Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Progmetal | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 158 / 3-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 7/10 | Label: Dead End Exit | Autor: MB
The combination of Progressive Metal and AOR isn't that new anymore, but the Swedes with their debut "Silent Scream" are definitely among the few really good representatives of this genre from now on. But are Cullooden a real band at all? Time will tell, because the core of this project consists of singer/rhythm guitarist Fredrik Joakimsson, bassist Micke Södergren and guitarist Jonas Ekestubbe. Keyboards and drums were played by guest musicians. Anyway, Cullooden manage to weave the two seemingly completely different style worlds perfectly at first glance. Hard monster riffs meet light and airy lead guitars, gripping AOR melodies alternate with well-dosed frickel parts. Dark at times, bombastic at times, playful at the right places, furious and polyrhythmic - culloodes find exactly the right balance. Purists from both genres will turn away with disgust - fans with bands such as Circus Maximus, Threshold, Magnum, Andromeda and Mindʼs Eye on their shelves will be able to access them.
Top Track: Endless Tears