NORTH SEA ECHOES‘ debut album, “Really Good Terrible Things” emerges as a testament to the creative synergy between guitar pioneer Jim Matheos and the magnificent vocal prowess of Ray Alder. In this captivating collaboration, the duo crafts a mesmerizing ambient rock soundscape that transcends conventional boundaries, offering listeners a profound musical journey.
From the opening track to the closing notes, the two iconic musicians of FATES WARNING masterfully navigate through a labyrinth of emotions, weaving intricate melodies and poignant lyrics into a tapestry of sonic brilliance. The album unfolds like a series of vignettes, each song a window into the complex human experience.
One of the album’s most striking features is the seamless integration of Jim Matheos‘ ethereal guitar work with Ray Alder‘s emotive vocals. Their symbiotic relationship is evident right from the beginning, with the amazing “Open Book” and it only gets better through the whole tracklist! In songs like “The Mission” and “No Maps” one can hear the great variety of the compositions. If I should pick up some standouts I would go for “Empty” and “Unmoved” where Matheos‘ atmospheric riffs provide the perfect backdrop for Alder‘s haunting delivery. Together, they evoke a sense of introspection and longing that resonates deeply with the listener.
What sets “Really Good Terrible Things” apart is its ability to transport listeners to otherworldly realms while remaining firmly rooted in raw, heartfelt emotion. Tracks like “Flowers in Decay” and “Touch the Sky” showcase the band’s ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from melancholy to euphoria, within a single composition.
“Really Good Terrible Things” is no heavy metal; it’s no metal at all!
At its core, it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless possibilities that arise when two musical visionaries join forces. Matheos and Alder have created something truly special with NORTH SEA ECHOES, and their debut album stands as a testament to their artistry and innovation.
Live drum performance in “Empty” and “Throwing Stones” is made by Gunnar Olsen (PUSCIFER) and organ in “We Move Around The Sun” is played by Abel Boquera, a Spanish jazz artist.
“Really Good Terrible Things” is a captivating debut from NORTH SEA ECHOES, showcasing the unparalleled talents of Jim Matheos and Ray Alder. With its mesmerizing ambient rock soundscape and poignant lyricism, the album is a testament to the transformative power of music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the artists or a newcomer to their work, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
“We both still making music and se really enjoy working together. There’s a good amount of chemistry there, I think” says Matheos. “We both know what to expect from each other”.
Well, I had OSI and A-Z in mind, and of course all the latest works of FATES WARNING, but I had to listen to “Really Good Terrible Things” to really understand what I SHOULD expect by NORTH SEA ECHOES myself – nah, let’s be honest, I couldn’t ever imagine SUCH a perfection!
Did you?
“Really Good Terrible Things” was released on February 23rd by Metal Blade Records on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order both CD and limited LP here.
