Detailed Reviews [Uncreated Light - 2009 - "Whom Should I Blame"]

TRACK LIST: 1. Whom Should I Blame 5:03 2. Burning Hearts 5:03 3. Searching for the Destiny 4:47 4. What Will Remain 4:38 5. The Mystery of Water 5:06 6. Legend 3:22 7. Sweet Capture 5:23 8. A Poet 4:50 9. The Mighty of This World 4:09 10. Sign of the Time 6:23 Plus: 11. Track 1 English Version 5:03 12. Track 2 English Version 5:01 13. Track 3 English Version 4:44 14. Track 4 English Version 4:38 LINEUP: Artem Mokry – guitars Helen Musienko – vocals Ilia Mamikin – bass VGiktor Bilan – drums

Analysis. Following in the footsteps of successful international acts such as Nighwish and Within Temptation, Uncreated Light offer a brand of symphonic metal with progressive overtones that will send some listeners into fits of ecstasy, and leave others shaking their heads. While I cannot deny belonging to the latter camp, I approached “Whom Should I Blame” trying to hold on to my habitual balanced attitude. The question, however, remains: is it truly possible to be objective about music that just does not resonate with you? It would be an understatement to say that this particular subset of metal is an acquired taste. While its fans love it passionately, and collect every album that falls into that bracket, those who dislike it are equally passionate in their dislike – resorting to adjectives such as ‘cheesy’ and ‘overblown’ in their reactions. Granted, the musicians involved in producing this music are generally very skilled, and the vocals can be sheer delight for those who think the idea of combining opera with the intensity of heavy metal is the best thing since sliced bread. Right from the first listen, it becomes immediately clear that Uncreated Light’s ace in the hole is Helen “Eldiva” Musienko’s voice. Now, in spite of my Italian origins, I believe that operatic vocals belong in opera and not in rock (with very few exceptions), since the blending of these two genres far too often produces unrelentingly kitschy results. However, there is no denying that Eldiva has an impressive set of pipes, and her voice - regardless of musical accompaniment – is very pleasing to hear. In my opinion, such a voice would be much better served by music of a more subtle, less bombastic bent – the output of the great folk-rock bands of the Seventies, such as Pentangle or Fairport Convention, comes to mind. On the other hand, I am all too aware that that there will be scores of people perfectly happy with what is on offer on this CD. Most of the ten tracks on “Whom Should I Blame” have a similar structure, made of layer upon layer of keyboards (often imitating an orchestral accompaniment) soaring vocals and fusillade-like, double-bass drumming, with liberal sprinklings of occasionally shred-style guitar. Though there is nothing particularly progressive about this pattern, the grandiose atmosphere and frequent changes in mood within each track will appeal to those whose idea of prog is influenced by rather superficial factors. The slow-fast-slow pattern of the songs merges the intensity of metal with the lyricism of the vocal delivery in a mixture that, after a while, gets somewhat samey. While, as already pointed out, most of the tracks conform to this template, there are a few that offer some variation, like the mostly acoustic ballad Searching for the Destiny, the first half of Legend, with its romantic, folksy overtones, and the slow, piano-driven The Mighty of This World. Additionally, the instrumental Sign of the Time, placed at the close of the album (before the rather unnecessary English-language versions of the first four tracks) offers partial glimpses of something at least potentially different amidst all the shredding and bombast. While I do not think I will ever become a fan of this particular subgenre, I also believe that Uncreated Light stand quite a few chances of becoming the next success story (especially if they adopt English as their singing language). Not only are they musically accomplished, but Eldiva Musienko has all the makings of a star following in the footsteps of the legendary Tarja Turunen. In my personal view, though, the musical style showcased on the album is one of those things that are OK if taken in very small doses - certainly not for almost 70 minutes.

Conclusion. Fans of the likes of Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation and their ilk will definitely be delighted by “Whom Should I Blame”, while those who are left cold by the cross-fertilization between metal and opera are not likely to change their mind after listening to this album. It is, at any rate, a solid, well-crafted effort from a promising new band – even if, in my opinion, their collective talent might be put to better use.

RB=Raffaella Berry: July 12, 2010
The Rating Room