Ward XVI
Metamorphosis – Metal Rocka Recordings
Artists are under constant pressure to deliver originality and increasingly that extends outside of the music solely. While many tinker around the edges tippy toeing back and forth Ward XVI have simply jumped off the high board into something that is fully immersive and rather disturbing. Metamorphosis is notable firstly as a prequel to the previous record, something you usually only see in the film industry. It tells the story of how Psychoberrie became, well….. psycho. There’s a lovely dark fairground feel to the whole album enhanced by chilling horror style intros and inserts. Vocals are clean and crisp which might not be what some people are expecting but they work so well. Psychoberrie adds some stylish atmosphere into the mix too giving each song a menacing texture. The band themselves have worked hard on their visual theme so you can imagine when we do get to see these songs played live you’ll be in for a real spectacle. Metamorphosis rocks as an album and as part of the whole Ward XVI concept. Nightmares have never sounded so good.
Review by Gary Trueman