Infinite Spectrum
Haunter of the Dark
Review by Mike Korn
The cosmic horror tales of H. P. Lovecraft have inspired innumerable musical works, as I’m sure the curator of this very website could confirm. But most Lovecraft-inspired music falls into two basic camps. There are dozens of gruesome, growling death metal bands that have taken inspiration from the Old Gentleman of Providence, some of which are Morbid Angel, Massacre and Thergothon. Then there are bands that take a moodier, more ambient approach, relying on electronic atmospheres to communicate the dread that infested Lovecraft’s tales.
Infinite Spectrum fits into neither of these categories. While still possessing a strong metal edge, they are much more melodic than the death metal bands and not as suffocating in their approach. Their musical style can best be compared to the likes of Symphony X, Dream Theater and Circus Maximus, although with a much darker edge. They are the only Lovecraftian prog metal band I know of.
On Haunter of the Dark, they tackle one of H.P.’s most seminal tales. They manage to come up with quite a lengthy concept album based on a relatively brief story. This is a very handsomely produced product, with a very cinematic feel to much of it. Parts may be too mellow for the metalheads, while other parts may be too crunchy for the prog enthusiast. But there are enough people able to appreciate both styles to provide an audience for Infinite Spectrum.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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