Andrew W. Bordoni
Earthcubed - THE DARK AND THE DIVINE
© 2003 Andrew W. Bordoni (616892552024)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
A blend of powerful old school, power, progressive, goth metal with an original sound hard to Label, think Lacuna Coil meets Savatage meets Ayreon.......
tracks
- 1 The Rising
- 2 Redemption
- 3 Avalon
- 4 The Sprit Within
- 5 Fury
- 6 Bonus Hidden Track.
try this
albums you will love
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
links
notes
"THE DARK AND THE DIVINE" is the latest from the band "EARTHCUBED" fronted by British progressive shredder Andrew W. Bordoni and backed by Kristin Lamb on Vocals and Violins, Matt Konfirst on double lead guitar, Roman Niziolek on Bass and Greg Rapp on Drums.
Read the following reviews and see why you shouldn't miss out on this great CD!
Metal Magazine BRAVE WORDS AND BLOODY KNUCKLES (BWBK) wrote:
"Hot on the heels of the well-regarded Earth3 album, axe virtuoso Andrew W. Bordoni offers up a mesmerizing, elegant, old school power gothic spread sent progressively skyward through the vocals of Kristin Lamb. The proof, the dimension, the prowess, is in the songs, which go many places, surprise and scope at each turn....www.bravewords.com
Web Magazine www.revelationz.com wrote:
"Here is a promising 6-cut release from a new prog-metal outfit called Earthcubed. Offering a powerful dose of melodic progressive metal filled with the typical elements like the complex rhythmic structure, odd time signatures, and the musicianship that is noteworthy of playing this style. The brainchild of British guitarist/composer Andrew Bordoni, anyone can ask the question, "why aren't these guys signed?" Bordoni has the chops and seems to have the vision in order to make this happen, and here is the proof. One of the focuses' on this recording (besides the guitar work of Bordoni himself) is Kristin Lamb, who offers her vocal chops in more of a rock style, more in relation to Pat Benetar than say an operatic stylist, not to mention her occasional violin playing, which adds another element that brings a more certain technical element, rather than letting a keyboard play the strings. On this release the band is represented well, offering up your typical powerful cuts such as "The Rising" and "Redemption;" the Awake-era Dream Theater-esque ballads like the acoustic "Avalon" and the "sixth track" as well as more dark atmospheric moments found in "Fury;" regardless of there only being six cuts, it does show the diversity, rather than just being another overproduced demo. Production wise, Bordoni has it together, this release in particular layers guitars, while adding plenty of solos and a powerful rhythm section; not to mention the keyboard pads that are used are brought to the back of the mix to make this lean more towards a Metal sound, rather than becoming too symphonic. Overall, it is impressive, again the musicianship and vision is there, so this just might be the embryonic stage of another band to make the rounds on a larger scale here in the future. Rating: 7/10 Hashman - 2/18/
04"
Web magazine www.roughedge.com wrote:
Reviewed by Snidermann
"There is something compelling about a band with a female singer who also plays the violin (and, oh yes, she does both very well). The brainchild of progressive guitarist Andrew W. Bordoni, Earthcubed's "The Dark and the Divine" is an appropriately titled mix of strange yet fascinating, and excellently produced, songs with haunting vocals and strong, complex music. Sometimes, things seem to get a bit too pushy and even a little preachy, or maybe that's just the way it comes across. Regardless, Earthcubed is a very listenable disc, especially for fans of the progressive metal genre and of bands like Evanescence."
Many more reviews can be found on the web and all of them praise
"THE DARK AND THE DIVINE", why? Buy the CD and find out!
This CD is packaged in a slipcase featuring the fantastic art of Jessica Galbreth. Andrew W. Bordoni, Earthcubed & Eclectica are independent artists with no label support and unfortunately printing and recording CD's isn't free! By buying these CD's you help Andrew and his projects continue on this fantastic musical journey!
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
Great songwriting and vocals.
author: Ti-PatThis cd is as good as the Earth-3 cd. If you like Ayreon and all the side-projects of Arjen Lucassen, buy it now, you won't be disappointed.
Better than EARTH3! This is awesome!
author: Glenn HeibergerI love this cd! Got it along with "EARTH3" so I could get mr bordoni's new album for free (with autograph! yay! :-) and was blown away by this mini album. The cd runs approx a little over 30 minutes, then again, so did the new "inkin park" and most "King Crimson" albums. It's a little on the short side but worth every penny. The production is a step above earthcubed's first effort and so is the playing. Unbelievably impressive for an independent production. I actually emailed Andrew via his website and he was really nice to tell me about the whole recording process and how small their budget was and after hearing what he had to say I am even more impressed! Kristin shines on this one although I do have to admit that the vocal production could have been better. Guitarist Matt Konfirst adds a nice touch to the whole album creating a cool contrast with mr bordoni's playing. My favorite track is "The Rising".....I picked up my air guitar after hearing this one! Again, unlike the previous reviewer I thought that the packaging was ok for being a indy band. It is a slip case but has great artwork and the band info on the back. Then again thats me. I usually like listening to my cd's, not sit there and look at them. lol! I have bought cd's on CD Baby for the same price that didn't even have packaging but still worth every penny. It's all about the music! Listen to the samples and buy this album!
