Mister Kite - Box Of Fear

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Lion Music
Catalog Number:
Format: CD
Total Time: 53:29:00

To many, music is like love. Once upon a time, you have an album that you just fall in love with. But when the infatuation dies out, in many cases that what stays is true love, a lasting emotion. When I first heard All In Time, the debut album of Mister Kite, I really loved it. But with the second album, the infatuation is gone. However, the love stays. Also the music of Mister Kite has changed, grown to maturity, showing they are not here for a short time, but they are here to last.

The enthusiasm I picked up on the first album is slightly gone on Box Of Fear, but that is no disadvantage, as the sound on the second album is very consistent and balanced and breathes a dark mood. Again the modern sound of the album is definitely one of their strong points, one that might help them get a bigger audience, as the kids these days seem to like a certain type of metal. The sound of Mister kite comes close, but still has many progressive elements in their sound. The vocals are once more excellent, lead vocalist Alf Wemmenlind is supported by the backing vocals of all other members of the band, thus giving it a full, warm sound.

Opening track "From This Day On" starts with electronic drums and spacey sounds, evolving into tight heavy guitars and a fantastically solid rhythm section by Mats Bergentz (drums) and Anton Johansson (bass) that is the rock-hard foundation on which the 10 songs are built. Although rhythm guitarist Tomas Djurfeldt also plays keyboards, I still do miss them, just as on their first album. I really would like to see him get more room for his keys, it would add even more depth to the music. The guitars on "Evil Bob" give it a sound close to Pain of Salvation, with a bit of darkness and mystery to it. More laid-back with less heavy riffs and great vocals. "Do Your Worst" features the bass more up-front and is a fantastic song, my fav of the album. And they saved the best for last: title track "Box Of Fear." Again a slow, dark song with a leading role for the bass and vocalist Wemmenlind. Lead guitarist Magnus Kristensson shows overall good play, but does not treat us to many solos, unfortunately. And keyboard player Tomas Djurfeldt, adds his ethereal play to this last track, adding to the brooding atmosphere.

As I said, Box Of Fear is a more matured, balanced album, with very solid compositions and great production. Unfortunately, no surprises. On the other hand, the band show they can write excellent and balanced songs, so they are here to stay! The album needs some time, but the more you listen, the more you will enjoy this album. Artwork is fabulous and perfectly depicts the mood and setting of the album. A class band with a modern sound, so I truly recommend this one.

Similar bands: Vanden Plas, Pain of Salvation, Dream Theater

[This review originally appeared April 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
From This Day On (5:17) / How Long (5:08) / Evil Bob (5:11) / I Know You Know (5:16) / Into Nothing (5:06) / In This Room (5:29) / State (4:14) / Do Your Worst (6:17) / The Hunger (5:28) / Box of Fear (5:59)

Musicians:
Alf Wemmenlind - vocals
Mats Bergentz - drums and vocals
Anton Johansson - bass and vocals
Magnus Kristensson - guitars and vocals
Tomas Djurfeldt - keyboards, rhythm guitar and vocals

Discography:
All In Time (2002) Box Of Fear / The Hunger (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin SE

Added: January 1st 2005
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.misterkite.com
Hits: 1874
Language: english