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From www.LOLLIPOP.com
From ILL LITERATURE Magazine in America
From www.METALBITE.com - Submitted by Chris 'Zgred' on 12/17/2001.
Psychedelic black-death with progressive keyboards.
Hailing from Willard, Missouri, this trio has everything that’s required to make it to the top and I mean it. In an attempt to illustrate Scholomance’s musicianship, I’m jeopardizing myself with serious finger injuries trying to type the words that will describe their talents and skills. What they do with their instruments, including vocals is just insane. If they spent more than a few seconds on one tone on the entire album, then I wasn’t able to notice it. After a full listening the only word I could muster was “WOW!” followed by a long period of silence wondering what the hell just happened. Whatever definition of the word complex you might have, Scholomance simply redefines its meaning.
But it doesn’t take three virtuosos to create great music and that’s what set Scholomance apart from most of its peers. At first the chaos of riffs, solos and effects can overwhelm and cause a serious headache, but with each spin it makes more sense and falls into logical pieces. The only track that might take exception to that statement is ‘Absence/ Contorted Porcelain Faced-Bitch’, which caused so much damage that to this day I’m still unable to recover my nervous system after an 8 minute dose of their psychedelics. So, don’t expect to love this album after the first spin, unless you are already riding on heavy drugs... which brings me to my biggest problem with “The Immortality Murder”. As much as I love it right now, it wasn’t the case when we met for the first time and some of my friends still look at me with an ironic smile when I blast my speakers inhaling those psychedelic notes. This album might just be a little bit too much for a casual listener who just wants his ass kicked on the way to work or school.
Production-wise there is not much to complain about either. Although it’s more of a personal taste issue, at times the drums could use more bottom rather then sounding so much like a machine and a couple times a little backed up vocals would satisfy my cravings.
Bottom Line: The best black metal doesn’t only come from Norway anymore. If you’ve been searching for a mix of Emperor and Arcturus, look no further.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
From www.1340MAG.com
From www.MUSICEXTREME.com in Argentina
From www.STARVOX.net in America
You really have to hear it to believe it, but I'll do my best to describe it. The lead and rhythm guitarist is Scott Crinklaw (who we interviewed in this issue), and he handles both challenging rhythm guitar sections and some unbelievable solos with seeming ease. The technical aspect can be disorienting when you first listen to it, but after a while it's not so hard to get into the groove, if it can be called such. Chaotic and highly syncopated programmed drumming blasts ride right along side it all. And if all that wasn't enough to get your attention, the album is filled with speedy bass fills and raspy, aggressive black metal vocals.
Did you think all that was enough? Oh no... you're not getting off that easy. There are also very technical keyboards layered over it all. The keyboards and piano cover haunting passages, faster but still atmospheric sounds, and 'shredding' solos. These just fly along with everything else and are played brilliantly.
Now with all of this going on (at the same time, no less), you might expect Scholomance isn't the most listenable band. And I'm sure for a lot of people, the way Scholomance redefines chaotic complexity is sure to scare them off. But for the adventurous among you and those used to keeping up with even the craziest moments in metal history (Cynic, for instance), you'll find that Scholomance does more than play well. The songs are imbued with a strong sense of atmosphere and feeling. Even the programmed drumming manages to add to the sound, and normally I'd prefer a live drummer.
The first disc of this album also has some ambitious lyrics that deal with life and religion. The speaker is struggling with a number of ideas, and consequently the music fits with it perfectly. I think the best example of Scholomance's sound working stongly is in the track "The Next Step." Coincidentally, you can grab that track off of The End Records' mp3 page (there's a link below). The song mixes acoustic guitars and some more exotic sounding percussion sessions with the other unique aspects of the band's sound.
The second disc of the album is also quite interesting, though in an unexpected way. There are no vocals on it, for one thing, and about half of the songs on it are instrumental versions of the first four tracks from the first CD. The rest of the songs are improvised piano pieces. Most of them have a similar mood (which is dark and creepy), though they're all enjoyable.
Like I said at the beginning of this review, you really need to hear it to believe it. I still don't know what you'd even classify Scholomance as. Maybe technical symphonic black metal from Missouri. That could work, though I'm not sure if it'd catch on or not. 'The Immortality Murder' is one of the most interesting and thoroughly satisfying albums to come out in a long time. I can guarantee you that you haven't heard anything like it. It's also rare to find something this exceptionally technical that is still played with feeling and doesn't come across as useless showing off. You may have to be nuts to enjoy really chaotic music, but if you're a metal fan, chances are you're halfway there already! Check out the MP3 link below and grab some Scholomance tracks.
