Hevein "Sound Over Matter" (Candlelight)
By Taylor Green
Monday. Apr 24, 3:24 AM
A blueprint, yes... but not the finished product.

It is hard to say what I was expecting when, a few lines into the press release, I read that Hevein includes ex-Apocalyptica cellist Max Lilja. Then I read that, along with Lilja, Hevein have a violin to go along with the traditional metal instrumental structure of bass, guitar, drums, and vocals. Needless to say, I was intrigued to hear what this band could possibly sound like. The comparison artists the label mentioned range from Amorphis and Moonspell to Children Of Bodom and Dark Tranquillity. For the most part, these comparisons make sense. There's a very progressive element to the sound, especially with the reliance on clean vocals over the guttural growls metal has so oft become associated with. Then, the cello and violin add a very classical element akin to other prog bands. What really exists when all is said and done is more of an In Flames approach, mashing pieces of nü metal and melodic death with an Apocalyptica-esque feel due to the two classical instruments.

But for a band that features a violinist and cellist, Hevein aren't very groundbreaking. In fact, the addition of a cello just adds lightness to contrast the darkness on tracks like "Worth Fighting For" and "Only Human." The classical instruments are still the highlight of the music, though. Beyond Lilja and Aino Piipari (violinist), there's not much going on in the songs, which is pretty disappointing since I expected more from a band with the goals Hevein are clearly shooting for.

Sound Over Matter is a modest attempt at bringing the unique vision of Hevein to life, but the band seem to rest on the concept rather than expending the energy to execute said concept. What results is an album that seems incomplete and pieced together at times rather than a true piece of art. I'll definitely be looking at other works by this band, both future and past, since there is a definite blueprint here that, if consummated, could sound phenomenal. However, Sound Over Matter is far from the execution necessary for such an album.
www.hevein.com
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

Taylor Green

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