You can support Terra Relicta by donating! Please, do so, and thank you!
Band: Cauda Pavonis
Album title: Peace Through Superior Firepower
Release date: 22 June 2012
Label: AF-music
Tracklisting:
01. 11th Hour
02. World Beyond The Window
03. Living By Proxy
04. Terror In The Nursery
05. Forgotten Heroes
06. Warriors
07. Danse Macabre
08. Blade Dancers
09. Peace Through Superior Firepower
Although this band exists since 1998 and have already released four albums, bunch of EP's and singles I'm new to them. As mentioned on the info sheet they gained quite a lot of success in British dark wave scene with their previous efforts and live appearances. The album title is the same as their country mates Cradle Of Filth's DVD released in 2005, but this is all about the resemblance with much more famous metal band as their music is kind of retro gothic rock with some post punk and medieval folk parts here and there.
Nine tracks featured on Cauda Pavonis fifth album Peace Through Superior Firepower are actually flowing nicely, but sadly, because of too little variety they soon became boring, nevertheless are showing great talent from involved musicians, but there is a glitch in female lead vocals as they are at least to say annoying and are ruining most parts of the songs. Still music it's not complicated, many catchy choruses, nice synth work and some impresive drumming are the things that can't be missed, especially in songs like "World Beyond The Window" or in the "Terror In The Nursery". Yes, that's all great, but as I said before the negative point are the vocal lines, no special heartfelt energy inside the tracks and similarity of all tracks that make this release quite a difficult listen. It's very difficult to point out at one song as they have almost same structures and similar pace. I don't know what will be the target audience for this release as it's not dark enough for goth fans, neither is enough rough and energetic for punks, it has no special guitar masterwork for listeners who like to hear some nice rock music and it does not offer anything new and revolutionary for those who like to discover new musical things, although it's quite hard to find some direct musical connections. Even the production could be much better, it could give a lot more of depth and atmosphere, but instead of this it's dry and mellow. About the medieval or as they say 18th century style folk music, most times brought forward with synths is also a thing that could be better inserted into the sole song structures and it does not offer or add any special flavour to Cauda Pavonis music.
It's sad because the band shows real musical potential, but in their fourteen years long career they didn't made much of a progress, yet, regarding their previous two albums I think that Peace Through Superior Firepower is a step backwards. More that I'm discovering their past works, more it's evident that they could do great things and for now I can recommend you to do the same while waiting for their next album.
Review written by: T.V.
Rating: 6/10
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
