Quimera Music is the enigmatic new symphonic rock band that has taken the New York music scene by storm and is working their way around the globe. The brain child of the band is Quimera herself, a vivacious vocalist with a unique alto with mezzo-soprano/contra-alto tessitura range. The band consists of Quimera (vocals, lyrics, vocal melodies), Christian Vardeleon (drums), Patrick Rundbladh (producer, composer, guitarist) and Reed Taylor (bass, sound engineering). More Than Human EP – Remastered is their second album, released in August 2011.
As I began to listen to this album, the back of my neck stood up, goose bumps radiated down my arms and my head whipped around to find out what exactly I was hearing. Leading into the album is “Merula (Ouverture)” an instrumental piece that could best be described as a symphonic voyage into a night circus, filled with dark and wondrous delights. Think Edward Gorey painting meets Cirque de Soliel. Cinematic imagery pours from the synthesized music and it takes you places you have never been. I cannot think of a better way to have introduced a listener to this album.
“Immortal” begins with pensive keyboard, drums and guitars, exploding into the night with a crescendo of sound. Powerful guitar riffs lead your way into the unique auditory experience of Quimera’s voice. “Ever do I wonder is there a God or Devil? Can either one of them love what I’ve become? Will everything I love forever die before I do?” The hypnotic vocals, epic guitar playing and the passionate construction of the melodies and harmonies of the song carry you into the dark recesses of a Gothic masterpiece. This song will enrapture you.
“Victoria’s Lullaby” is a foray into the blackest depths of night to the tune of a lullaby. Complete with creaking sounds and twinkling bells, Quimera Music creates a surreal world that is at once compelling as it is disturbing. I was riveted from the first note. “Close your eyes, prepare to fly. Angel flocks will carry you there.” The notes skitter along your spine like a fleet of tiny spiders as Quimera hums a melody that enchants and sends you drifting into dark dreams. Operatic themes radiate from this song. Complex harmonies seduce you into following the tinkling bells into the labyrinthine darkness. You can see the Phantom of the Opera leaning in for a listen with a provocative half smile on his face. “Be still. Listen to the music of the night.”
“Danse Macabre” is a Gothic vision. Ethereal voices lure you into the maw of the darkest facets of human nature. “Open your eyes and see. What you do to her, you do to you. What you destroy, what you neglect, what you devour, what you ignore…” Quimera sings of the end of life being the price we pay for hurting the Earth. She will still be here, but humanity will be gone by our own hand. At once aggressive and delicate, the melodies of this song reach into primal place in the soul to remember that the Earth is our Mother. The lilting piano is a light backdrop to the lyrics, but is powerful at the same time. This is a much lighter song than most on the album. Sounds of wind project an empty feeling of loss that is very thought provoking and evocative.
Quimera Music has a unique Gothic presence that is at once captivating and disturbing. Quimera’s voice is like no other I have ever heard, but somehow reminds me a little of Bjork. The darkly captivating themes of More Than Human EP - Remastered range from the aggressive sounds of “Immortal” to the delicate “Merula (Ouverture)” and “Danse Macabre.” It was very difficult to pick just three songs as the main selections. They were all unforgettable. Quimera Music is symphonic rock that will delight Goth fans and anyone who likes a bit of darkness now and again.
Key Tracks- Immortal, Victoria’s Lullaby, Danse Macabre
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 8, 2011
