Genre: Epic Heavy/Doom Metal
Length: 32:48
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One of last year's most exciting discoveries, Tales of Mike, returns this year with a new release: their debut album entitled Human. I discovered this heavy/doom metal project with thrash metal influences last year through their first EP, Landscape of Sorrow. This new opus, Human, will be released on 31st October via the German label Fetzner Death Records, available in digital format, on CD Digipak (co-release with Schattenpfade) and on limited edition cassette.
This new album represents a new sound experience for fans of intense, emotionally charged metal. For 32 minutes and 48 seconds, Mike Heß's compositions immerse us in a heavy/doom metal landscape enriched with a few thrash elements. The overall atmosphere is heavy, with guitars alternating between slow and fast rhythms, while the drums powerfully reinforce the nuances of the structure. Vocally, there is plenty of diversity: clean, growl and high-pitched vocals blend harmoniously. The production is excellent — all elements are perfectly audible. Although short, Human is a logical follow-up to Landscape of Sorrow, but with more accomplished and well-executed writing. A real success, I am not disappointed.
Among the key moments on this album, after the intro Nomen est Omen — which features excerpts from Landscape of Sorrow and previous singles (Passage on Seeds Of Doom Radio) —,the second track Nevermore kicks off with a catchy heavy rhythm that picks up speed at 0:35, when the drums take over and drive the progression forward. When the vocals kick in, the tempo picks up another notch: I love this build-up. At 3:15, the listener is treated to the album's first solo, which is long and perfectly executed. Money Tree offers a more thrash tone, carried by more screaming vocals. At 1:58, a powerful scream paves the way for an energetic and incisive solo. The track Human Masquerade, already released as a single last year, had me headbanging from the very first notes. I loved its catchy chorus and the particularly expressive vocal performance from 2:38 onwards.
Ancient Mirror evokes deep emotion with its doom-laden rhythm and combination of deep growls and powerful high-pitched vocals. At 2:36, I loved the way the solo develops — it's probably my favourite on the album. Next comes Hourglass, a faster-paced track than the previous one, where I particularly enjoyed the vocal variations throughout the song. Then comes Abandoned (also released as a single), an emotionally charged track, imbued with a heavy atmosphere of sadness and despair. When the growls kick in at 1:56, the intensity is amplified even further. The solo at 3:40 accentuates this emotional depth, and the part at 5:40, where the bass resonates alone, creates a moment of rare solitude. The album closes with Swan Song, a track marked by a progressive instrumental build-up. From 2:26 onwards, the drum beats grab your attention, and the presence of clear vocals adds a beautiful finishing touch to the whole.
So, Human confirms Tales of Mike's full potential with a more accomplished sound, rich in emotion and nuance. A sincere and well-executed album that marks a beautiful evolution since Landscape of Sorrow.
You can order your copy on Fetzner Death Records - Website or on the Bandcamp below