From SCREAM Magazine in Norway:
From METAL DREAMS Magazine in America - Issue #6
From PROMETHEAN CRUSADE Magazine in America
From www.AVERSIONONLINE.com in America
From CORRIDOR OF CELLS Magazine http://zaraza.cjb.net/
From www.METAL-RULES.com
From BESTIAL COMMAND OF WAR Magazine
From www.CRITICALMETAL.com in America
From www.DEADTIDE.com in America
From TERRORIZER Magazine in England
.Site Design by Scott Crinklaw : Year 2002.
Scholomance
The Immortality Murder
The End Records
"My vision roaming through sound, as I listen to vivid colors. Juxtaposing
fragments for the sake of the greater whole. Devouring information, facts
to fuel the creative wars. In turn will give way to advancements
unimaginable". No, that is not part of my review (although it's a pretty
accurate summary of how I feel when listening to this), that is a taste of
the lyrics from Scholomance's masterpiece The Immortality Murder. Those
lyrics from the song The Next Step-for the greater of the whole, should give
you some indication of what you are in store for, so get comfortable, this
is gonna take a while. Hailing from the darkest frozen wastes of.you
guessed it; Willard, Missouri, this three piece may soon sitting on the
throne recently vacated by Emperor, and deservedly so. Scholomance's debut
album "A Treatise on Love", was decent, but lost me in its hectic
complexity, rather than impress me. However, it did show if the bands
amazing musical abilities. For those not familiar with the band's material,
they play a insanely technical form of classically inspired blackened death
metal that can sometimes overwhelm the listener with its many intricacies
and off-kilter keyboard work. This second release sees Scholomance
developing style further, but giving it some focus and not letting the songs
amble along as confusedly as they did in the past. The songs now stand
alone rather than melding into a hodgepodge of chaotic riffs and sharp
solos. Sure, the first track Absence/ Contorted porcelain faced-bitch, did
blow by in eight minutes of ridiculously complicated riffs and off key
synths, but it has a technical magnitude only rivaled by Gorguts' "Obscura".
Then, Scholomance seem to settle down, I don't mean they suddenly churn out
some DarkThrone like simplicity, the songs just become far more memorable
and ordered, while still intoxicatingly complex. The opening moments on
Childless One./The body as Sulphur Stench, typifies this more controlled
approach, with a strong main death metal riff, layered by dizzying k
> ply defy prediction. The synth effects have far more indirect impact than
other bands that simply force church organs on to every song. They meander
hauntingly throughout the background, as if on their own separate course
from the other instruments, while also melding seamlessly with them in
unison. This symbiotic musical effect will bewilder those of you content
with Cradle of Filth and countless Dimmu Borgir clones, as they initially
come across as chaotic and without any immediate form. On the surface this
formula essentially lays a path for the rest of the album, but by no means
make it conventional or easy to listen too. The guitars are far more
dominant than before, mix this with the aforementioned keyboards and the
whole result is heavy and menacing yet beautiful. By far my favorite track
(they are all dazzling) is Her iniquity Uncovered/ The Eastern Trinity
Unexplained, a relatively simple song compared with the others, but has
enough twisted flare with its arabesque interludes and ominous lead riff to
make it a standout track among some truly captivating material. Lyrically,
Scholomance have chosen a conceptual approach dealing with the psychological
aspects of human emotion-pretty deep stuff that all adds to the complex
material and complements it adequately. Lyrics about Satan and
disembowelment just would have seemed out of place with the progressive
nature of the music. All the musicianship on display is further enhanced by
a rich production that's emphasizes the many musical textures rivaling
Borknagar's latest effort. However, it is not perfect, as with any
masterpiece there are some minor flaws. Firstly, although the production is
generally stellar, the drums sound somewhat synthetic and electric.
