DEADTIDE.COM (EN)

Beginning as a doom band in 1993, Poland's Eternal Deformity have since progressed (and that term is rightfully applied) into a quirky, ambitious, avante-garde 15-years-in-the-process, mix of progressively gothic metal version of its initial vision on the band's fourth outing Frozen Circus, able to utilize clean, gothic-influenced vocals alongside sporadic death vocals and aptly-utilized female melodies, all tied up with spot-on musicianship from all over the map.

The awkward off-temponess of "The Force Of Your Heart," combined with circus-y keyboards and an odd danceable nature before launching into synth-driven epic melodies atop double bass (whew!), showcases just how far the band has come from being a 'mere doom metal band' (per the biography sheet), while "Unholy Divine" takes it further, experimenting with dual vocals, featuring an eerie female melody only hindered by contrastingly cheesy, love-driven lyrics. "Little 15" is strangely gothic-sounding in nature, almost like metal riffs underneath The Smiths-esque lyrics and staccato rhythms, all the while pushing the boundaries of the album's mid-tempo boundaries. And while "Crimes" utilizes crescendo to its best, it doesn't help Eternal Deformity transcend the pseudo-Gothic vibes of Frozen Circus' overall feel that some might pigeonhole the band into upon first listen, although the track's name is suiting, given the nature of the beast.

"Endless Night" is probably Frozen Circus's most metal track, mixing keyboard melodies and speedy rhythms before dumping into album-closer "Lovelorn," which mournfully opens only to unfold into a fast-racing romp through near goofy territory with the circus-inspired sounds that are more metal than Mike Patton-esque, but still procreate a feeling of jokiness into the fold. "Unholy Divine" features some metal soloing early into the record before segueing into another (one of the many) circus-y keyboard melodies, making one wonder if Frozen Circus's title wasn't a bit of a play on words - another instance of which is showcased in "Crimes," one of the more all-over-the-map songs on Frozen Circus.

In the end, for the adventurous and uninitiated to Eternal Deformity, as well as to those open to experimentation and progressive posturing, Frozen Circus is definitely something different, effectively melding styles and sounds into an ultimately metal-driven band, one not afraid to push those very boundaries. Oftentimes, and thankfully, that perpetual pushing pours into proficiency and an ultimate success...If you're up for the challenge. I can see some carny pulling it now: "Step inside the tent for only a nickel and see if you can stomach the Eternal Deformity!"