Himmellegeme: Variola Vera

It’s not often where it’s the last two songs that make the biggest impression, but for me that’s where Variola Vera comes together and offers up the best songs on Himmellegeme’s sophomore release. Hailing from Norway, the band leans towards atmospheric, spacey progressive rock. The lead vocals are sung in a fairly high register, and at times lack power in their delivery, which may be intentional to fit the music. In addition, the vocals tend to get lost in spots. The blending of acoustic guitars throughout is a nice touch, and although prominent, the keyboards never really stand out; they add textures and sounds versus any heavy soloing.

If the opening track “Shaping Mirrors Like Smoke� tickles your fancy, then I think the rest of the album is right up your alley. There are a few missteps, “Blowing Rasperries� comes out of left field, and feels stiff and rigid, and just does not fit. “Agafia� seems to bring the best of elements of the band, and I like how the delay is used on the guitar, and the keyboards mesh well creating an uplifting outro. The title track closes the CD, an all-instrumental song (I wish they did a few more), with some beautiful acoustic guitar and piano that creates a haunting ending to the album. The CD is due out on October 1st 2021, and this is a band to keep your eye on.

Track List:

1. Shaping Mirrors Like Smoke
2. Heart Listening
3. Blowing Raspberries
4. Brother
5. Let The Mother Burn
6. Caligula
7. Agafia
8. Variola Vera

Added: July 12th 2021
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 749
Language: english

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