The final track on this remarkable album is a cover of the classic REM track “Losing My Religion”. Having heard what has gone before it on “Restless”, I’d say it’s the perfect song for Karelia to have adapted. It has that mid-paced mechanical beat but instead of being a lightweight affair, Karelia speed it up and imprint on it their trademark electro-industrial sound to make it powerful and dynamic.
“Restless” was presented to me with the billing “industrial Power Metal”. Its float-along catchiness certainly has the feel of Power Metal but it’s more measured in its pace. The industrial element is supplied by the drums and synthesisers and this is where its authority comes from, but that’s far from being all. Electro-goth could be another description which would cover it. Points of reference for me would be: Front Line Assembly, Clan of Xymox, Tristania (without the female vocals), Charon, Entwine, To Die For and so on. The quirky “Please Come In” has the structure of a Queen aria but in a deranged, psychedelic electro-metal framework. They obviously had fun making this album, and it is infectious. The singer, when he’s not sounding like the Finnish Goth metal brigade, has the silky and haunting tones of the guy from Icehouse.
Note that not one of the bands I’ve mentioned are French. Karelia are and they’re really good. Ultimately their claim to stay away from clichés or genre-typical settings is valid. Forgetting the comparisons, they have managed to produce in “Restless”, their third full release, a whole album of killer songs with amazing, dark electro hooks. There is crunchy guitar work in there, in case you were wondering. Every track has its own identity, starting with the industrial tones of the intro “Restless”. Then there’s the dark techno wave of “Trial”, the more catchy poppiness of “Mirror, Mirror” and “Give It Away”, and the harmonies of “From my Window”. What holds it together is that dark electro beat and a shadowy atmosphere. Meanwhile in the background there are subtle sound waves, each one different according to the track. Yes, a lot of thought and fun was had in making this. The upshot is that it’s so enjoyable that the 37 minute duration seems like 10. My attention never wandered. I could listen to “Restless” over and over again and keep finding interest.
In summary, listening to this album was sheer pleasure. I know that, given the chance to listen to it, many others will agree with me. Karelia bring together a variety of styles, and succeed in producing in “Restless” a work of imagination, power and richness. I can’t imagine this album not being in my top 3 by the end of the year. “Restless” is a magnificent album, a great listen and I just can’t wait to hear from more from Karelia.
www.karelia.fr
www.myspace.com/kareliaband
www.season-of-mist.com
