Rome – Gates Of Europe (Album – Trisol)
Genre/Influences: Neo-Folk, Chanson, Dark-Pop.
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl.
Background/Info: Jérôme Reuter is know for being an engaged artist. He already released several works featuring a strong message and/or critical perception but none of his previous works has been more actual and engaged as “Gates Of Europe” which is entirely dealing about the war in Ukraine. Rome already played several times in Ukraine since the debut of the war and he’s going to continue playing there as a support to the Ukrainian people.
Content: Rome’s music has progressively evolved throughout the years but he always remained faithful to his earlier Neo-Folk influences. All over the years he adapted this style into new directions injecting extra elements as Chanson, Ballads and a kind of Dark-Pop. “Gates Of Europe” moves on this direction and is a diversified piece of music centered around one specific theme. The album features numerous samplings related to the war but also a last song featuring Ukrainian Folk. Jérôme Reuter sings with his familiar deep, timbre of voice. He plays guitar while the songs are also featuring Electronic arrangements.
+ + + : This album deserves respect for its concept but much more for the way Jérôme Reuter illustrates this engagement. A lot of artists from very different music borders and styles have composed songs dealing with the Ukrainian war but how much of those have really went there to support the citizens by bringing them entertainment and showing commitment? Jérôme Reuter has been actively involved but still remains a talented and prolific artist. “The Death Of A Lifetime” is one of these outstanding Dark-Pop/Folk songs revealing melodic arrangements. I also have to mention “The Black Axis” for similar reasons while “Whom The Gods Wish To Destroy” is a sensitive Ballad moving crescendo reaching a true apotheosis. “Yellow And Blue” is a simple title with a strong content and still a beautiful song in Chanson style. I can go on, placing every track under the magnifier. This work is engaged but also sensitive revealing the refinement of Rome.
– – – : For years now Rome achieved masterpiece after masterpiece and it’s not that different for this new opus. I can just say it’s maybe not his best album to date although maybe the one which means the most for the artist.
Conclusion: War remains a great source of inspiration for artists but this work is much more than simply a message; I think it reflects the true spirit of Jérôme Reuter which never has been that exposed into his art.
Best songs: “The Death Of A Lifetime”, “The Black Axis”, “Whom The Gods Wish To destroy”, “Yellow And Blue”, “How Came Beauty Against The Blackness”, “Eagles Of The Trident”, “Our Lady Of The Legion”.
Rate: 8½.
Artist: www.romepage.org / www.facebook.com/romeproject
Label: www.trisol.de / www.facebook.com/pages/Trisol-Music-Group/104166526285471
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