Review by Brian McLean
Subterranean Masquerade's first full-length release titled Suspended Animation Dreams through The End Records is musically brilliant and yet perplexing.
The CD, which is the band's follow up to their debut EP from 2004, covers a wide range in the musical spectrum. The listener will be captivated from the obvious influences of Pink Floyd and Opeth with melodic and deathly vocals to hints of classical and world music.
There's a wide range of instruments such as horns, string orchestrations, dulcimer, woodwinds, various percussions, and the Hammond organ to name a few utilized throughout the disc. There's even a vocal choir.
With outstanding tracks like "The Rock and Roll Preacher," "Suspended Animation Dreams," "Wolf Among Sheep," "Awake", "Six Strings to Cover Fear," and "X" as well as the remaining three, the listener will be able to experience the wide music variations. There seems to be no limits musically for Subterranean Masquerade.
If Subterranean Masquerade is capable of creating a disc on the level of Suspended Animation Dreams, the listener will surely ponder what boundaries the band will seek to push and not force on future releases.
Suspended Animation Dreams is not the normal one spin CD. It will not be for the narrow minded metal fan, but is instead for those who are open to variations and explorations Subterranean Masquerade has to offer.
Being a fan of metal is not needed to enjoy Suspended Animation Dreams, just a fan who appreciates something different and unique.