The Downfall of Humanity • CD Review by Kat Zee
Track List:
1. Prelude to Destruction
2. The Downfall of Humanity: The Downfall 3. Stay With Me
4. Perilous Sleep
5. The Downfall of Humanity: The Fallen
6. Left Behind
7. Breaking the Chains
8. The Downfall of Humanity: Eternal Night 9. A World in Ruins
The Band:
Henrik Nyman--Bass
Jocke Ivarsson--Drums
Tobias Rhodin--Guitars
Timo Hautamäki--Keyboards, Vocals
Cecilia Kamf--Vocals (female)
LAPIS LAZULI is a female-fronted Swedish Symphonic Metal band from Hammerdal/Stockholm/Piteå. The band was formed
in 2015 and released their demo “Last Hour” in 2006, the CD “My Mortal Stain” in 2010, the CD “A Loss Made Forever” in
201), the CD “A Justified Loss” in 2011, the CD “Lost” in 2013 and on the 20th of February, 2015, their album “The Downfall
of Humanity”.
The opening “Prelude to Destruction”, heralds the album with wonderful Symphonic tones with operatic singing. The gentle
strains of the vocals give way to a composition worthy of a movie soundtrack…very dramatic! Stronger keys punctuate “The
Downfall of Humanity: The Downfall”, joined by the lilting arias of CECILIA KAMF, worthy of a “nod” from TARJA of NIGHTWISH.
Adding to the experience are the violins…this is a true symphonic track. Timo Hautamäki smacks the listener between the
eyes in “The Downfall of Humanity: The Fallen”--offering up gravelly growling vocals accented by gritty guitars. The driving
sound serves Death Metal with Symphonic elements…fantastic!
I really like “The Downfall of Humanity: Eternal Night”—It’s like a night at the opera! Very reminiscent of NIGHTWISH! With
changeable vibes--from calmer with piano to heavier ones. Rich Operatic vocals announce the track “Breaking the Chains”. I
find this song especially memorable; with its brilliant violins, catchy riffs and driving drums building the intensity. Also worthy
of a listen is “Perilous Sleep”. This is a “darker” song with guttural guitar work--quite dramatic! Fans of WITHIN TEMPTATION,
NIGHTWISH, EPICA and DELAIN will especially find an affinity with this composition.