Secondly, (and this issue is more in the eye of the beholder than a flaw),
this is not an album for the casual listener, those looking for a 10 minute
blast on their way to work would be sorely amiss. Listening to this
requires a genuine concentrated effort to fully appreciate the mastery and c
> nes in a dark room to fully absorb its sheer musical ambition. It should
be mentioned that the album comes with a second CD of instrumental tracks
and impressive improvised musings that demonstrate the talent these guys
have. This is for the musical purists that can experience the genius
without the varied and emotive black metal vocals. The End Records has added
yet another great release to their already extraordinary catalogue. I think
Scholomance have released a work of art on par with the mighty Emperor in
scope and technical prowess. Stunning. - Erik Thomas
..........
Scholomance "The Immortality Murder" (The End)
by Martin Popoff
A major improvement on the extreme and eccentric but under-produced A Treatise On Love, The Immortality Murder features a band operating at the fierce, front edge of labyrinthine metal, Scholomance proving that Americans can gut and reconstitute esoteric black metal in the craggy name of Van Der Graaf prog as handily as Norwegians. The sound is near indescribable, something akin to aggressive Goth metal (Laiho shred and vampiric keyboards) sent crazy by disorienting French, Italian, and German prog rock. But there’s a compressed, claustrophobic urgency, underscored by Jimmy Pitts’ dungeon-depressive death scowl, bruised and battered by the techno-percussive maelstrom of Scott Crinklaw. The album comprises two CDs, the second fully instrumental, the first featuring the band’s unique philosophical vision and odd courtroomy language in which their vision is delivered.
..........
SCHOLOMANCE
The Immortality Murder (The End)
The trio return with their long-anticipated sophomore
album three years after A Treatise On Love offering a double disc of explosive new music. Disc one, the new album The Immortality Murder, takes the premise of the debut but steps it up immensely not only in overall sound but in the dazzling scope of musicianship showcased throughout. Venomous, aggressive music is the name of the game but it’s played with a strong, progressive flair comprised of multiple layers, tempo changes and varying sections. Scholomance have crafted a musical journey unparalled that is brimming with invigorating life and dizzying complexities.
The trio will baffle as they make such a grandiose
sound as each is responsible for so much guitar, keyboard and programming (the band actually has no drummer yet this no longer detracts from the group’s sound). The second disc is a special bonus as it’s an all instrumental affair taking the first four songs from disc one and segueing each with fine piano work that was supposedly improvised – amazing. Apparently the band appeals to many prog fans who just can’t fully appreciate the group because of their employment of very wicked black and death screams and growls so this is a token on their behalf for that audience who merely appreciates the band’s amazing musicality and songwriting. -Marco Barbieri
............
Although “The Immortality Murder” is Scholomance’s second album, it marks the very first time that I’ve even heard their name. Most probably there are two main reason’s for it; for one, I’m not the biggest black metal fan (which means I’m not dying to get everything what’s out there, but I know my way around) and secondly, black metal and the US didn’t mix very well so domestic releases from this genre couldn’t find their way to my player very easily and even if they did, they wouldn’t last there for long, till now.
Originality: 9
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Overall: 9
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
..........
Scholomance- "The Immortality Murder"
The End Records
I have never heard an album quite like this. It's complete chaos yet
it's
completely controlled - I know, that shouldn't make sense but once you hear
the album it does make sense. The promo for this says that "The Immortality
Murder" must surely be one of the most groundbreaking ever in a progressive
movement..." but I have to go a step further and just stop at "surely one of
the most groundbreaking releases ever."
Musically this album is a million things and more combing elements of
classical, symphonic, various forms of extreme metal, progressive, and I
think I may even hear a hip hop drum beat at times on track 1 underneath it
all. I am not even going to try and describe the music anymore than that, no
comparison can be made. Suffice it to say its haunting and aggressive.
Lyrically, "The Immortality Murder" is unnerving for the most part.
According
to the promo sheet it is "the personification and birth of Madness" and I am
at a loss to describe it any better than that! The lyrics are extremely well
written but they are very enigmatic at the same time - I have not been able
to quite figure out how it all works together! To top it off they add a
second cd that highlights the music alone as well as various grand piano
improvs. All this combined with chilling artwork of a persons' carved flesh
that many would see as "disturbing" and you have a 3 piece that has created
one of the darkest albums in recent history .if not forever. If
originality and darkness is what you seek then Schlomance joins the ranks of
a handful of bands from various genres that rise way above everyone else. If
you are looking for something straightforward that you can just jam out
too -
this probably isn't for you. "The Immortality Murder" is quirky and
challenging, this is an album you have to invest a lot of time into before
you even crack the surface but it's well worth the time. Get it at
www.theendrecords.com
Album Grade - B +
Cover Art Grade - A
Key Song - "Matriarch"
..........
