Review by Felix on October 4, 2020.

I remember that Menhir's debut delivered a pretty solid dose of black metal, but Buchonia is completely different. Only the Def Leppard discography after “Pyromania” is less metallic than this EP. Menhir showcase their pagan side and that’s not forbidden, but why do they do it in such a calm and lame way? Why are the clean male vocals accompanied by a female voice that lends 'Germanenkunst' such a kitschy touch? Not to mention the all-knowing narrator in the fourth track, was this really necessary? Why did they forget to use their electric guitars in an adequate manner during the recordings? So many questions and I have no answer.

But maybe I should be more open-minded. Let’s try to accept the concept of this EP, especially with regard to the fact that this format can always be the field for experiments and songs that would kill the flow of a regular work. The instrumental title track could be an acceptable outro on an ambient black metal album, but at the end of the day, it’s just a melodic piece I don’t want to listen to again in view of the fact that my shelves are filled to the brim with better music. And in view of the general approach of the band on this EP, it makes no difference that the melody of 'Sonnenwende' has charm, at least to a certain degree.

The production is well done for this kind of music. Expressed less politely, it is as defensive as the music itself. The lyrics are a feast for German patriots with an affinity for embarrassing pathos and lofty words. National-romantic hearts will come into bloom, I am sure. I also like my country, but I guess I do it in another way. However, if you like acoustic guitars, Jew’s harp and violin, you will potentially be happy to listen to Buchonia. All narrow-minded metalheads like me should not waste their time. Buchonia is an ambitious work, but it fails, because the artists were not able to express their emotions in an exciting manner.

Rating: 2.7 out of 10

Review by Felix on October 4, 2020.

I remember that Menhir's debut delivered a pretty solid dose of black metal, but Buchonia is completely different. Only the Def Leppard discography after “Pyromania” is less metallic than this EP. Menhir showcase their pagan side and that’s not forbidden, but why do they do it in such a calm and lame way? Why are the clean male vocals accompanied by a female voice that lends 'Germanenkunst' such a kitschy touch? Not to mention the all-knowing narrator in the fourth track, was this really necessary? Why did they forget to use their electric guitars in an adequate manner during the recordings? So many questions and I have no answer.

But maybe I should be more open-minded. Let’s try to accept the concept of this EP, especially with regard to the fact that this format can always be the field for experiments and songs that would kill the flow of a regular work. The instrumental title track could be an acceptable outro on an ambient black metal album, but at the end of the day, it’s just a melodic piece I don’t want to listen to again in view of the fact that my shelves are filled to the brim with better music. And in view of the general approach of the band on this EP, it makes no difference that the melody of 'Sonnenwende' has charm, at least to a certain degree.

The production is well done for this kind of music. Expressed less politely, it is as defensive as the music itself. The lyrics are a feast for German patriots with an affinity for embarrassing pathos and lofty words. National-romantic hearts will come into bloom, I am sure. I also like my country, but I guess I do it in another way. However, if you like acoustic guitars, Jew’s harp and violin, you will potentially be happy to listen to Buchonia. All narrow-minded metalheads like me should not waste their time. Buchonia is an ambitious work, but it fails, because the artists were not able to express their emotions in an exciting manner.

Rating: 2.7 out of 10

Review by Lynxie on May 2, 2022.

Well, third time is a charm they say, and obviously the Italian quintet's style had evolved over the years. This had actually been a bit of a hard review to write with so many elements. And I'm truly contemplating on tagging this as a mix between Beast In Black and Serious Black. (Right, and here I was, thinking Italian power metal is all fluffy and flowery stuff... I should definitely get rid of my stereotypes).

So the whole album started with the typical orchestra and voice-over part, while hinting at the theme of the album. Then transitioned smoothly to the quite thrashy 'Exile To Arise', though I do find the chorus dragging out a shade too long. With that dynamic riffing and catchy chorus, 'Amber Of Illusion' was where I had gotten that Serious Black vibe. 'Wailing In Red' was verily heavy metal, and I was fairly impressed by the flashy solo. By this point you would also realize that their underlying synth is here to stay. Mind you, I was never on the best term with synth, but I guess they actually add to the punch of this sort of Teutonic power metal. So yeah, no complaints here. My point was also emphasized on the more mid paced title track. Yet the ballad 'Red Flame' was faintly annoying with the almost jazzy piano popping around. Also, you'll notice some 80s energy off songs like 'Skin 2' and 'The Strangers' as well.

Now, as the album cover suggests, this is a concept album with sci-fi and cyberpunk elements. From the voice-over parts and some keywords like ''man'', ''machine'', ''outer space'', I think this is about a man trying to escape Apocalypse by traveling back in time. So yeah, kudos for being not terribly cliché.

Concerning the musicianship, this is what I would consider as adequate. Aurelio Parise's chugging riffs are crispy and banging, Giuseppe Lombardo's bassline straightforward and Nicolò Bernini's drumming fairly energetic. Ivan Castelli's voice, I would say, sounded rather like the more nasally version of Tobias Sammet or just a Nikola Mijić clone. The keyboard works actually remind me of the more heavy metal part of 'Berserker' - another feat in itself. And the extreme vocals of Claudio Facheris sure adds a layer to the structure of songs like 'Man, Machine, Almost Rhyme'.

So, always my final question: am I impressed? Well... no. This for me merely is enjoyable, mainly concerning the overall heavy power style. But I'm certain there are people out there who like sci-fi and the synthy stuff more than I do, so definitely give this band a chance on your playlist.

Highlights: 'Amber of Illusion', 'Skin 2', 'Man, Machine, Almost Rhyme'

Rating: 7.2 out of 10