Finally, after two highly acclaimed demo releases (the ’97 …When The Cycle Ends demo tape and the ’99 self-released In Speculis Noctis demo CD), ORDO DRACONIS return, with a well deserving record deal for their debut full-length The Wing & The Burden.
The debut is a result of the always tight relationship between the band members. In fact, Rahab and Bob (guitars), Arco (drums), Midhir (synthesizers) and Moloch (bass/ vocals) seem to have found the formula to a perfect musical osmosis, the most important reason to which is perhaps the fact that they have been playing together since the first demo release, the very beginning of the band.
The debut consists of 2 instrumentals (intro Paris 1574 and outro Tar And Quill (A Gloss) and 7 tracks (The Wing & The Burden, Turpentine Chimaera, Wreckage, Four, A Crimson Dawn, Tiphareth – The Burning Balance and Necropolis), one of which is a ‘reprise’ of their ’97 demo track A Crimson Dawn) and has an approximate playing time of 50 minutes. Enough time for them to have the opportunity to show the world that they have made their statement as it comes to overcome the borders of Symphonic Black Metal. It does taste like few, though. I want more.
Those who know ORDO from previous releases are certainly not surprised with all the fine professionalism they got us used to, at all levels. There is probably an intention in having given top priority to a dominant colour in the layout, which this time is red (after the very dominant bluish grey tones on INS); a subtle link, perhaps, to the album title, if you get the picture.
The lyrics are simply amazing, ever growing in complexity, feeling and intensity. The themes are somewhat varied; one cannot necessarily consider The Wing a conceptual album (for we did have a sort of trilogy on INS consisting of the first 3 tracks), but they all let their brilliance shine through. As usual, Moloch takes care of the darkest subjects and Midhir allows Celtic Myths to flow freely through the veins of his inspiration, perspiring his talent into the hymns he creates. The title Turpentine Chimaera should suffice by itself. I certainly believe it is more than great time spent reading their lyrics, so take a peek at www.ordodraconis.com and check the lyrics (and more).
Musically (instrumentally) speaking, what first meets the eye (or should I say, the ear) is the way this quintet has greatly evolved as it comes to skilfully playing their instruments. The vocal lines are much in the same raw line as in previous releases. There is also the subtle female vocal touch every now and then, particularly in Necropolis and Wreckage. On the other hand, the original female lines on A Crimson Dawn were suppressed and replaced by the tin and low whistles. Arco seems to have grasped the essence of playing drums, having become better at his job, both in co-ordination and elaboration. The use of the double pedal is quite honestly much to my liking and, in addition, the guitars denote an even deeper bond of cohesion, which in practical terms means an ever growing web of talent, both in song-writing/ structuring and execution.
One of the main or dominant sides in ORDO is the keyboard lines, which seem to have magnificently developed into some sort of musical brilliance. You can distinctly hear how acutely classical music has been growing on these guys. In practical terms, it also means they adapted La Danse Macabre (Saint-Saëns) into some new form of art, all this to be heard in track Necropolis, a favourite.
Were all this still not enough, you still have a very clear, favourable and devastating production. The sound on the CD is just magnificent, much better than the classic INS and certainly even better than the first demo tape (a polished rehearsal, all in all). Once again, to follow the tradition first started on INS, most of the recording sessions took place at the Excess Studios Rotterdam, afterwards produced and mixed by Hans Pieters, Dennis Leidelmeijer and ORDO DRACONIS.
Should you be looking for influences, I cannot really point out many metal names. The aforementioned classical music is an ever growing in dominance side of it; other than that, you might find some bits and pieces of common sounds with certain symphonic Black Metal bands or even STRATOVARIUS, but in the end, they have managed to find their own style and musical character. You may certainly expect a powerful album full of dark melodies and eerie atmospheres, where melody and aggressiveness melt into one across a universe of dark melancholy that suits the mind and the soul.
I strongly recommend this piece of musical art and, in order to listen to more than just a few MP3 files, buy the whole thing, straight from the band or from the label. One of the best releases of the year 2001, a future collector’s item.
Official Site Ordo Draconis | Myspace Ordodraconis
Cover Ordo Draconis – The Wing & The Burden Front
Ordo Draconis – Necropolis