Classy, tuneful shred with awesome vocals and pathetic packaging
author: Brian J. WrightIf you thought Earth3 was underpackaged, this will redefine the notion for you - a slipcase. A slipcase! No lyrics, pictures, really much of anything beyond another nice cover. At least this one doesn't direct you to a website that no longer exists. That being said, it's more top-flight shreddy songcraft with Kirsten Lamb's fantastic vocals, though it is mixed in a way that much of her singing is echoed faintly on the left channel and that gets annoying. Song for song, maybe stronger than Earth3...but ten bucks US (plus shipping!) for a five-song slipcase (six songs, if you count the acoustic medley of songs you originally heard on Earth3)? Absurd, especially in this day when packaging is, for many, one of the few reasons left not to just steal it off the internet. If I weren't promised the upcoming Bordoni album for "free" I'd feel ripped off.
For fans of Arjen Anthony Lucassen or Luca Turilli
author: Wes RoyerIf you even now what symphonic metal is, you need this CD. If you know who Arjen Anthony Lucassen or Ayreon are, then you will hear the same songwriting talent in Andrew Bordoni. If you think Evanescence only scratches the surface of female vocals in metal music, then you need this CD. The only downfall of this disk? Too damn short. The only problem with this band? Labels like Century Media, Inside Out, Nuclear Blast or Magna Carta have failed to signed them.
Dark, heavy, and inspiring. A must have for you metal CD collection.
author: Faye ValentineEarthcubed most definatly has something special. I'm reminded of something long past, but the feel of the music is new. These lyrics to this medly of electric and acoustic guitar is what I've been looking for. I'm a huge fan of powerful female vocals, but no matter what kind of rock or heavy metal fan you are, you can respect the talet shown here. Poem Number 5 is pretty awesome, it was something that made me think. 'The Rising' sounds enchanting and mystical, and while I'm not good at getting the exact meaning of songs, I'd say that this is describing the way I've felt about something for a long time... 'Redemption' sounds newer, younger, and shows some anger. There are several people I'd like to sing this to! An absolutly great song. 'Avalon' would have to be my favorite song. Reading the lyrics, I was excited and inspired. Avalon is a place I've dreamed of many times, and the song really brings it to life for me. I can't even begin to express my good feeligns towards this song! 'The Spirit Within' is, as were the others, truly amazing. The sound is something I like as well. After listening to this, you'll want to release the spirit within! Rock on baby! Last but certainly not least, is the song called 'Fury.' This is a very powerful song, with excellent and skilled guitar playing. This song carries a lot of meaning and darkness. Overall, a very awesome CD. Most definately part of my collection. The CD somehow reminds me of the movie Queen of the Damned or a song that I heard from Kidney Theives. If you want something full of feeling, dark, mysterious, powerful, Earthcubed is for you.
Powerful progressive rock & roll with tasteful vocal arrangements, awesome guita
author: Ramiro LynchI own all of Andrew Bordoni's records, but this one is the one I play in my car the most. The guitar playing is awesome, and the songwriting on this album is outstanding. This one is really fun to listen to while driving or working out (I guess you can try drinking beer and should be fun too). If you play guitar or love guitar based rock and heavy metal, pick up this CD and you won't be dissapointed!
It is a journey to a powerful and enchanted land.
author: Tom FulmerThis CD is aptly entitled The Dark and The Divine, and indeed it is. It has 6 songs of pure power and enchantment. The guitar tone is fat, heavy and dripping with a cool neo-classical sound. The harder songs feature supple well placed leads that would bring a tear to even Yngwie's eye. There are odd time signatures and subtle keyboards that make the songs gallop and change direction, it kind of gives them a timeless feel. Kristin Lamb's dynamic vocals are absolutely stunning! There are two acoustic songs that are beautifully layered with 12-string and 6-string classical guitars. The one acoustic song that stands out is called Avalon, it features Kristin's elegant voice and violin passages that take you away to a magical land. The musicianship on this entire disc is stellar. This cd has a feel to it that I haven't felt in a very long time. The artwork on the cover of this cd is awsome and really ties in with the entire experience. I would like to see this disc packaged in a jewel case with a booklet to show off more of Jessica Galbreth's artwork with maybe some band member photos and equipment choices. So come, drink mead with me and let Earthcubed take you to a far off land of enchantment and power!
