Whilst the traditions of heavy metal and rock are absolutely adhered to in this Spanish piece, the USP/signature move of Ars Amandi has to be the whistles and violin that have been integrated into their sound.
This lends the whole an undeniable Gaelic flavour, and I couldn’t help but note that the band’s lead singer is wearing what appears to be a kilt in the accompanying video. This fusion of styles feels authentic, which is critical for its success.
The main thrust of the track is its muscular riffing, which reminds me of the work of Evanescence, but there’s some impressive and subtle vocal layering going on, too – the choirs that build pads into the sound have been beautifully arranged, and both the traditional wind instruments and lead guitar are given ample space to shine, and absolutely own their space. The track has been brilliantly mixed, with every flavour being given the right kind of weight to make its impact.
Of particular subtlety is the harmonic work between the different instruments – to the point that you almost don’t recognise the centuries that separate them. Multiple listens reveal huge skill in the arrangement – hats off to the team behind this work.
What you have here is a mash-up of traditional and modern electric instruments that looks risky on paper but sounds great in practice. I’m put in mind of the solo albums by ex-Marillion frontman, Fish, around the time of his Internal Exile album. I wasn’t sure what to expect coming to this fresh, but the accomplishment is undeniable.
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