Here's a tough one to figure out. Resolutio, the full-length debut CD by the female-fronted French band Auspex, opens with a brief experimental symphonic-metal song called "Subjective Architecture," complete with spoken words and operatic vocals. Then the band slams into "Time to Make a Stand," a slab of over-the-top metal with manic keyboards and layers of choirs. "Phantoms" is pure power metal, while "Celestia" lands firmly in progressive gothic-metal territory. Elodie Buchonnet, whose vocals range from deep and earthy to operatic and damn-near glass shattering, is backed by dual guitarists, a keyboard player and a furious rhythm section.
These are dense compositions, executed confidently. Which is why it would be nice to say Auspex offers something for everyone. But the nine songs on Resolutio may prove to be an acquired taste for listeners with a certain affinity for orchestral power metal with esoteric lyrics. In other words, there's an overbearing air about Auspex that doesn't surround similar bands like Edenbridge, Elis and even Epica.
Track Listing:
1) Subjective Architecture
2) Time to Make A Stand
3) Theater of Pain
4) Lost Academy
5) Mysteries of the Stars
6) Phantoms
7) Celestia
8) A King's Crown for a Wealthy Weak
9) Rise
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