SCHOLOMANCE - THE IMMORTALITY MURDER (The End Recs., 2002)
This is a masterpiece! This work consist in two CDs with a lot of
incredible music. The music here is extremely elaborated and it is
incredible how open minded seem to be the guys in Scholomance adding a
lot of influences to their music but mantining always the dark aura that
surrounds them. It is also amazing how technical and well rehearsed they
are...they go from catchy rhythms to complex solos and melodies, then
back to another rhythm and maybe adding a keyboard solo to spice things up.
The main thing is the quality that this music has!!!There are like a hundred
minutes of pure music in the highest level. The second CD is an
instrumental one and really rich in harmonies. The CDs come with a great booklet with
all the lyrics and a beautiful presentation that matches perfectly the
concept of the music here. One of the albums of the month. Favorite tracks: The
whole album!!!!!!!!!. Contact: www.theendrecords.com
..........
Scholomance
The Immortality Murder
~reviewed by Eric Rasmussen
If I had to come up with a single word to describe this album, I'm pretty sure I'd choose "whoa." Not just any 'whoa,' though, it'd be of the patented Keanu Reeves sort. And I think most anyone who can listen to this album without passing out or running away would feel the same. For those of you not familiar with Scholomance, they play some incredibly complex and chaotic metal that is both unique, enjoyable, and perplexing all at the same time.
..........
SCHOLOMANCE: "The Immortality Murder" (The End Records)
IV(Reviewed by AJ. Blisten)
SCHOLOMANCE is back after three years in silence with their second album after they got signed to The End Records. The band has developed greatly since "Treatise Of Love". The sound and production is a lot better on the new album. The American trio is a very technical oriented band with a progressive metal approach in the song structures. "The Imortality Murder" is definitely not an easy listening experience and new musical details come to the surface for every new listen. Some of the songs have a modern classical music feel to them and other pieces are comparable to what Emperor did on their final album, combined with neo-progressive elements, guitar leads and fresh keyboard sounds. This is a very demanding and challenging album to listen to that adds something new to the extreme metal genre in the intelligent way the music is composed. "The Imortality Murder" consists of two disks, one with vocals and one without vocals. Scott Crinklaw tells us why in the interview. SCHOLOMANCE has created a complex, very interesting and long-lasting album and it will definitely take some time for many listeners before they can fully appreciate all the details and technical structures in the songs. There is just one small weakness on it. The drum parts seem a little too synthetic in some parts.
..........
SCHOLOMANCE
The Immortality Murder
The End Records
(Score: 4.5 out of 5 Battle-Axes)
Quite an ambitious project from this midwestern trio. Although we put this album in the extreme section, the truth is, this album really belongs to all genres. The Immortality Murder consists of two cds, one with vocals and one without. Musically, these guys are all over the place, from evil black metal to enlightened progressive, complete with swirling keyboards, powerful piano, blazing electric guitar, classical acoustic guitar, and thundering bass and drums. You know all those instrumental albums that are advertised in the back of the guitar magazines? Well, this is their long lost evil cousin! The lyrics are dark and foreboding, detailing the mind of a demented killer. They’re also extremely well written, coming across more like prose than rock lyrics. The only downfall is with the vocals, which are typical black metal Drano-mouth rasp. That’s where the second cd comes in. It’s basically an instrumental version of the first cd, but with some extra piano overlays and interludes that were played spontaneously during the recording sessions. If you’re into progressive metal with a dark twist, this album is likely to knock your socks off. Just make sure you listen to disc 2 if you don’t like extreme vocals. (Steve Gottlieb - Metal Dreams Magazine - Issue #6)
..........
Scholomance
The Immortality Murder
(The End Records)
If The End Records doesn’t have the most talented musicians on its roster,
pound for pound, then I want someone to name me the label that does.
