Tarot - Crows Fly Black

The Metal Chick

In the Dragon's Den
Mar 31, 2003
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Tarot - Crows Fly Black
Kingfoo Entertainment - KFCD-011 - January 19, 2007
by Amanda J. Carlson
Tarot.jpg


Of all the great bands that spawn from Finland, Tarot remains a classic after twenty years of straightforward, all out metal. They've perfected their style, going from primitive simplicity to modern creativity. Vocalist Marco Hietala's unique voice that has emerged over time now helps the music stand alone as belonging only to Tarot. Crows Fly Black still showcases genuine true metal, but with more guitar solos and catchier vocal lines – just a stronger presence of their veteran skills.

Songs such as the title track and 'Before the Skies Come Down' showcase the band’s versatility with a flow of super heaviness and softer interludes that build up to memorable melodies. A stellar guitar solo appears in each track, some of the best in this branch of metal. Like all good metal bands, they throw in a slow tune, but 'Tides' stands as the one bummer of the album. Among all that heaviness, the five minutes of dragging chords is almost too much. 'Bleeding Dust' is the perfect song to put after that, though, as it’s the catchiest at a nonstop speedy tempo.

Crows Fly Black is far from disappointing, standing as perhaps the best Tarot album yet. Some things sure do improve with age, and with Tarot putting forth meatier, more impressive songs, twenty years has done them well. Their videos on MTV Finland, and singles near the top of the Finnish music charts give them a good reason to keep on going. Worldwide notoriety is next.

Tarot Official Website
Kingfoo Entertainment Official Website