'Sede Vacante' is a Greek-Finnish metal formation created in 2015 mixing symphonic and gothic influences and which released a first 'Skies Infernal' in 2016 with a first singer 'Constantine Alex', 'Michael Tiko' taking care of all the instruments. But at the time, despite compositions showing a certain talent of the Greek, the production was not up to par and the album did not hit the headlines. Six years have passed and the line up has evolved with the arrival of bassist 'Nick Gkogkomitros' and drummer 'Jannis K' and the replacement of the former singer by the Finnish 'Stephanie Mazor' who has a clear vocal register and who has the power to tackle the compositions of 'Michael Tiko' but who also has the gift to modulate his voice in the more moderate passages.
The album is composed of 11 tracks in a radiophonic format, not exceeding 5 minutes including an instrumental introduction and the cover of 'Paint It Black' by the 'Stones', completely rearranged in a gothic way but which is ultimately a great success. Regarding the original compositions, after the short epic introduction 'Furia' highlighting an imposing orchestration, 'Mistaken' delivers us a first symphonic metal hit with a remarkable first vocal performance from 'Stephanie Mazor'. The following title 'Dead New World' (see the video above) demonstrates the talent of composer of 'Michael Tiko' with this alternation between verses with intense rhythm and a powerful chorus in a slower tempo and which benefits from a nice instrumental section in the second part. Follows the title song (see the video here), which is typical of a mix between symphonic and gothic, the first part being darker and heavier but which continues with catchy melodic lines and a memorable chorus. On the same pattern as its predecessor, 'Raindrops' offers a remarkable alternation of tempos between verses and chorus with a new memorable melody, then, after the 'Paint It Black' cover of the 'Stones' already mentioned above, 'Melancholy Bled' changes register for more electro sounds with a catchy rhythm, the sounds of electronic keyboards masking guitars which are relegated to the background. The suite scrolls through the energetic 'Walk on a Lie' with beautiful variations in the rhythm section and which highlights the guitarist talent of 'Michael Tiko' in a masterful guitar solo, then, 'The Bride', introduces by muscular guitar riffs, continues in this alternation of intensity that 'Stephanie Mazor' perfectly controls in her singing, the rhythm remains catchy on the whole of the title and 'Wheel of Misfortune' is more moderate, moving away from metal and boasting outstanding instrumental and vocal arrangements with a catchy new melody. And it is with the magnificent ballad 'Tattoo' that the album ends by highlighting a very touching vocal performance by 'Stephanie Mazor' reminding me of those of 'Marcela Bovio' on the refined compositions of 'Stream Of Passion'.
In summary, the 'Sede Vacante' project of 'Michael Tiko' definitely takes off with this second album which, thanks in particular to quality compositions and a talented singer, demonstrates that this formation will have to be counted on in the future to compete with all tenors of symphonic and gothic metal... | |
