The Thirteenth Sun launched their newest album, Stardust, through a concert in Control Club, Bucharest, on Tuesday, September 26. Their guests, Black Water, opened the evening.
We wrote several articles on our web-zine announcing this release and the reason we are keeping a close eye on this band is eagerness and anticipation. The Thirteenth Sun has two studio materials (Stardust and Genesis) that prove they are a mature band, capable to blend various influences, from bands such as Arcturus, Devin Townsend or Opeth to name a few, into a unique and original sound. They also keep in mind the importance of good studio production and good artwork, so that the final package is perfect. I’m sure I’m not the only one who noticed all that and felt eager to hear from them, as Control Club was full with a cheering public.
The concert started with “Epsilon Eridani” and “Comprehension'””both from their first album, continuing with “The Fabric of Time” and “Pathways”. If I am to compare the live version of the two albums, I’d say the first is more dreamy, while the second gives the impression of strength. Gix from Indian Fall joined on stage for the last 3 songs, I think, and he did an extraordinary job, his voice matching Radu’s really well. Personally, I was enraptured by the last song, “The Universe is Burning”, hearing those words screamed almost like a prophecy left an impact that will not leave me that soon.
I’m not going to say anything about the venue, even though it’s not my piece of cake it was a good choice in terms of sound, lights and video projection and quality is all that matters.
Before The Thirteenth Sun, Black Water was on stage, another band we wrote about before. If you are not familiar with them, they are a project based in Brasov, with Silviu Pop (Ordinul Negru) as vocal Teo Ardeleanu from The Dignity Complex on guitars and Sikorsky (The Thirteenth Sun / Round Sound) managing the keyboards/guitars/electronics part. The first 3 songs, Black Light, Burning Fire and Delilah is No More, are electro-acoustic / trip-hop, all three quite catchy and enjoyable. The songs were accompanied by art movie projections that matched well with the music. This music could be interesting – a bit too pop for me, but with a film noir vibe that has potential. After Delilah, the rest of the song seemed to move more to post-rock, not as appealing to me. They did not convince me they have something to say in that direction, but if they explore and develop the path they took on their first songs presented on Tuesday, it would be interesting to follow. Anyway it’s too early to have a final impression formed after just one gig, and they just launched their EP, Heartbeats, so go check them.
I returned home with good memories, a copy of the album Stardust, and if you wanna see an awesome photo gallery my colleague Gheorghe took, check our facebook page.
