GREEN CARNATION - A Dark Poem Part III - The Messiah Complex

It is difficult to define The Messiah Complex by instruments alone, elevated and a love letter to the arts that have also inspired it. Kjetil Nordhus’ vocals carry weight with soul and bold, challenging lyrics that once again address our society and the issues we face with division, the hunger for power and the ever-growing world of technology. The timing is perfect. 

‍

“Unconditional Artificial Chemistry” is heavy and futuristic with a critical message for the time we live in, while title song “The Messiah Complex” is airy and gentle, leading into a melodic chorus and dreamy, gothic-doom soundscape. “Broken Souls, Common Enemies” is full of heavy riffs and layered voices, another thoughtful piece with spoken word and a heartfelt solo. As a group Green Carnation give it their all; with Perez’s heavy drums, Sordal, Tchort and Harstad on thick guitars and bass, as well as Kirkesola’s emotive keys merge with Nordhus’ voice to create three tracks that touch the core and inspire thought.

‍

‍

Ending on the beautiful “Orchestral Suite,” flautist Ingrid Ose and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra bring unity to the album, hailing from the band’s home. It is an epic finale and homage to the trilogy and their sound. It is such a unique piece to end upon, one of those magical moments of blending metal and the classical world to create something that will be remembered. At a runtime of 16 minutes, it is poignant and produced with care. What may appear as an interesting choice to some, it is fitting for Green Carnation’s journey of self-discovery and experimental nature, ever surprising their listeners. 

‍

A Dark Poem Part III: The Messiah Complex is a legacy to the time it was made in, by the humans who created it. It embodies another facet of feelings of society, feeling raw and soulful and despite its grim layers, it is art exploring what it means to exist in a rapidly-expanding world. Though it may seem like a short entry, it is as long as it serves to be and ties everything together, closing a chapter of creative soulsearching that has lasted just short of a decade in the making. Back to back, the trilogy acts now as a finished jigsaw puzzle, complex and complete.

‍

SCORE 10/10

Reviewed by GhostinthearmouR