Scholomance’s second release is a full-frontal assault on your ears: the CD
blasts you from the opening note of “Absence/Contorted Porcelain-faced
Bitch” and doesn’t let up even when you find yourself gasping for air
(unless you hit the pause button, that is). Scholomance plays a
mind-numbing version of Technical Death Metal that is also orchestrated in
scope. Led by the keyboard and piano playing of Jimmy Pitts (who doubles as
vocalist) and Scott Crinklaw (who handles guitar duties as well), the music
is multi-layered mayhem – the keys, when not out in front as part of a
demonic calliope, are running underneath breakneck guitar solos and passages
that sound like the players are racing to beat the Devil. This doesn’t even
factor in bassist Jerry Twyford’s playing, mind you. Lyrically, the concept
behind the 2-disc The Immortality Murder, seems to be, at its core, an
in-depth look at madness from one person’s point of view. Obviously this is
going to be for each listener to decide – this is not a CD you can throw
into the player for background music and fully appreciate. I’m guessing
that the lyrics were written with that just in mind. An interesting note
about the bonus CD included with this release is the fact that the band made
a conscious effort to provide the music for The Immortality Murder in a
format for those fans that aren’t necessarily into the harsh and unrelenting
vocal style used for the lyrics. I applaud them for that, because in all
honesty I am not a fan of that vocal style myself. However, I realize that
is one of the drawing points for fans of various styles of Death Metal and I
know I am in the minority when preferring a cleaner vocal. The second disc
is almost an hour’s worth of instrumental music, and is noted in the credits
as having completely improvised piano tracks included between, or as parts
of, the other tracks. Impressive. The bonus disc really does allow the
listener to appreciate the talent that exists within this band, without
being distracted by Pitts’ vocals, which I must admit are definitely not to
be ignored! Unlike other noted technical acts (though not in the same
genre) such as PRIMUS and SPIRAL ARCHITECT, I believe that Scholomance does
a much better job of holding everything together into a more coherent form.
Although the listener my be overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of the band’
s assault at times, I think the emotion behind the music is still felt. The
Immortality Murder is not for the faint of heart – if the music contained on
the CD had a physical force, it would likely pulverize you into dust with
gleeful ferocity; but for those that are looking for something different
(REAL different) or are fans of similar-styled bands (i.e., EMPEROR and the
like), then by all means check Scholomance out.
..........
Scholomance "The Immortality Murder" 2xCD
8/10 - [The End]
I've been dreading having to write this review for over a month
now.
not because the material is bad or anything, because it's not. It's just
that anytime you have a release consisting of two full-length CD's and a
monstrous booklet staring you in the face, you know you've got your work
cut
out for you. And honestly, it is very hard to properly review a
comprehensive piece of work like this. there's just so much going on,
and so
much that can't accurately be expressed. But I'll do my best. Disc 1
consists of the album itself, "The Immortality Murder" - eight lengthy
tracks (none less than five minutes, many closer to seven or eight) of
melodic and diverse progressive death metal. A great deal of the guitar
work
reminds me of a more toned down Atheist, or Death circa "Individual
Thought
Patterns", with lots of relatively technical riffing and dual guitar
harmonies having that certain feel that few other than Death have
achieved.
Scholomance of course differs in that keyboards play a large role, and
the
drums are all programmed. I don't mind the keyboards at all, because the
synth passages usually fit in very well with what the guitars are doing,
and
they're mixed slightly lower than the guitars (which rightfully dominate
in
most cases). The vocals range from lower screams to raspier midrange
screaming (there's definitely a European slant), often employing a lot
of
doubling/panning that creates interesting effects. "Part IV: Her
Iniquity
Uncovered/The Eastern Trinity Unexplained" is one of the more diverse
tracks, starting out with a stripped down metal delivery, eventually
offering some technical acoustic guitar runs, and even a few "catchy
hooks",
if I dare say so! "The Next Step (For the Sake of the Greater Whole)" is
similar in its variety, offering numerous changes and some excellent
uses of
acoustic guitars in conjunction with distorted leads and keyboard
textures.
The musicianship is definitely top notch here, the performance is tight
and
there's an impressive amount of musical ability displayed consistently.
