A smooth return to nature - A review of Empyrium's ''The Turn of the Tides''

Markus Stock is probably Germany's most active musician, producer and singer who has recently reunited Empyrium to record a comeback record in form of The Turn of the Tides. The doom metal and symphonic elements of yore are gone as the new record is a true neofolk jewel. Appeasing sacral choirs as well as slow and smooth lead vocals meet dreamy guitar chord progressions, elegiac piano sections and a shy rhythm section.

As it's the case on so many records involving Markus Stock, the opening ''Savior'' really sets the tone with its epic, hypnotizing and magic atmosphere. While the song is best enjoyed during a lonely autumn night or during a walk by the sea side, more traditional metal fans will have a hard time appreciating this elegiac, repetitive and slow song that focuses first and foremost on its enchanting atmosphere. Aggressive vocals, engaging rhythm sections or vivid guitar solos are nowhere to be found in this song or on the entire album for that matter.

My favorite song is probably also a track that exemplifies best what Empyrium currently stands for. ''The Days Before the Fall'' opens with gloomy sacral keyboard passages, melancholic string melodies and smooth tribal percussive elements before it evolves into heartfelt folk soundscapes and appeasing low lead vocals. This song had already been included on the superb neofolk compilation Whom the Moon a Nightsong Sings that is an excellent introduction to this emotional, intellectual and smooth genre. It's a record to dream yourself far away.

If The Turn of the Tides were Empyrium's first record, this band wouldn't even be close to be accepted by this site's metal standards. If you are a patient listener who is able to appreciate smooth ambient soundscapes, uplifting folk inflences and majestic sacral choirs, you will discover this record's true beauty. Fans of the band's early years should listen to this controversial comeback effort with an open mind. Traditional metal heads might have a really hard time with this challenging output. Personally, I like several songs from the album and I am able to listen to it from start to finish if I'm in a particularly smooth mood but I find this album a little bit too slow, repetitive and dragging at times. The Turn of the Tides is a unique album but only recommendable for a much limited and specific audience.

Final rating: 75%