Embedded Files
BLIZARO – “Light And Desolation”
BLIZARO – “Light And Desolation”
by Mercyful Mike
If you are unfamiliar with the name John Gallo, do you even doom, man? Mastermind behind ORODRUIN (“Epicurean Mass” is a bonafide doom metal classic), John also channels his inner “Middle Earth meets Dario Argento” in the form of BLIZARO. While the band has had its share of members pass through over the years, Gallo tackles “Light And Desolation” all on his own, with magnificent results.
Gallo makes no attempt to hide his adoration of CANDLEMASS and PAUL CHAIN, but it’s what he does with those influences that makes BLIZARO so unique. From the opening notes of “The Last Winter”, John immediately creates a solemn atmosphere that leaves little doubt you are about to embark on a wonderful journey, brimming with dark adventure, and even a dose of horror. “The Fifth Key” only solidifies that sentiment. Thick riffs intertwined with fantastical lyrics, all supported by haunting keys and Moog effects that play an essential role throughout the album.
Gallo’s use of space on “Light And Desolation” is instrumental to the overall soundscape of the album, allowing it breathe. Choirs and acoustic passages are a common theme that work extremely well upholding the fantasy vibe, but then out of nowhere you get a bass only coda on “Internal Chasm” that sets up “Lightning Strikes Back” beautifully. It’s these little nuances that take the listener deeper into the dungeon.
Let’s pause for a moment and address Gallo’s vocals. I have always loved how his voice conveys such passion for his music, and the structure of his vocal lines are nothing short of genius. I asked John about it, and he had this to say: “One thing I like doing on my own recordings, like on the album, is I would double up my vocal lines so one would be in root and the second would be a higher harmony over that layer. I think that really made my vocals stand out on this BLIZARO album versus older ones. Sometimes I will have the second vocal so high, it would be very operatic or falsetto. I just lowered the volume on that, so it doesn’t stand out too much.” From the man himself…
As we continue through the labyrinth of “Light And Desolation”, we arrive at “Lucifer’s Lament”. An incredibly mystical piece ripe with Gallo’s lush tone and signature riffs, infused with a wide array of musical elements that only he can pull off. The lyrics alone will have you immersed in this magical tale of The Morning Star. This is storytelling at its finest.
Gallo is an absolute master at creating musical imagery, as evidenced by “Warriors Of The New Lands”. This piece will literally take the listener onto the battlefield. You will feel the winds of war at your back. You will smell the acrid smoke. You will gaze at the fading moonlight as day breaks. You will mourn for the souls lost. “The forest deep and wide, we marched with hearts of stone. In this land where spirits hide, we face the unknown… alone.”
I sometimes feel reviews of albums of this magnitude should not be written. Albums such as “Light And Desolation” need to be discovered and absorbed without bias. I could continue in detail on just how amazing “Light And Desolation” is, but that would be a disservice to the listener. Interpretations should be personal, allowing for emotions to be untainted and real.
In a year of spectacular releases, “Light And Desolation” shines prominently with the best of them. If you are craving to be taken on an epic journey, look no further. This album is for you. Now, I’m off to find my Atari 2600 and “Adventure” cartridge…
10/10
Report abuse