Metus is the project name of multi-instrumentalist Marek Juza who hails Kraków in Poland, and this is his (I think) seventh album to date. This was sent to me to review by Artur Chachlowski of www.mlwz.pl who is based in the same town and I am going to have words with him as I can only wonder why it is 2012 when I have first come across him when he has been releasing material since 2007. Although this does fit within the prog genre it could also be described as atmospheric, dark, ethereal and possibly almost ambient. My understanding is that Marek provides all of the instrumentation himself, although it wouldn’t surprise me if there is a guest here and there as the strings that are employed certainly sound real to me.
What makes this album stand out so much from the norm are the vocals, which are just incredible. Marek states that he has never had any formal vocal training and if that is the case then these are even more remarkable. Imagine a singer that brings together Pete Steele, Geoff Mann and David Bowie (depending on what style of singing he is using) and you may just come close to what I am hearing. The music is important, but it is all about providing a vehicle for the vocals. Sometimes it is upbeat with Marek singing higher and with more directness, while at others it is far more laid back as the gentle baritone conveys such a depth of emotion and power that the listener feels that he can walk away on the notes.
All in all this is an album of incredible depth and passion, and if you enjoy music that isn’t always in your face and is more thoughtful than most then this is highly recommended.
www.metus.pl
