to like here, but others best steer away. It's quite likely that Will 'O' Wisp is an acquired taste and that most won't find it palatable.
Will 'O' Wisp: Fabrizio Colussi - bass; Giancarlo Pancrazi - drums; Paolo Puppo - all guitars; Loredana Canepa - keyboards and piano; Ermanno Argenti - vocals. Additional musicians: Micaela Gotelli - female vocals; Tommy Talamanca - acoustic guitar on "Paatah."
For more information, check out http://www.beyondprod.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.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 30 Sep 2024 15:31:15 -0400.
