Alchemy Chamber

Texturally
exquisite Alchemy Chamber’s Opus I Excerpt is a rare find. For the combination
of classical and metal is something rarely done right. Plenty of bands have
threatened to unleash a tasteful merger of classical and metal. Most fail.
Alchemy Chamber succeeds. Within Opus I Excerpt Alchemy Chamber gives enough
breathing room to each instrument. Unlike previous classical metal hybrids
where the classical instruments are given a mere solo before being disappearing
into the mix, Alchemy Chamber neatly balances the arrangements. Everything is given
the right amount of attention. Of particular note is the saxophone. The
saxophone’s haunting presence helps to give the pieces an additional layer of
mystery.
“No.2”
opens the collection up with all of the elements working together. Cello and
guitar neatly play off each other. By far the heaviest piece on the entire
collection its insistent rhythm propels the piece forward. For “No.3” Alchemy
Chamber let things spread out a bit more. Here the saxophone takes on a playful
attribute as it navigates its way between the elegant cello work and oftentimes
pummeling rhythm section. Serving as the collection’s highlight is the rather triumphant
“No.4” where the cello and saxophone weave themselves together making it a
compelling piece of work.
Ending
off with “No.5” the piece neatly brings the collection full circle. Like the
opener it is a loud visceral piece. Here the classical and metal influences soar
out exploring the instruments’ slow decay. Alchemy Chamber’s Opus I Excerpt is
a visceral experience. - Beach Sloth

The casual listener could probably think Alchemy Chamber is just your traditional metalband. However, a closer listen reveals the layered structure of the songs and the splendid symbiotic interaction between the instruments on this EP.

The first track, No 2, at once energetically demonstrates the nature of this EP and reveals its metal and classical elements harmoniously.

In No 3, Anna Kuchkova’s slightly melancholic cello play, perfectly backed by the rhythm section, is in nice contrast with the dynamic guitar playing of Mehmet Turan.

Track No 4 is the most diverse and intricate composition on the EP; the change of tempo after the first quarter of this song is particularly well composed. No 5 ends this EP appropriately with roaring drumming, daunting cello play and a saxophone sound superbly interwoven.

Best track in my opinion: No 4.

The combination of metal and classical music almost seems a no-go area. Alchemy Chamber proves otherwise. Opus I Excerpt is a hauntingly beautiful EP. The songs on Opus I Excerpt all have been perfectly arranged. To appreciate the exquisite blending of the classical and metal elements, you should listen to this EP several times.

Obviously I’m a little biassed, but, being a saxophonist myself, and without forgetting the other band members, saxophonist Kevin Arland gets my special appreciation. Playing saxophone in a metal band is quite unique and challenging. His effective saxophone playing in Opus I Excerpt is an art in itself. - Intropink