I was very glad to see Bella Morte not long ago in Raleigh NC. It had been a few years since I last saw the band, and I feel that really haven’t paid as much attention to the band as I should have. I first saw Bella Morte in 2001, and in spite of many changes, the band remains as great today. Andy is truly one of the finest people I’ve met in the music scene. He is always friendly, no matter who you know or who doesn’t talk to you. I enjoyed talking with Tony P. after the show, as well. Things like this are why, with Bella Morte, you know it’s always really about the music.   They always put on an energetic and fun preformance.   And Bella Morte always tours with cool people. Ego Likeness, who I had never met are extremely nice.   And Carl of Some Desperate Glory, too. I also ran into Erin and Ryan, who I knew in South Florida, and had not seen in years. It was a great show! But I digress.   This is really about Bella Morte’s CD “Beautiful Death”. Talk about coincidences, I had picked up the CD at Hot Topic a few weeks before I even knew Bella Morte was appearing here.  (That’s right: I go to  Hot Topic.  I have no shame. And I’m not too proud to buy a CD to review, either.)

“Beautiful Death” has been out for awhile, so I am not going to rehash what other reviewers have said. For the most part that is. I will concur though, that those expecting a sound from the “Funeral Night: era may be disappointed. I’ll also agree that In same ways, “Beautiful Death” has more in common with ‘Bleed the Grey Sky Black” than with some of Bella Morte’s earlier material, due to the Metal elements in both. And finally, I will agree that “Beautiful Death” , perhaps more than any other Bella Morte album thus far, allows the range and versatility of Andy’s voice to reach its potential. But even this observation does not truly do justice to “Beautiful Death”. I admit that metal is usually not my thing. But on “Beautiful Death”, Bella Morte changes the impact point, so to speak, and I like the result.

Andy’s voice has always had a sort of epic quality, and on “Beautiful Death” this combines with the heavier sounds to make virtually every song seem like the track behind the closing credits of an monumental Epic blockbuster in a full surround-sound theater.

Played at some volume, the effect is stunning. Some of the highlights are “Find Forever Gone”, which is just a great song. Andy’s vocals have a sense of longing, yet hope, that is ably complemented by staccato guitar and backing synth, with an absolutely masterful interlude with piano and Andy’s soaring voice. “Black Seas Collide” combine an apocalyptic metal feel with fine layered vocals, reinforced by steady percussion. “The End of the End” is a true anthem. Subtle vocal echoes and string effects combine with keyboards, with a fine guitar interlude at the perfect breaking point. The layered vocals in the last half of the song are superb. “Eternal” is a bit harder and guitar driven, anchored by inexorable percussion. “We are watching the sky for a storm to come…” “Nine Hours” is a moving, poignant piano instrumental section that lasts a bit over three minutes. Finally, the CD includes a music video of “Find Forever Gone”. Oh, the other songs? Well, this gives an idea of what to expect. Listen to the album and find out!

‘”Beautiful Death” is a well produced album that is more complex than it first appears.  repeated listenings will  reveal new discoveries of musical nuance.    I  look forward to the next release! And the next show! 

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