Disillusion - Back To Times Of Splendor - 2004

Lineup:
Vurtox - Vocals, guitar
Rajk Barthel - Guitar
Jens Maluschka - Drums
Country: Germany
Official website

Considering the unfortunate amount of cloning taking place in metal today, it's not difficult to be blown away by a debut release like "Back To Times Of Splendor". With two EP releases already to their credit, this German trio has succeeded in separating themselves from the rest of the metal community, regardless of any and all trends currently being followed by their so-called peers.
Over two years in the making, each individual track found on this release work perfectly together to shape "Back To Times Of Splendor" into the sprawling musical soundscape that it is. Being the enormous fan of progressive, challenging and thought-provoking music that I am, I was immediately drawn to this album. The attention to detail so often missing on debut releases is in full effect here which, along with countless other attributes, easily places this album miles ahead of all nearest competition. Just as one would be hard pressed to describe a sprawling painting or intricate work of art with mere words, "Back To Times Of Splendor" can not fully be done justice with a written explanation of its contents, as a comprehensive grasp of the material in question can only be achieved upon repeated listens. However, it should be stated that DISILLUSION's ability to manipulate dynamics and contrast to the benefit of each composition is definitely one of the main reasons why I keep examining and re-examining this album.
Though each band member, as well as the guest musicians, helps shape each song into memorable works of metal music, I must take time to single out band leader/ vocalist/ guitarist Vurtox who not only wrote all of the lyrics and most of the music on "Back To Times Of Splendor", but produced it as well. That being said, it would be a crime to question DISILLUSION's integrity or dedication to releasing a debut album of the utmost quality, because that is exactly what they have achieved.
At times chaotic and frantic, at others soaring and beautiful, DISILLUSION are easily one of the most memorable newcomers I have had the pleasure of acquainting myself with. If you ever find yourself wondering what the future of metal sounds like allow "Back To Times Of Splendor" to give you a clear indication. So wait no longer and allow DISILLUSION to open your mind and your ears to a sound they should be proud to call their own….did I mention this is their debut release?

TAKEN FROM METAL OBSERVER

Guest musicians on this album:
Bremer, Thomas: Piano on 'And the Mirror Cracked'
Schifter, Matthias: Fretless Bass on 'And the Mirror Cracked' and 'A Day By the Lake'
Schneider, Denise: Female Voice on 'Fall' and 'The Sleep of Restless Hours'
Launicke, Stefan: Piano intro on 'Back to Times of Splendor', Strings on 'Sleep'
Tscholakov, Alex: Drumloops and Percussion on 'Alone I Stand in Fires'

Tracklist:

1. And the mirror cracked
2. Fall
3. Alone I stand in fires
4. Back to times of splendor
5. A day by the lake
6. The sheep of restless hours

Total time 56:50