Moonspell

Sin / Pecado

(c)1997 Magic Arts Publishing

(p)1997 Century Media Records

Review by Neil St.Laurent

Thanks to Century Media for the CD

Riding on the wave of popularity Moonspell received from their "Irreligious" album the band has without too much delay released the new album "Sin / Pecado". Joined once again by Waldemar Sorychta, Moonspell has managed to create yet another well rounded album with a very well produced sound.

The progression towards a more harmonic sound continues with this release, and the increasing use of electronic elements lends a furthered dimension in atmosphere. The music has really improved in the direction of becoming a more unified sound, which provides a wonderous melody and easy to listen to aspect, however it steals from the raw feel of the music. This is likely not to turn away any existing fans, but any new listener may wonder what all the fuss is about.

However, the aggressive emotion that was heard on their previous recordings, is still very live and present at points, for example in "Abysmo". It is now laced with a gentler flowing sound that binds everything together in a quite emotional fare (if you're looking for technical music then stay away). Maybe it is something in the air at Century Media, as this transition can also be noticed in Tiamat and Sentenced (both on Century Media as well).

Fortunately there isn't a complete loss of the rough vocals. Although there is an incresed used of clean vocals, Fernando Ribeiro really does have a good singing voice, the old raw vocals can still be found at various points. This anchor in their older music goes beyond just vocals, as the riffing and song structure is still very much Moonspell, although there are plenty of sections where the guitars take a time-out ("Magdalene" may really bother those that worship the distorted guitar).

As a final bonus there is not song like the horrible "Raven's Claw" song from the previous recording!

There isn't too much to really say. "Sin / Pecado" has a very full and rounded sound. While there is a downplay in the aggressiveness, there is an increased beauty to the harmony and flow. While somewhat over-produced at times (i.e. not having a natural enough sound to it), it retains much of what made Moonspell great in the past. While not the best work by the band, "Sin / Pecado" is certainly one of the best releases you'll ever hear.

Moonspell is:
Fernando Ribeiro - Vocals
Ricardo Amorim - Guitars
Pedro Paixão - Synths And Samples
Mike Gaspar - Drums
Sérgio Crestana - Bass

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