The first song of German Melodic Deathers BEHIND THE SCENERY starts with a cool and playful guitar riff, but immediately the listener is taken by surprise by an aggressive voice, which is variable all the time. It is the same with music being non predictable and astonishing. The speed as well as the songs´ tunes often changes showing a lot of talent in song writing (it is the third album, previous releases are entitled Nocturnal Beauty Of A Dying Land and Of Honesty Forbidden).
The vocals are a mix of thrash-screeching, death-growling and whispered sections (just listen to interesting songs like the opening track Rétroviseur. Some female vocals also take part in this album, which are wisely chosen for the song Queen Of The Swans. One song, entitled Fassadenspiel features German lyrics and deals with the deprivation of human values. In song number 9, Elevation, French lyrics are used.
In addition to the diversified vocals the quality of the guitar melodies is really good, most of the time the lead guitar is played quite fast; sometimes acoustic parts loosen the songs. Quiet breathers also have their part in Rétroviseur and so BEHIND THE SCENERY is able to maintain certain suspense.
Sometimes I miss an excellent or outstanding melody to change good songs into distinctive and eminent compositions. On the other hand it is necessary to listen to this record again and again to notice all the details before forming an overhasty opinion. Rétroviseur shows its class little by little. As a conclusion I expect that the band is able to extend its potency with the following album!