Metal Art

Coming out of Beijing, China, progressive metal quartet OU (pronunciation: “O”) look to emerge onto the music scene with a debut studio album that although can bring to mind elements from many different kinds of music and bands (Devin Townsend, The Gathering, Radiohead to name a few), it was never limited by trying to fit into a particular niche. Formed by drummer and songwriter Anthony Vanacore, who moved to the region more than eight years ago, the idea behind OU came from each member having a long history of playing in local house bands and seeking new challenges in their growth as musicians. Vanacore would go on to recruit talented guitarist and fellow house band veteran Zhang Jing, as well as highly sought-after bassist Chris Cui, with the three of them laying the initial groundwork for the song structure and creative approach. In seeking a lead singer, the group tried out vocalists by presenting them with the instrumental notes (either played on a MIDI or the rough instrumentals) and inviting performers to interpret their own vocal melodies and lyrics.

Rotten music presents the third work of Slamming Brutal Death Metal band Sex Murder Art, Monuments To The Torment.

Don't be fooled by the heavy riffs and scratchy semi-throaty vocals. The Lake of Tears of "Greater Art" are the same ones that would later bring excellent retro-gothic albums like "A Crimson Cosmos" and the masterpiece "Forever Autumn". What happens is that here the influence of Celtic Frost and Black Sabbath is still very long, and the true personality of the band was yet to emerge. A somewhat raw production, too ethereal lyrics and a similar structure in almost all the songs do not help too much either. In any case, if you enjoy doom-gothic metal with progressive and seventies touches, you can give this "Greater Art" a try, although without a doubt the best of the group was yet to come.