Norwegian masters Green Carnation begin a new convoluted music trilogy returning to a long-form storytelling with the release “A Dark Poem, Part I: The Shores of Melancholia” which is certainly the legit product of hard work and cathartic artistic evolution.
“As Silence Took You” chooses a sorrowful melodic pathway where exquisite orchestrations and eloquent guitar progressions constantly thrive and the theatrical vocal performance further emphasize the darkly contemplative themes.
Green Carnation fiercely unleash a primordial energy reminiscing of their strong underground roots with monolithic guitar riffs and the resulting aggressive rhythmic assault of “The Slave That You Are” is even more amplified by the majestic growls courtesy of guest vocalist Grutle Kjellson from mighty Enslaved.
An immense melancholia in fact always emerges throughout “The Shores of Melancholia” but you will find plenty of harsh grooves, thrilling rhythmic variations executed in perfect prog style and colossal guitar riffs.
“Too Close to the Flame” closes the album in epic fashion delivering a massive dosage of guitar driven grooves fueled by an impeccable feverish rhythmic section and enriched by a series of flamboyant solos.
“A Dark Poem, Part I: The Shores of Melancholia” aptly symbolizes an artistic rebirth as Green Carnation can please and at the same time challenge the fans with an ambitious collection of songs that seamlessly combine heaviness and poetry.