...excellent slice of melodic metal...tasteful guitar shredding...8.5 out of 10!
author: Brian Stoneman @ BigBaddWolf MediaThe latest prog metal masterpiece from Andrew Bordoni and his band Earthcubed. "The Dark And The Divine" is a major improvement over last years great debut effort. It was recorded mostly live in the studio and the chemistry, energy and fire from the band is very apparent. Singer Kirstin Lamb has returned and she is simply terrific. The production on the vocals is much improved and sounds much more professional. Kirstin sings with emotion and power and it really shines through on this collection of songs. Mr. Bordoni has taken his songwriting to the next level and his performance on this disc should garner him some curiosity from record companies. The opening cut "The Rising" is an absolute killer classic metal gem that mixes progressive elements with old school metal and shred. "I'll See The Light Tonight" from Yngwie Malmsteen comes to mind right away. Track 2 "Redemption is an anthem rocker where Kirstin really shines. Cool vocal effects and some tasty riffs make this song a standout. There are three acoustic based tracks on this one. The new track "Avalon" and the acoustic versions of "Chasing Shadows" and "The Cross" from the debut. These really showcase Kirstin's vocal ability and are a nice change of pace from the heavier feel of the disc. The use of violin really enhances the mood of "Avalon" and "The Cross" brings the disc to a memorable close. Track 4 "The Spirit Within" is my favorite track on the album. It features a very catchy guitar riff and a string section that both bring to mind Kashmir era Led Zeppelin. A very powerful song that would work very well live. Track five "The Fury" is also a rocker and is very Malmsteen like song in style that would have fit right in on Yngwie's "Marching Out" album. For that reason Kirsten's vocals seem out of place on this track. Not that she sounds bad, it's just my opinion that her style does not suit the song. Overall this is an excellent slice of melodic metal with progressive elements and tasteful guitar shredding. Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, Symphony X, Lana Lane and Ayreon will much enjoy this gem. Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Earthcubed have enormous potential! On the right path!
author: James OlsonI remember back in the early eighties that the first and second effort of a band was always looked at with scepticism and that the third album was the one that was either the masterpiece or the failure. I got Earthcubeds first effort "Earth 3" a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised, not blown away by it, but it was a great debut from this unknown band. Just a few months later I purchase this 2nd effort of theirs and was blown away by the improvements. Just after 4 or 5 months they leaped from "not to bad" to "these guys are good"! "The dark and the divine" isn't perfect, some songs are better than others and its the first 2 tracks that really stand out and that are my favorites. This band is like good wine, it's just going to get better with time. I am really looking forward to the famous "3rd release" since I honestly believe that they will break it with that one and that anyone who likes Metal and it's derivatives will enjoy.
Old and New put together for a great fresh sound...
author: Stuart SantiI love female fronted bands, from the 80's like Warlock and Chastain to the newer bands like Lacuna Coil, Evanescence and After Forever. This CD from Earthcubed though is the most different one I have heard in years. In terms of musicianship the band is real good, great guitar solos, well placed keyboards and killer drumming but it's the song writing that shines. It requires that you listen to it several times before it hits you, at first it seems like its just well done old school metal but when you think of it, no old school metal band sounds like this, no new school metal band sounds like this either. The influences are there, you just can't tell what they are and that is a sign of original and killer song writing. Overall, it's one of those CDs that initially you never really pay attention too but somehow it finds itself for weeks in a row to be the most played cd in your car stereo. I love this band and hope they continue giving us great albums like this one.
melodic, beautiful and rocking.
author: RobFirstly, this isn't the kind of music I typically listen to - I'm more into really heavy metal and off-beat stuff like Mr Bungle. But I picked this CD up because it was cheap and I liked the online samples, not expecting too much. Let's face it - who's heard of Earthcubed? Well, after listening to The Dark And The Divine a few times, I think they deserve a much wider audience. The music is beautiful with graceful melodies, but still has a solid punch to it. Kristin Lamb's voice just works so well with the music that I'm a real fan, despite not generally digging female vocalists. Do yourself a favour and listen to the samples from the songs. If you like them, definitely pick this up!
Should be signed with a label!
author: DoctorMetalI got this CD after hearing the song "The Rising" on the BWBK sampler. This CD has the effect of a classic! Everytime I play it I get goosebumps from excitiment. Every song is a little epic masterpiece and shows that Mr. Bordoni isn't just your typical "Show off shredder" but a talented and solid song writer. Kristin Lamb sounds great! Her young yet powerful vocals are a really cool contrast to the music. I'm going to Rate the tracks separately: THE RISING: 5/5 My favorite track! REDEMPTION: 4/5 very original without being experimental AVALON: 5/5 If only all balads were done this way! SPIRIT WITHIN: 3/5 My least favorite, good song but not as good. FURY: 4/5: This one grows on you and hits you big time, it's awesome! Bonus acoustic tracks: Kristin really shines one these! One last thing, I CAN'T BELIEVE THESE GUYS AREN'T SIGNED!!