Adamantra “Hypocrites” for #METALMOMENTUM
Band: Adamantra
Title: Hypocrites (Single)
Label: Inverse Records
Release date: August 20th, 2024
Country: Finland
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
(Single) Adamantra, “Hypocrites’: A Rhapsodic Journey Through Progressive Metal, Ancestral Wisdom and Religious Oppression”
“Discover Adamantra’s latest single ‘Hypocrites’ from their upcoming album ‘Act III; Pareidolia of Depravity.’ With its intricate Progressive Metal style, deep lyrical themes, and exceptional production, this track promises to be a standout in 2024’s metal scene. Explore the blend of powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentation, and evocative storytelling in this must-hear release.” (By Elyna Steel)
Welcome to a new edition of “Metal Momentum.” This time, we bring the new sounds of the Finns “Adamantra,” who were protagonists in a previous edition of this section where we present the song “Treacherous Valor,” the second single from their upcoming third album “Act III; Pareidolia of Depravity,” to be released on October 25th.
And, given our enthusiasm for that first ride, we are back to review the third single from this long-awaited new production, “Hypocrites,” released on August 20 via Inverse Records. Like “Treacherous Valor,” this track has a lyric video on YouTube with over 700 views.
The song was composed by Jukka Hoffren (bass) and Panu Kiskola (guitars), with lyrics written by Tuomas Nieminen (vocals). Completing the band are Chrism on keyboards and Mikko Seppinen on drums. It also includes guest performances from violinists Mervi Myllyoja and Manna Lahti, viola player Maarit Holkko, and cellist Lida Sinivalo.
In this single, the band presents their characteristic progressive metal style, which is deeply influenced by two of the genre’s iconic bands: Dream Theater and Symphony X. Yet, they bring a unique touch of their own. When you start listening to them, you notice their exquisite rhythmic diversity, the magical atmosphere of the keyboards, and, in particular, the rhapsodic structure of most of their songs. It’s their thing, what they do effortlessly; it’s natural—it’s progressive metal.
And, of course, “Hypocrites” is no exception. It is a smoothly transitional rhapsody in 4 segments, each with its own rhythmic and melodic meter, going from fast to slow. The epic polyphonic choruses and the warm, powerful, and endearing vocal performance are enhanced by the nostalgic piano that plays in certain sections. The presence of viola, cello, and violins increases the emotional impact, while the guitar solo adds an energetic glow to the final section, in higher key and slower tempo. Certainly, “Hypocrites” is an enjoyable journey that evokes different emotions throughout its 6 minutes and 25 seconds duration.
As for the lyrics, the central theme of “Hypocrites” is the confrontation between the ancestral wisdom of aboriginal people and the ignorance and fear fostered by institutionalized religion. It tells the unfortunate story of “sorceress” women, the ones who love being in the forest and who know the hidden power of the shadowy forest, which is none other than the power of Mother Gaia to heal her children.
The knowledge of that “dark” power—which has nothing dark but is unknown and despised by the world—will lead them to death. Herbalism, the ancestral medicine that restores health and offers healing through plants, was only known by some women in the Dark Ages and was their death sentence. They were seen as against the twisted dictates of the Church, which saw in these “sorceresses” a danger to their dogma and their dominion.
In this sense, the lyric video provides visual elements that increase the impact, placing the listener vividly in the narrative context. The images are perfectly synchronized with the melodic and rhythmic transitions, achieving an evocative and moving experience.
As a side note, it is curious how the conflict between the Church and ancestral wisdom has not ended over time; only the circumstances and the protagonists have changed, but the oppression continues. The constant wars between countries against their native peoples continue, symbolized by the Curly-Haired Woman, who knows the power of the forest. The case of Chile is similar. For more than 500 years, Mapuche people have fought to keep their traditions and wisdom alive. Unfortunately, they have been constantly massacred, despised, and stripped of their land, first by the Spanish Conquistadors trying to impose Catholicism on them and then by the Chilean State, accusing them of terrorists, murderers, etcetera.
The lyrics of “Hypocrites” are deep, provocative, inviting sincere, and deep reflection. Perhaps, at some point, we can recognize that, in some way, we are all both victims and executioners in the complex web of history and human experience.
The magic of “Hypocrites” is not only due to the intrinsic quality of the single in terms of lyrics and musicality. The exceptional work of the professionals has contributed to its production. The talented Mikko P. Mustonen, owner of Pathos Music, was in charge of mixing. Mustonen has worked with renowned bands such as Sonata Arctica, Northern Kings, Tarot, and Ensiferum, contributing his expertise to catapult the sound quality of the song. Mastering, for its part, was carried out by Emil Pohjalainen, owner and CEO of Nestruction Studios. The combination of these technical talents, added to those of the band as a whole, creates a song with high potential to be a success and a must-see within the genre.
Finally, both “Hypocrites” and “Treacherous Valor” are a sample of what to expect in “Act III; Pareidolia of Depravity.” Both singles not only capture the essence of progressive metal, summarized in lyrical richness and melodic complexity, but also demonstrate Adamantra’s talent for fusing different styles in a harmonious, elegant, and innovative way. The quality of both singles, together with their two previous works, predict that Adamantra’s third album could position them as one of the new leading bands in the progressive metal panorama, in addition to being among the best releases within the genre in 2024, for these guys have plenty of potential and talent to become leaders in progressive metal.
Like I said, it’s a done deal! 10/10 by Elyna
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10/10 Immortal Classic
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