As far as the production goes, things are pretty good, especially
considering that everything is handled by only three musicians. Upon
first
listen I felt that the sound was too thin, but it's starting to grow on
me
and I don't find that to be the case at this point in time. Of course
the
use of a drum machine is going to flatten the sound out to some degree,
as
machines never sound as full as a good, natural live kit, but the drum
programming is well done, and mixed in a fashion that isn't distracting
to
me. A few things that I would change would be the levels of the vocals
and
the bass guitar. The bass is certainly audible, but the performance is
so
strong that I would turn it up louder, as it can get drowned out during
lead
breaks or when keyboards start to play a larger role. As for the vocals,
I
find that the almost constant doubling tends to bring the vocals too far
to
the front, so I would simply drop the volume back a little bit so that
the
vocals would be more consistently even with the guitars (either that or
perhaps only double the vocals in certain sparse areas). Lyrically the
earlier songs start out using fairly brief passages that tie together
from
parts I through IV, after which point the tracks contain surprisingly
involved and lengthy selections of lyrics. The overall approach is one
that
I would consider poetic to a degree, with a lot of abstract passages,
"Satiation of the insatiable, the quest for all for one, A simple
request
for a presentation to a deaf world, Become drunk on attention,
stuttering
off into the unconscious, A traumatizing kiss of perceived soulbirth." I
cannot even begin to analyze the lyrical content, though. With recurring
themes galore it's obvious that a great deal of thought went into this
concept. The layout is somewhat bizarre. I absolutely love the front
cover,
it's subtle and dark, but beautiful at the same time. Inside are
background
images of buildings/homes (often in wooded areas), bridges, etc. I'm not
sure what to make of them.
Disc 2 is a bonus instrumental CD, described in the booklet as
being
for the progressive/instrumental music fans that don't enjoy the band's
aggressive vocal approach. A kind gesture indeed, as well as a very cool
idea. Also included on this disc are some improvised piano pieces that
were
recorded on the final night of the band's studio sessions, presented
here in
complete, unedited form. I must say that for improvised pieces these are
absolutely stunning, further solidifying just how talented these guys
really
are. I've also got to say that while I like their vocals, I really do
enjoy
listening to the instrumental tracks quite a bit! It opens up the music
so
that smaller touches can show through, allowing the listener to pick up
on
new elements perhaps missed when vocals were in place. Overall this is
an
impressive, if not overpowering (in that it's so intricate and grand)
effort. With a live drummer this band would be fucking unbelievable.
They're
doing very, very well without one, I just can't help but imagine these
songs
with a live drum performance. That's really one of the only minor
improvements that could be made here. The technical abilities are in
place,
the songwriting shows significant talent, and so on. I still need time
to
fully digest this material, but I can already see that it's one of the
most
admirable efforts to have been released as of late, and I think that any
fan
of progressive metal would agree, regardless of whether or not they were
to
find this music to be 100% enjoyable. It just demands a certain degree
of
respect, and I would really recommend giving this a listen.
Running time - 1:49:55, Tracks: 20 [Notable tracks: Virus (The Theft of Knowledge), The Next Step (For the Sake of the Greater Whole), Replacement., Part IV: Her Iniquity Uncovered/The Eastern Trinity Unexplained (instrumental)]
..........
SCHOLOMANCE "THE IMMORTALITY MURDER" The End
8 / 10
A massive double-CD release from one of the most original American metal bands in a long time. Scholomance brings together virtuoso-driven technical death metal (think Atheist, Cynic and the likes), meshes it with complex, symphonic keyboards and synths and adds vicious, rasping, nearly black metal vocals on top. The end result is an album that should please everyone, regardless of whether they're into brutality or just guitar wizardry. The band has chosen an unusual approach to this release: basically CD #1 contains the "real" versions of the songs, while CD #2 contains the same songs, but without the vocals (so that fans of progressive metal who don't like the brutal vocal style can enjoy them), but with added keyboard improvisations to fill in the void left by taking out the vocals. A challenging idea and any lesser band might have made a fool of itself attempting it, but not Scholomance...the second CD is actually quite interesting to listen to, even though obviously I prefer the more aggressive versions from CD #1 with the vocals present. The sound is a bit mechanical (they use a drum machine), but the main focus is on complex guitar passages, supported by some very well written orchestral passages (this outfit really has a knack for coming up with memorable keyboard melodies). Last, but not least the bass playing is quite amazing and although it is somewhat buried in the mix you can still hear the ease with which their bass players scours his fretboard (actually his bass playing is more audible in the instrumental version, so you can appreciate his work better on that one). One of those CDs that really grows on you with every listen, highly recommended. I also have to mention the excellent, crisp and rich production without which this album would not have been able to fulfill its potential. Scholomance is the shining star in The End Records roster.
