CalatrilloZ - Lords of Misery (song review) |self-released, single, 2013| 
Founded in UK in 2009, CalatrilloZ offers much more than just heavy metal music. Their songs are composed around a tale entitled The Marionette's Theatre. The story, written by Mr. Z (vocals), speaks of supernatural beings searching the world for the possessed string puppets and their power within. The musicians recreate the characters of the story on stage. Visually, they can be compared to a breed of vampires mixed with vile magicians wearing a mischievous "expect everything" Joker-esque smile.
"Lords of Misery" is their latest single. Based on neo-classical arrangements, the track brings a fresh breeze of memorable audio to the listeners. The beginning sounds like the introduction to an opera composition. The leading drum beat makes it heroic, then a duo of violin and keyboards brings forth the symphonic atmosphere. Soon, it gains heavy metal accents such as graded guitar riffs, fast-paced drum beats, groovy bass lines and explicit lyrics encrusted with one of the rock’s golden-oldies - a strong 'yeah!' ending the track. The guitars collaborate with drums and bass very well, dotting the composition like a Morse code message. The core of "Lords of Misery" sounds as if it was living its own life. Yet the musicians keep the composition within a certain frame, so the soundscape does not spread in too many directions.
In most cases you would hear a female voice (i.e. Epica) doing vocal parts in similar symphonic or neo-classical metal compositions. However, here the male singer successfully ties up arrangements with a high pitched voice that never goes out of tune. The lead vocals are at moments supported by background vocals with a high epic feel. The melody of the chorus ("Burn, Burn, Burn / We don't care we don't mind / Close the gates") is very memorable. The audience could well be singing along with the band during a live performance and get more involved into the show as a result.
The CalatrilloZ' line-up consists of Zahyin (Mr. Z), Mobius (bass), Count Viktor (guitar), Azriel (guitar) and Mattias (drums). Thanks to their various musical inspirations (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Rush, Tool, Alice in Chains, Korn, Nine Inch Nails but also Muse or Bjork), their music isn't focused on one theme.
CalatrilloZ introduces several very intense artistic and dramatic concepts that cover music, theatre and opera. Their live performances include special outfits, make up and stage design as well. In addition, each of their songs is like a separate chapter of a book - just like King Diamond did with his plot-orientated albums.
An interesting storyline with matching music means much more action than just a regular metal show. Take a chance and see CalatrilloZ live if you can.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Magazine, January 4th, 2014. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
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