Detailed Reviews [Transbohem - 2012 - "Deserts"]

Prolusion. The French band TRANSBOHEM was formed in 2007, and as a band they seek to draw inspiration from fusion, world music and metal to craft their particular kind of music. They made their debut with "Deserts", which was self-released in the spring of 2012.

Analysis. One facet of Transbohem's general sound that makes an impact straight away is their love of mystical atmospheres. Themes and textures reminding of ancient Persia and Arabia is just about a constant element in all compositions, of the kind that inspires thoughts about Thousand and One Nights and Hollywood high adventure movies set in the mystical Far East. The keyboard talents of Jean-Marc Gobat are the most prominent providers of these moods, but the semi-operatic lead vocals of Claire Lafage, at times literally of the kind that should be described as chant, are just about as important. Steady rhythms and bass guitar supplement the proceedings nicely ind in a good quality manner, and the bass in particular gets to deliver quite a few passages of a driving and energetic nature as well as darker toned, mood-laden motifs that further underscore the mystical sheen of this production. Musically the band basically shifts between three different modes of expression: calm, slow and atmospheric laden, sporting mellow keyboards as the key elements and light toned, plucked guitar licks as the main supplemental detail. Somewhat more harder edged instrumental sections, sporting melodic guitar soloing and occasional dampened or compact guitar riffs cater for the second main variety explored, while harder edged riff based and dominated sequences with both feet well inside progressive metal territories is the third main variation utilized and explored. The former of this trio occasionally strays into ambient territories, the second on occasion closing in on a later day Pink Floyd oriented expression, while the third and last at least to some extent documents the bands stated influence by the likes of Dream Theater and Opeth, with a few subtle details documenting a band well aware of fusion as the principal additional flavoring.

Conclusion. For just over half an hour this French band does a good job of transporting its listeners into a realm and a world where it is easy to envision the use of magic amidst mysterious and alluring locations, ranging from mellow ambient to harder edged metal in style, and with an obvious world music influence as the main theme throughout. The end result might be described as atmospheric progressive metal, and if that alongside a distinct mystical mood sounds alluring then this is a disc that probably will appeal.

OMB=Olav M Bjornsen: May 15, 2013
The Rating Room