Artist: After Forever Album: Prison of Desire

Year: 2000
Duration: 54:13

An In-Depth Look at After Forever's Prison of Desire Album

After Forever is a Dutch symphonic metal band that was formed in 1995. The band is known for its unique blend of classical and heavy metal music, which has earned them a large following among metal music fans. In 2000, the band released its first studio album, Prison of Desire, which was hailed as a groundbreaking work in the symphonic metal genre. Throughout the years, the album has been widely praised for its innovative compositions and exceptional musicianship. In this post, we will take a of After Forever's Prison of Desire album. We will dive into the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and highlights from the album.
Prison of Desire is a symphonic metal album that combines classical melodies with heavy metal guitars, thundering drums, and the operatic vocals of Floor Jansen. The album features ten tracks that showcase After Forever's unique sound and style. The opening track Mea Culpa starts with a haunting choir that leads into an epic, guitar-laden riff and Floor's powerful vocals. Follow in the Cry features a catchy chorus that will have you singing along in no time. The track Beyond Me is a sweeping song that showcases Floor's operatic vocals. The album also features a cover of John Denver's Leaving on a Jet Plane, which is a departure from the rest of the album, but it's a nice touch.
One of the most innovative parts of the album is the use of classical instruments, such as violins and cellos, in combination with heavy metal guitars. The album's orchestral arrangements elevate the songs to a whole new level and add a theatrical element to the album. The use of acoustic guitars also adds a softer side to the music, which is a nice contrast to the heavier parts of the album.
The standout track on the album is Decipher, which features a beautiful melody, soaring vocals, and a powerful guitar solo. The song's atmospheric intro sets the tone for the rest of the track, which is a showcase for After Forever's exceptional musicianship. Black Tomb is another highlight of the album with its catchy chorus, thundering drums, and heavy guitar riffs. The album's closing track, Inimical Chimera, brings the album to a satisfying close. The song features an epic guitar solo, haunting vocal harmonies, and a symphonic ending that will give you goosebumps.
Despite its many strengths, Prison of Desire is not without its flaws. The album can be a little too cheesy at times with its overly dramatic arrangements and lyrics. Some tracks, such as Tortuous Threnody, can drag on a bit too long, and the album as a whole can feel a little too formulaic at times. However, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the album.
After Forever's Prison of Desire is a groundbreaking work of symphonic metal that showcases the band's unique sound and style. The album's blend of classical and heavy metal music, exceptional musicianship, and Floor Jansen's operatic vocals make for a memorable listening experience. The album's use of classical instruments, heavy guitars, and orchestral arrangements add a theatrical element to the music, and the standout tracks Decipher, Black Tomb, and Inimical Chimera make the album a must-listen for any metal music fan. Although the album can be a little too cheesy at times, its flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the album. Overall, Prison of Desire is a masterpiece of symphonic metal that is sure to delight and inspire music listeners for years to come.