Rome In Monochrome - 2023 - AbyssUs [mini-review]

(50:31; Art Gates Records)

Italian band Rome In Monochrome are out with the album "AbyssUs", and progressive metal is perhaps a suitable manner in which to define the landscapes explored on this production. The songs here have a typical tendency to ebb and flow between more delicate landscapes and more powerful and majestic ones, with this defining aspect of the compositions being perhaps the main progressive element as such. The songs all tend to be rather atmospheric laden creations, with the metal dominated arrangements typically featuring fragile elements amidst the heavy set rhythms and rich guitar riffs, with the clean, melodic and powerful vocals soaring on top. The more delicate parts of the songs can be as basic as a simple piano and vocals dominated type of arrangement as well as somewhat more elaborate creations with the full band chiming in, but always with an emphasis on moods and elements of a more delicate general nature. Up to and including ambient details reminding of Vangelis and a token section with a bit more of a pop music touch to it. Otherwise we get parts that are borderline doom metal as well as a select few extreme metal inspired details, with a nod or two towards good, old heavy metal too, while the moods and atmospheres may arguably be described as borderline Gothic inspired at times. A production to seek out by those with an affection for a dark but distinctly accessible and atmospheric laden variety of progressive metal.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/romeinmonochrome
https://artgatesrecords.com/