G.E.N
– “No Ink for a Selk Portrait – Tracklisting
1.
Monologue of an Isolated Man Part I
2.
Shadow of Light
3.
Dead Tears
4.
Catarsis
5.
Monologue of an Isolated Man Part II
6.
Farewell
7.
Manifesto
8.
Epilogo de un Retiardo
Bio
G.E.N.
is a Chilean band formed in 2011 in Santiago, where his main purpose
is to develop a modern and particular metal music concept, influenced
by genres such as Death/doom, post doom and gothic. A particular
feature is an existentialist lyric proposal and a dramatic theater
concept in their live performances.
In
December 2012, G.E.N. edited their first EP called "Manifesto",
recorded,mixed and mastered at VNA Pro Studio, Santiago Chile. This
material was published in January 2013 in digital format, distributed
in USA by Digmetalworld Records.
In
January 2014, the band finished the edition of their new LP album
called "No Ink For A Self Portrait", recorded, mixed and
mastered at 15 Hz Studio, Santiago Chile. Nowadays, G.E.N is working
on the launch of the new material and also signed their first
contract with the mexican label Sun Empire Productions for the
publishing and distribution of "No Ink For A Self Portrait"
Band
Members
Andrés
Munster (Vox)
Javier
Niemann (Lead Guitar)
Cristobal
Emparan (Rythm Guitar)
Ignacio
Urqueta (Bass)
Tomas
Quiroz (Drums)
Review
Today,
for no one is unknown the boom that is taking up the Doom Metal and
its subgenres worldwide, this rebirth that comes from the hand of
such major releases like the new album by the masters Black Sabbath
and their acclaimed album "13". It´s a phenomenon of which
Chile is no stranger, it is known that our beloved national scene has
an international reputation particularly around this genre, as a
result of the significant musical contributions from bands like:
Poema Arcanvs, Mar de Grises, with certain nuances Uaral and the ever
increasing new generation with bands like Aura Hiemis, Mourners
Lament, Lapsus Dei, Opus VII, A Sad Bada, Endymion, Afterworld and
several others.
In
this select group and with only 3 years of existence, highlights the
great work of the Post Doom / Gothic Metal Chilean band, G.E.N which
we heard in first instance with its EP "Manifesto" which
was released in digital format and distributed in the "States"
through Digmetalworld Records. On this occasion, exclusively, we are
pleased to share with you his tremendous debut album entitled "No
Ink for a Self Portrait", release which its part of the diverse
catalogue of Sun Empire Productions (Mexico) and consists of 8 songs
that take and immerse us in a world of intense emotions with
heartfelt lyrics that speak of pain of loss and the systematic
alienation to which we are exposed today, where the music moves
through acoustic passages of almost ethereal subtlety, which in turn
are a faithful representation of the melancholic picture of G.E.N and
are part of a sound language where duality between melodic and
rhythmic intensity coexist in equal terms, part of the great merits
of the band.
The
album begins with the excellent "Monologue of an Isolated Man
Part I" theme that demonstrates the very good management of the
dynamics by G.E.N, with a progressive increase in the intensity of
the track expressiveness, melodic string lines well connected, Post
Rock scented, a successful percussive work that begins with a
well-chosen set of snare-drum rolls for a premeditated change of
intensity to wander sublime moments of sadness and provocative
reflection, this adds to the versatile and solid vocal work of Andrés
Munster, that reminds me in a good manner, the pleasing clean voice
style, and phrasing of Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride, which is
an influence that the band admits, and that is evident throughout the
album, with the great exception that G.E.N to me has a more Gothic
(dark) and atmospheric essence comparatively to the English masters.
Continuing with this great start, "Shadow of Light" appears
with a more Doom / Death character, basically by the increased
presence of choppy guitar riffs, interspersed with bridges or
transitions of clean guitars.
All
this supported by the excellent rhythmic base of Thomas Quiroz
(drums) and Ignacio Urqueta (bass), along the prevailing melancholic
elements both vocally and musically, allowing you to connect
naturally with the "emotional force" of the band. With the
suggestive title of "Dead Tears" the third track shows how
well done this album is, expressive and rock solid on the structural,
evokes in my opinion to other influences that the band recognizes,
which is the band Katatonia (old), particularly in the "Brave
Murder Day" era. Thus we reach the middle of this outstanding
work, to meet with one of the best track of this album, entitled
"Catharsis" and I think the name might not be another,
given the effect of their successful dramatic development that occurs
from Calm subtle guitar chords, to fire starting drum time
progressions with interesting patterns with double pedals, toms and
snare drums, all accompanied by harmonies and melodies that radiates
a certain anger and contained sorrow, in vocal terms this track
consolidates Andres Munster style and dramatic intensity.
"Monologue
of an Isolated Man Part II", another of my favorite tracks;
appears as a natural continuation of the first part, with a funeral
mood and Munster voice as a guiding light, in a rhythmic tempo that
exudes profound sadness and agony, this atmosphere melts as a single
core with the remarkable string work of Javier Niemann (Lead Guitar)
and Cristobal Emparan (Rhythm Guitar), having the good taste to deal
with the intensity required for each track, having a measured and
effective use of effects that seek to complement the sonic proposal
of G.E.N, which is efficiently achieved in a wide stylistic spectrum.
"Farewell", "Manifesto" and "Epílogo de un
Retirado" are the final triad and offerings of this great album,
all of which preserve a common element in the proposal of the band,
which is the constant interplay of dynamic, tempo and intensity
changes, strength in the individual instrumental performances,
coupled with the dramatic and interpretative stamp which Andrés
Munster imprints vocally, I unequivocally believe that "No Ink
for a Self Portrait" is certainly eligible to be classified as
one of the best releases of the genre nationwide this year, and has
enough quality to be positioned in advanced ranks in the competitive
international doom scene. Finally, for all those who enjoy and
support the real underground, please take the time to check this out,
you won´t be disappointed.
G.E.N
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genbandachile
G.E.N
My space: https://myspace.com/genchile
Written by Raúl
Valenzuela
