Athlos "In The Shroud Of Legendry - Hellenic Myths Of Gods And Heroes" CD

With a title more suitable for a Coheed and Cambria album � and lyrical imagery right out of Rhapsody's songbook � Athlos certainly deserves kudos for ambition. Everything about In the Shroud of Legendry-Hellenic Myths of Gods and Heroes (the brainchild of Sacred Blood multi-instrumentalist Polydeykis) sounds epic, except for the slew of alternately scratchy throats and raspy voices that serve as vocal performances throughout much of the album.

Heat-of-battle sound effects, nontraditional metal instruments (bagpipes and flute), female soprano vocals, acoustic interludes, orchestral flourishes and way too many spoken-word passages are all part of the dense mix. The album also seeks to enlighten listeners about Hellenic mythology via an elaborate booklet (not provided to SoT) that provides historical notes on each of the 13 songs. And check out the titles for some of those songs: "Ulysses Before the Gates of Hades (Necromantia)," "Taurokatharpsia (Horns of Power)" and "Aegean Blue (Poseidon's Realm)." Nothing in moderation, apparently.

Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=pamtMET3pGw