Terhen "Eyes Unfolded" CD

Originally released by Firedoom Music in 2007.

Different is a word that constantly pops up in the Doom Metal style. Its very hard to come across two bands that sound the same (unlike Black Metal where essentially ALL bands sound the same). This band is no exception to the rule and delivers fairly high quality Doomdeath on their debut release. Sadly there are however a few drawbacks that make this go from brilliant to bland.
The production is excellent, yet another reason Firebox is a great home for Doom bands. The guitars are heavy and slow. There is only one guitarist but he isn't a slouch when it comes to writing dual guitar parts. This would be impossible to pull off live however and would arguably make them less interesting live. Aside from this there are some fairly original ideas on display. The guitars are mostly open chorded and there are no solos. They also contain a fare amount of melody mixed with the flagrantly dark riffs. The guitars are strong but depressed, if that makes any sense. Dirge heavy and dark are perhaps the best words for their sound.
The bass is rather substandard and follows the guitars. This helps add to the heavy as it sounds as if they tune to standard or perhaps a half-step down. Nothing of any real interest here. There is some keyboard work present but they're mostly in the background on the ever popular church organ setting. There are some melancholic piano moments thrown in to add to the over all melancholy feelings present. They do add a semi-haunted feeling to the songs in general.
The drums are fairly standard and not to exciting. They do what they're supposed to with little flair. Not a bad thing however given the simplicity of the music.
The vocals are handled by both male and female members with the male being the dominant force in every song and the female is present in perhaps one or two songs. The vocals instantly remind one of Swallow the Sun, except less processed and not as well strong. They are a mixture of lows and highs with most of the album done in a low throaty growl. The highs aren't as spectacular as the aforementioned comparison but they get the point across. The female vocals are horrible. They are out of key and very untalented. She is more than likely dating a member of the band given her almost invisible presence.
The music is very enjoyable, simple yet effective. Its very tight and forceful, while remaining sad and morose. This isn't happy by any means. There are no comparisons for sound. The music is mostly a slow to mid-slow tempo through out. This is certainly a band that could be big if they tie up a few loose ends. There is certainly a lot growing room. This is recommended to any who enjoy non-romantic keyboard laced Doomdeath Metal.

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