Subject to Thoughts - From Emptiness To Beyond
Self-Released - 2005
By Brandon Strader
It's hard to believe that this epic concept was completely written, performed, and brought to life by just one man:
Mark Mendieta, who alone recorded the vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. Functioning within the realm of dark progressive rock, he has already managed to surpass many of his musical peers. There is also a subtle touch of doom song structure throughout. His compositions are beautiful, from the passionately pressed piano keys, to the acoustic passages coated with a string ensemble...
From Emptiness To Beyond is surprisingly refined, with two parts seperated by a "transition period." The mix is pretty good, though the vocals are mixed a bit too high. Rather than going for the strong vibrato, he performs his vocals with a softer, more emotional vibrato. At times, his vocals seem reminiscent of those in the church choir, with a very innocent sound and a humble performance.
The keyboards, guitars, and bass work perfectly together when
Subject to Thoughts dives into a more ambient section. The bass sets the tone, whilst the guitars and keyboards explore the space. The music is very fluid, a combination of work that flows perfectly from song to song.
The transition from major compositions to minor is very effective in displaying emotion. Possibly my only complaint is the percussion sound - it almost sounds like a drum machine, or very low quality triggers. If recorded in a proper studio,
From Emptiness To Beyond would be beyond perfect; a masterpeice of conceptual progressive doom.
8/10
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Group Contact:
drywolf@aol.com
Official Subject To Thoughts Website
