Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Event Horizon
Title
Naked On The Black Floor
Type
LP/EP
Company
Cruz Del Sur
YOR
2006
Style
Progressive
6/2/2006 - Review by: Etiam
Event Horizon - Naked On The Black Floor - 2006 - Cruz Del Sur Music

Track Listing
1. Everything That Begins…Must End
2. Deconstructed
3. Bited
4. Again
5. The Road To Myself
6. Fragments Of Insanity
7. Zero
8. The Flying Feather
9. The Wall
A decade after their creation, Event Horizon are still trying to carve out a niche for themselves in the Italian metal scene known predominantly, and almost exclusively, for the bloused LARP-ers in Rhapsody. Their newest release and third full length, ‘Naked on the Black Floor’, stands as a good example of their style— significant but not ostentatious keyboards, mid-tempo melodies, emphatic vocals, and nary a trace of dragons or wizards.

It is unlikely that Event Horizon will be anytime be championed as the quintessential, ‘can’t be missed’ power metal group of the decade, but they are doubtlessly a welcome respite from the one-dimensional double kicks, gang vocal choruses, and shredding solos that most second-tier power metal bands exhibit so freely. Event Horizon, while obviously power metal, are still somewhat unique, if not spectacularly so.

After beginning with the pointless but obligatory semi-ambient intro track, ‘Naked On the Black Floor’ soon finds its momentum, laying out diverse and engaging arrangements for a good four or five songs. At some points, singer Gianluigi Girardi breaks power metal convention, belting out a scream or two; this is, however, in a tasteful manner, somewhat akin to Mercenary’s recent effort, ‘11 Dreams’, and does not disrupt the album’s flow. His distinctive vibrato, untamed and bold, takes precedence in every track, but his supporting cast is also worthy of mention.

As prevalent as keyboards are in power metal, it is rare that a band will cross over into the more techno-oriented sound effects of their instruments. Event Horizon does, if timidly, with mixed results. Sometimes effective as an uplifting interlude or subtle rhythmic harmony, they help to establish an identifiable base for each track. And yet, they can also sometimes evoke the spirit of the dreaded ‘Casio’ toy keyboard. This facet of the album may very well be the deciding factor for most fans.

Other than these two leading factors, Event Horizon is somewhat understated. The guitars are thick, but modest, giving the songs structure but not seizing the spotlight very often. Too, it was only after three or four listens that the competent and patient drumming made its positive impression.

But, as initially interesting as ‘Naked on the Black Floor’ was, it eventually runs out of ideas and energy. The easiest comparison for this album is that of a live show, both in sound and style. The vocals, while energetic, are not quite as professionally cultured as would be hoped, reminiscent of an enthusiastic but somewhat amateur performer in concert. And, as one tends to lose interest in a band’s mediocre set as it drags on, so to does this album lose its appeal. Strong tracks such as ‘The Road To Myself’ and the queerly titled ‘Bited’ are placed early on, leaving most of the album’s second half uninspired.

Despite this, Event Horizon are worth a try for most power metal fans. They display much promise with their rock sensibility, diversity, and character. For example, how many power metal albums can actually boast bass solos? Few. However, Event Horizon’s time as a frontrunner has not yet come. An album or two into the future, though, and they may well creep into a good number of annual top 10 lists.




--Etiam 05.08.06

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    2.5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: EVENT HORIZON
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Naked On The Black Floor
2006
Cruz Del Sur
Etiam6/2/2006
2.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: EVENT HORIZON
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