CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Nota Profana
Album: Violent Whispers (2008 Self Produced)
Tracks: 10
Artist website : https://www.facebook.com/NotaProfana/
OVERVIEW
Nota Profana area a symphonic metal band in the truest sense. They come from Venezuela. When we say in the truest sense, here is why: they are a little symphonic metal orchestra.
Renzo Lucena – Vocals (Grunts)
Gaby Koss – Vocals (SpiRitual (Ger), Koyaanisqatsy, Equilibrium (Ger), Death Army, Howling Syn, Haggard)
Carlos Mosquera – Guitar, Direction
Brian Simmons – Drums
Mariana – Bass
María E. Vásquez – Piano
Ana P. Alarcón – Violín
Sonalí Zambrano – Violín
Daniel Padrón – Viola
Joanmary Montes – Violoncello
Érika Perera – Contrabass
Edgardo Acosta – Percussion
Victor Villarroel – Percussion
Loidmary Perenquez – Flute
Hairin Colina – Oboe
William Mora – Clarinet
Jonathan Pérez – French Horn
Daniel Bello – French Horn
Daniel López – French Horn
What a stunning album! There is no reason this band should not be receiving all kinds of attention. The music is very strong. I can imagine how complicated it must be to run a band this size.
For a self produced effort, this is fantastic. There are a few elements that could be stronger. Maybe they should seek out Tuomas Holopainen to produce their next effort.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Dead Inside, Dragon’s Grail
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Intro
Cool and ambient.
Track 2 – Haunting Memories
Very interesting track. The vocals are bit to far in front of the mix.
Track 3 – Dead Inside
Wow! This is powerful!
Track 4 – Whispers…
Very pretty instrumental. Just soulful and moving. Very beautiful emotions.
Track 5 – Elén (Hope in Darkness)
Interesting motifs.
Track 6 – Dragon’s Grail
Very cool metal song. I just can’t get over the fact that this is being played by an orchestra!
Track 7 – The Trickster
The mix is a little too guitar heavy. Cool motifs.
Track 8 – Mutilation of Night Flowers
This sounded a bit chaotic. Cool though…
Track 9 – Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi
These guys will have to bring a choir with them if they do this song live. It’s just massive! This has a similar vibe to some tracks by Enigma.
Track 10 – The Beginning and The End
This is the only track we did not dig.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Thanks to the band for sending this in!
Fans of Symphony X should check out Nota Profana’s version of The Odyssey!