Suidakra
EMPRISE TO AVALON

July 2002
Released: 2002, Century Media
Rating: 5.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

The German melodic black/death-metal band is back with the strong record EMPRISE TO AVALON. The band has worked together with the producer Andy Classen (Holy Moses and Krisiun, etc.) at the Stage One studio. The production work is striking, and Andy is a clever guy compared to other producers.



Suidakra are:

Arhadius--lead, rhythm, melodic, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboard and main vocals

Marcel--melodic and acoustic guitar and clean vocals

Lars--drums



The band has made a mix of melodic black/death-metal with nice harmonies and a pagan/folk-music atmosphere. Blind Guardian fans would appreciate Suidakra very much.



The band has created nine strong tracks. This is a concept album. The lyrics are about the legend of King Arthur, Excalibur, Camelot and the magic of Avalon. The band shows a high grade of technology in their playing. It is also very special with Arhadius's black metal voice, and the contrast with Marcel’s ordinary voice makes it even more special when they sing together. It reminds me of Biohazard when Billy and Evan sing together.



Some special favorites: "Darkane Times," "Pendragon's Fall" and "The Quest," and the very beautiful instrumental song "And The Giants Dance" which is very near to pagan/folk-music. So is the very short "Dinas Emrys."



Kris Verwimp (Absu, Old Man’s Child and Arch Enemy, etc.) has created a smashing cover for the record.



Suidakra has taken their melodic black/death-metal into the twenty-first century. This is a fresh, different and very strong experience!



More info about the band: http://www.suidakra.info