### Aruna Azura: A story of a world's betrayal

#### 25/08/13 || Cobal

This is probably the most ambitious record I’ve got to stub in my time: Progressive/technical metal from Russia that outstands not only for the musicianship in it, but for the fact that the technique serves the music for once and not all the way around. These guys did take their time to write the songs. 5 out of 7 exceed the eight minutes and one of them even reaches almost fourteen. Even so, it’s remarkable how time goes by smoothly when listening to this conceptual work. Also, it’s really pleasant to listen to a band that knows how to slow things down when necessary, even if that implies so many friendly jazzy passages.

On the other hand, it was difficult for me to connect with whatever the album is all about. Aruna Azura seem to be one of those acts that have something to say, if you know what I mean. I’m not listening to that. Sorry, guys.

Finally and even though the high level of musicianship is obvious, I’d say the vocals are a bit of a detractor for this one. The growls are alright, but the clean singing did very little for me. Let’s just say I’d rather listen to the tech death moments that the metalcore ones, and that so goes for the music too. I’m so looking forward to witnessing the dusk of that trend.

8/10: We should keep an eye on them. You never know.