Platitude

Nine

Despite the title of this recent Platitude release, the album is only their second one so far. Platitude is from Sweden, where they have a long and proud tradition for outstanding metal bands. Platitude is truly one of them, and the crystal ball reveals a long and glorious career.

The album named “Nine” consists of 11 songs, which has a lot in common. One of those is the high level of atmosphere. The general style of Platitude is neoclassical, progressive and very harmonic. Platitude is a grand orchestra in more than one sense. The line-up counts seven members, of which 2 are keyboardists. I’ve never seen that before. Keyboards take up a lot of space in the sound of Platitude, as well as in their line-up. This is what gives the Platitude sound a special character and expression, which is not experienced so very often.

The album ”Nine” as well as its preaccessor ”Secrets of Life” which was released in 2003, is produced by Tommy Hansen of Jailhouse studios, who is also known for his quality work with Helloween, Pretty Maids and Hatesphere. Once again he has done a remarkably good job, twisting the knobs on the mixer board, as Platitude recorded their new album.

The general sound on the album appears clear and well balanced. The long creative process about the making the album – from the first few lines of lyrics to the end product, has undoubtedly been a demanding and complex one. But it’s obvious that all parties involved in the process, has added a lot of energy and creativity, in making this fine album. Despite the relatively low average of age in the band – it’s only 21, Platitude plays like a band with much more experience. They sound like a band, that has been in the game for several years. This fact calls for a lot of respect, and they sure got mine.

During the recent period I’ve listened to “Nine” on several occasions. And it has been an equally great pleasure each time. Simply because Platitude play with such authority and technicality as they do.

With “Secrets of Life” and “Nine” Platitude has laid down the ground stone to a big time career, in one of the most competitive and demanding lines of business. So it will be interesting to see what the future will bring, in terms of albums and concerts. Make sure to check them out when you have the chance – I know that I will.

More info avaliable at www.platitude.net and www.scarletrecords.it