Yesterday’s Saints – Generation of Vipers (Draconum Records)
Tuesday, 10th February 2015
Nowadays it’s not really a big surprise to see a concept album make its way to these speakers. As a genre, metal has always made it fairly easy to write dynamic and elaborate tales based upon the flexibility that is given. Nor is the concept of Satan and the forces of darkness, which has the power to border on the cliché. However, when a band shows up and takes the time to bring things further, including storyboarding their entire album, using multiple sources as references (including The Bible and Paradise Lost) for their tale, and pooling multiple genres towards a specific purpose, it tends to make you stand at attention.
Generation of Vipers crafts an elaborate yarn using familiar concepts yet combines them into something that is much more unique than you’d expect. The concept is the story of Satan throughout human history, but before you roll your eyes, know that there are certain twists and turns that you may not expect, as well as some incorporation of some quantum physics theories. But let’s face it, a strong story doesn’t work without strong musicianship and Yesterday’s Saints delivers the goods. Fusing together elements of melodic death, thrash, power, and doom, the band takes full use of varied genres to get their point across. The album is set up like an opera, with three acts (utilizing a different metallic approach) and a classical interlude and outro. The multiple genres are handled well, with the album having distinct differences but flows seamlessly. From the Amon Amarth-esque opener “Fall of the Ancients” to the Nevermore nods in “Sangreale,” the band has a handle on their influences but never goes too far in replicating them.
It’s nice to see a band that is willing to go the extra mile for their music. In the crowded music scene, every little thing helps, and seeing such a young band trying such an elaborate approach for their first full-length is impressive. Generation of Vipers should please fans of multiple genres both musically and intellectually.
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