Chapel of the Eye
Chapel of the Eye
Reviewed by Roadrunner
This is one of the most interesting packages I've gotten from a band lately. Recorded on a cheap, normal bias tape, it's hard to want to listen to. The music is original, yet simple & sophomoric & actually kinda dull. But maybe it's just because they ran out of the good quality tapes before they got to me. Part of what makes this gothic metal is Ricky's Indian-like vocals. Yet what's most interesting here is the New Age ideals in the enclosed lyrics & bio. It was recorded at 6th Sense Studio in Lawrence KS by Steve Gooding who "layered the bottom with bass" because they "didn't have a bass player at the time". Their mission: self development & growth through simplification of life. They are anti-worldly (greed, materialism, hate) & pro-earth. Living in a community to appease Mother Earth, etc. "The Ring" goes from finger picking the guitar during the verses to a marching metal chorus. "Earth" is progressive like early Fates Warning, yet far less tight & Ricky's vocals are shaky. "Web Of Energy" is a choppy Metallica-like chanting song where Ricky sings like David Byrne while the BGV's scream / chant behind him. "The Dance" is the better of the 4 songs, where the playing is more sure. Jeff even gets the double bass going pretty good. This song expresses the most where the band is coming from.