..........
Scholomance - The Immortality Murder
March 2002 | Released: 2001, The End Records | Rating: 5.0/5 | Reviewer: JP
Two words come to mind when writing this review and thinking of this CD. Ambitious.
Successful. Scholomance have succeeded in creating an ambitious masterpiece. This CD may not be immediately accessible to many mainstream metal fans. It is a brilliant blend of death and progressive metal. I was worried that it might be too mellow for the true death fans and the vocals would turn off the prog fans but the band has succeeded in creating this fairly unique blend and it works.
The packaging as is always the case with The End Records, very high quality. The cover is disturbing, which is a good thing, a picture of self (?) mutilation with religious overtones. The booklet is gorgeous and there is a very cool added bonus of a second disc of instrumental variations of the actual CD. You can see what I mean by ambitious, a new band putting out a lyrical and musically complex double CD!
Everything about this is total class. The production powerful and heavy, everything in it's proper place. The vocals are raw, aggressive and death like. The song structures are very progressive with many breaks in style, temp and mood. The whole vibe is a bit gothic, not in the weepy violins and female vocals euro-goth way, but more in a gloomy doom-death fashion.
The lyrics are intelligent and complex, not a CD you can easily sing along too! I can't remember the last time I read lyrics about Darwin in a metal CD, but it goes to show the lyrical depth. There is a quasi-religious overtone to the whole CD as well, maybe not so much religious as spiritual. A complex and absorbing listen.
Often a disc will come with some promotional material, usually filled with amazing passages of poetic praise claiming the band to be the next coming of the gods of metal. Usually I ignore that form of shameless self -promotion, but in this case the promo material was pretty accurate. It states, "The Immortality Murder must surely be one of the most groundbreaking releases ever in a progressive movement that seeks, above all, to widen the traditionally conservative heavy metal genre's musical powers…" I totally agree. To learn about this band and other fine quality releases check out http://www.theendrecords.com
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Scholomance- "The Immortality Murder" 2xCD
Scholomance are a band that have been on my favored list since I heard their first album "A Treatise on Love." It offered a new glimpse into the world of dark music with broader atmospheres and more elegant ways of conveying darkness that other releases I was familiar with. Now we have a second release from this band that pushes their own envelope even furthur and is setting a new standard for neo-classical,atmospheric,technical, and dark music. Very few bands(if any at all) have gone this far in musical progression and furthur defining their sound within such a short amount of time. This release has everything needed in symphonic composition including a proper mood setting introduction, climax, and theme recapituations. It also provides a carefully delineated experience into the internal self, channeling the sunless landscapes of schizophrenia and torment. As a bonus, the second CD is entirely instrumental(for us who still have difficulty with harsh vocal arrays) and includes a few piano improvisations which give a higher accent of the release.
96/100 - Thomas Watkiss
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SCHOLOMANCE “The Immortality Murder” (Disc One: 8 tracks. 50:19) (Disc Two: 12 tracks. 59:49).
If you are like me you like a challenge, and Scholomance more than fits the bill in those terms. Infinitely complex musically, with disturbing lyrical imagery, Scholomance paint quite an unsettling picture, one that is hard to decipher. And the artwork, with a CD cover that hints at self-inflicted stigmata, the overall feel of the album is oppressively dark. Further, it defies simple categorization. Is it black metal or death metal? Progressive perhaps. Imagine Dimmu Borgir with very odd rhythms and Chopin on the keys. Or perhaps Arcturus in a really bad mood! Regardless, this band reminds me that not all of the exceptionally great metal bands hail from Europe. Frankly, I would pit them against any of Europe’s prized metal possessions. But confound it if I just can’t find the right words to describe their music. Suffice it to say that if you thought their last release, A Treatise on Love, was something, prepare to graduate to the next level. Finally, notice too that the album comes with two discs. Disc one is the actual album. Disc two is a sound track containing some of the songs on the first disc minus the harsh vocals, and a few others. In a phrase: mind-boggling! - Tom Edmondson
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Scholomance
The Immortality Murder
"Silhouettes of dusk-drawn trees, screaming dreams to brothers lost
Endless rain can not wash away, the traces of heaven, born of earth we forsake
Omniscience, a shadow cast goal, but desire aflame cannot be quenched." - Scholomance "Virus (The Theft of Knowledge)"
While I was not familiar with this three-piece out of Missouri, I have done my share of Vlad Dracula readings to know that Scholomance was the legendary school of occult, attended by the Draculs, where supposedly the devil himself was the teacher to the young Vlad. So even before I began listening to Immortality Murder, I was quite intrigued by what would be presented musically and lyrically.
