Wildpath – “Underneath” (2011)

Label : Brennus Music

Review by Tony Cannella

France’s Symphonic Power Metal maestros Wildpath return with their 3rd round of inspired, classical tinged symphony laced metal with “Underneath”. While “Nyx Secrets” and “Non Omnis Moriar” were both solid in their own right, “Underneath” has the potential to land Wildpath in the upper echelon of symphonic metal. The orchestral intro “Seeds of a Dream” segues into the powerful, up-tempo, melodicism of “Unearthed”. This song has a great big chorus featuring a choir that really adds a lot to the song. Right away it is apparent that Wildpath has something cool to offer. Next up is “Dive” which starts off orchestral before breaking into some serious speed riffing and the strong operatic vocals of Marjolaine Bernard come in. The next song “Reviver” is a bit of a change of pace from the other material and has a bit of a jazzy vibe, showing that Wildpath are not bound by restrictions. Other highlights include: “The Craft”, “Anchored”, “Buried Moon”, “Frozen” and the 7-minute instrumental “Underneath”. The whole “Underneath” album takes the listener on a surreal journey whilst playing with different nuances, tempos and styles, yet also managing to produce a coherent metal masterpiece. Disc 2 features orchestral versions of “Underneath”, similar to what Nightwish did on “Dark Passion Play”. These are interesting, alternate versions of some already great music. Wildpath has continued to grow and progress from album-to-album and “Underneath” is no exception. Far be it for me to say that this is their best album, since everyone will have their own opinions on the matter, but this just may be. Of course comparisons are sure to be made to Nightwish (particularly the “Century Child” and “Once” eras), and there are some similarities, but Wildpath continues to break out of the mold and walk their own… um, path.

Rating – 90/100

Tracklist

CD 1

1. Seeds of a Dream
2. Unearthed
3. Dive
4. Reviver
5. The Craft
6. Anchored
7. Timeworn
8. Dreaming Doll
9. Buried Moon
10. Frozen
11.  X
12. Crystallized
13. Underneath
14. The Elf, The Man and the Muse

CD 2 (Orchestral Version)

1. Seeds of a Dream
2. Unearthed
3. Dive
4. Reviver
5. The Craft
6. Anchored
7. Timeworn
8. Dreaming Doll
9. Buried Moon
10. Frozen
11.  X
12. Crystallized
13. Underneath

Line Up

• Marjolaine Bernard – Vocals
• Olivier Caron – Guitars
• Matthias Bouyssou – Guitars
• Alexis Garsault – Keyboards
• Nicolas Lopez – Bass
• Pierre Mahier – Drums

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