(Season Of Mist) Total Time: 70:35
The name “Aghora” is a word that comes from ancient Hindu beliefs that refer to fire or light…The suitable name for a band that after a six-year break comes back with an album that not only brings the light, but also gives a “strong” lesson to all those current “popular” metal bands that, literally speaking, “live” by stealing tunes from the Classic Giants of the 70’s and 80’s.Born from the ashes of Cynic, AGHORA hail from Florida, a place that is also well known for its magnificent Death Metal scene (Death, Morbid Angel, Obituary e.t.c), and fairly claim to be one of the best representatives of “Fusion Metal”.
“Formless” is the second album of the band. Six years have almost passed since their debut album “Aghora”, but, as it seems it worth the wait. The line-up is completely revamped (the only “survivor” is the guitarist and mastermind of the band, Santiago Dobles). Diana Serra (vocals) joined the band, together with Alan Goldstein (bass) and Giann Rubio (drums). Musically, “Formless” is a perfect mixture of progressive metal, oriental and jazz-fusion that is, from time to time blended with emotional blues-rock feelings. Imagine a crossroads where Spanish Flamenco and middle-eastern traditional music meets Dream Theatre, Shadow Gallery, Ozric Tentacles, Joe Satriani and Allan Holdsworth (!!!). Santiago Dobles shows his great technique and inspiration by creating long and sophisticated songs, keeping at the same time his sensitivity and tenderness. It’s one of those rare moments that technique not only doesn’t contradict emotions, but on the contrary, it is perfectly used as an inevitable way to reach high standards of expression. Also, different atmospheres are expertly injected into the songs. Classic, powerful thrashy riffs are followed by long instrumental jazzy and oriental passages, whereas other tracks are completely instrumental, such as “Dime”, which is dedicated to guitarist Dimebag Darrell (R.I.P). As for the singer Diana Serra, how can we really describe her angelic voices? Her singing suits perfectly to the whole project and flows of the songs, even though she doesn’t sing in the majority of the album due to the long instrumental parts. The production also is very good and helps the instruments (especially bass) reveal the best of their creativity.
There are times when grades and words lose their meaning. “Formless” is dedicated to all true lovers of sincere, imaginative and inspired music. A brilliant album that no one should miss...