One of the most memorable things about Immortality Murder is the dark ambience created within Scholomance’s songs by the orchestrated passages and the slower acoustic moments, leaving the listener dumbfounded and in almost stigmatic condition. For example, the use of the bells at the end of "Absence/Contorted Porcelain-faced bitch" creates the haunting effect of a funeral procession, while the use of the keyboards and the arabesque guitars in "Her Iniquity Uncovered" (3:42-4:34) sounds ancient and enigmatic. As far as the music itself, just imagine of a bastard child of the latest Emperor opus, Obscura-era Gorguts, and the crazy solos and bass freakouts ala Spiral Architect, and you remotely get what Scholomance sounds like. The vocals range between death metal growls and black metal shrieks. The guitars are super technical, shredding, and completely devastating, yet at times beautiful and tranquil, displaying some somber, acoustic moments in "Her Iniquity Uncovered" and the closer "The Next Step." The bass parts are jazzy and progressive, with odd bass solos, seen on "Matriarch." All of this is fused together by the rich and exquisite keyboards and the programmed drums that sound inorganic, yet serve as a perfect match to the music, because it is so lively and active, kind of like a yin/yang.
Reading the lyrics on occult, human misery, and occasional anti-Christian references proved to be a unique experience all by itself. While this may be a large assumption on my part, I may argue that some of the songs portray the life of the young count Dracula. Looking at the lyrics at the top of the page (I wouldn’t just put random lyrics there for no reason!), especially the line "Silhouettes of dusk-drawn trees, screaming dreams to brothers lost" reminds me of the criteria that required that one of the "brothers" of Scholomance, was to "lose" his soul to the devil and serve him for the well-being of the school. Other illuminating lyrics are seen in "Her Iniquity Uncovered;" they guide the listener inside the mystic school where the rights of blood and the refutation of God is provided by Satan himself:
"For the gaping wounds we have suffered at the blood-drenched hands of Christ. Rip the paper wings from their gleeful angels and freeze their ideals as shards of ice…Do not come to me with weeping…with tears. My altars are of blood, my gates of flesh."
The songs on Immortality Murder work as a double-edged sword; there is so much complexity in every song, that if someone is completely unprepared for what awaits, the force beyond Scholomance will sound completely destructive and almost unbearable to listen to. Yet, for those who are willing to spend some time in front of this release and deconstruct it musically and lyrically, the final result will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
P.S. In addition to Immortality Murder, the band included the second CD of just instrumental compositions for the fans who are not into more viscous vocal material, where all the piano parts on the extra tracks were completely improvised and recorded on the band’s last night in the studio. This makes this double-disk release a more engaging purchase. - Mike S.
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SCHOLOMANCE
'The Immortality Murder'
THE END
While I don't know what this band was thinking when choosing their moniker,
they actually scored nicely by including a second, instrumental disc. Allow
me to quote from the liner notes: "We did the instrumental CD for our fans
who aren't into the vicious vocal material. We know that many of you prog
and instrumental fans dig the music by itself." However noble and
fan-serving you may think this move to be, it is a pretty brave one in that
band run the risk of highlighting their major weaknesses. Far from being
utterly unlistenable, Jimmy Pitts' style of throat maltreatment doesn't
entirely fit the technical and classy muso clinic that Scholomance put on.
In fact, Pitts' rasp, while fluid and flowing, is discouragingly flat and
surprisingly one dimensional, especially considering the musical gymnastics.
However, stellar musicianship is what's on show
here as the Missouri trio gravitate towards Cynic, Watchtower, mid-period
Death and Sadus' hyper-active and showy thrash. The drastic leaps between
classical sounding piano counterbalances the flash metal workouts. This
feature, along with the comprehensive lyrical tome, means 'The Immortality
Murders' will require your time and concentration. No one ever said metal
was an easy business. [7.5] - Kevin Stewart-Panko
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Parietal Lobe: Samples :
Occipital Lobe and Cerebellum: Profiles :
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