Cales - Return From The Other Side

Cales is a one man band from the Czech Republic who mixed Folk and Doom Metal for a harsh, yet mystical experience. Surprisingly this guy has been pretty active with the project since 1997, and since then has produced a string of albums that have been appreciated by fans of numerous genres. Of course, the Cales heard today is very different from what was produced earlier. Originally Pter Hosek had developed the music around both Death and Doom metal on releases such as 'Bonds Of Togetherness.' Over time though more genres have been added, from Folk to Power to Black Metal, either in the music structure or in the way the vocals are produced. 'Return From The Other Side' is the sixth album from Pter and it is probably his most balanced offering. Right from the start the title track opens up with thick, chugging rhythms that feel so layered it sounds like the music is going a lot faster than it really is, before switching over to more acoustic moments. Vocally, Pter has a unique style that is sort of a 'sing-talk' kind of tone where it seems like he's telling a story rather than trying to actually 'sing,' but he is still singing. Sometimes he'll go into a violent, raging scream that may resemble the earlier Death Metal days, but over the distortion of the music, listeners just might appreciate his droning story instead.

"Highlander" is more along the lines of Viking Metal with its "horn-like" guitar tones and just slow, rhythmic tone that feels like a battle march. Like other tracks it features atmospheric acoustic moments to ease things down, and during times like these Pter's vocals can get more mystical and faded out in the way that Agalloch sometimes does their music. For those looking for a glance into the past, "Verdict" is possibly the single heavy track on the album, focused on speed and Pter bellowing/ shouting his heart out in a more Death Metal oriented fashion. However, within a heavier track like this, the acoustic and atmospheric beauty is lost. "Down There" touches upon Doom Metal with the simple, yet slow repetitive chug that can often sound like waves crashing and then leading into a mournful solo that would make Paradise Lost proud. Finally there is "Redemption In Blood" which is almost completely acoustic, save for Pter's lonesome storytelling vocals which makes for an excellent way to end this tale. Overall, the skill in musical and both lyrical delivery for Cales is impressive for being a one man band. The vocals may take some getting used to for new listeners because they are a bit unorthodox, but those who have followed Cales this far into his discography should not be disappointed.

  1. Return From The Other Side
  2. Over The Abyss Of Life And Death
  3. Highlander
  4. Verdict
  5. Heathen Beast
  6. Down There
  7. Redemption By Blood

Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Dec 12, 2011
Next review: Bent Sea- Noistalgia

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