Cumolo Nimbus

Totensonntag

Written by: PP on 12/12/2009 00:58:20

Germany's Cumolo Nimbus have been quietly releasing "reneissance-metal" albums since 2002. "Totensonntag" is only their third full lenght unless you take into account the two demos they released in their first year as a band. They make a big deal about the whole "reneissance-metal" thing, and before you ask what it is, don't get too excited because it doesn't differ in any way from your usual Germanic medieval metal, nor outshine bands in the genre for that matter. All ingredients from typical medieval metal are in use here; starting from the flutes and bagpipes, all the way through recorder, violins, and a 'soft' metal sound that allows bands like these to perform at those medieval appreciation fests / gatherings. Who actually goes to those things?

The vocals are all in German, meaning that the chance of me interpreting much out of them is pretty much zero, so lets focus on the music instead. Basically "Totensonntag" is heavily driven by flutes and bagpipes, which often sideline the guitars into a supporting position. Immediate comparisons can be drawn to their peers Saltatio Mortis and, partly, Schelmish, although Cumolo Nimbus are less 'rock/punk' than the latter. This hasn't stopped the band from sharing the stage with the two though, which is no surprise really considering how good of a fit they are when you compare them together. Like their peers, Cumolo Nimbus also sound extremely German, to the extent that you'd be certain of their nationality even if the vocals weren't in German. Some say this is a good thing, but in my opinion it makes the band sound no different from your average medieval metal band from the country.

Small elements from other genres are sometimes brought to the mix, mostly from power/heavy metal but thankfully these are kept largely away, because every now and then Nimbus can actually be pretty entertaining. Though I guess the thanks should be directed more towards their innovative flute player than anyone else, as the rest of the band seems perfectly content in playing predictable, uninspiring medieval metal that we've heard by dozens of bands just in the last two years alone. In the end, Cumolo Nimbus aren't bringing anything new to the genre, nor are they anywhere near the best bands in the genre. Everyone knows Subway To Sally, but with no highlight tracks to offer, Cumolo Nimbus will likely never reach a spot in the starting lineup, no matter how many albums they produce in the future. Moreover, I have a hard time figuring out who'd actually buy this album who wasn't a) excited by medieval times and b) German at the same time.

Download: Aderlass, Carpe Nochtem
For the fans of: Saltatio Mortis, Schelmish, Subway To Sally
Listen: Myspace

Release date 09.10.2009
Black Bards Entertainment

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