Metameria hail from Ukraine, play electro gothic rock, and “Electro Romantica” is their third album. So, what exactly is happening on this third release? The Ukrainian band continues to blend their dark, shadowy heavy rock with plenty of electronic elements and subtle progressive touches — a combination that helps them stand out from the mass of rock bands out there. The electronic side of their sound comes mainly from the extensive use of keyboards, which take center stage alongside the sweet, expressive electric guitars and the passionate vocals. The keyboards either carry the main melody or enrich the songs with extra layers, while the guitars provide the necessary drive and weight to the compositions. The vocals, beyond their distinctive tone, also carry alternative and even punk rock influences. The result is something that should excite rock fans willing to invest time in “Electro Romantica” and fully appreciate its compositional depth. Metameria are not reinventing the wheel or creating an entirely new musical form, but they clearly have vision and taste — something evident in their beautiful ideas, simple yet effective arrangements, melancholic atmosphere and deliberately gloomy production. Adding even more personality to the album is the fact that the lyrics are written in Ukrainian, making the final listening experience feel even rawer and more authentic. After all, it is impossible to ignore the harsh reality Ukrainians have been living through in recent months, and that darkness inevitably shapes their artistic expression, giving it an even bleaker edge. In conclusion, “Electro Romantica” is an album well worth your attention. Give it a listen, and you’ll quickly understand why.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
