Label : Pervade/Manitou/Thundering Records

Review by Tony Cannella

 Drama is the new CD/DVD set from France's Amphitryon. The band has really proven that they are quite an ambitious bunch with this new set. The songs performed on Drama are from a story written by guitarist/vocalist Mathieu Scarpa called "Le Cycle d'Ephapsamenee" and originally appeared on their 2006 CD Sumphokeras. Here now is the DVD side of things. The DVD comes with a 63-minute live concert performance as well as some pretty cool extras that make it easier for the viewer/listener to follow along with this complex story.

The performance begins with the intro track "Archeia". The intro is dark, ominous and foreboding, it's also pretty damn cool and a perfect precursor to what is to follow. The song list is the same as what can be found on the CD but it is very cool to have the opportunity to see the band perform this interesting story. There is no between song banter from the band to the audience. It is just the band playing the story from beginning to end. The lighting on the stage is a bit dark at times. I don't know if that is by design but it certainly adds to the overall feel and vibe of the performance. The bonus features are also very interesting as well. "The Cycle d'Ephapsamenee" features the text (in both French and English) of the main story, so if there are thing you don't understand, just refer to this part and it'll get you back on track. Each song has it's own special chapter that tells you where that song fits in the story and you can go right to it. In addition to that, you get some cool photos of the making of this presentation, some live pics and some paintings by Daniel Peron which are inspired by the story. The whole things all adds up to a satisfying package.

Whether you like Amphitryon or you don't (and I suspect opinions will vary), you have to give them the respect. They have put out a package goes against the grain for such a young band. It is obvious a lot of thought, dedication and imagination went into the making of Drama. The story being told is quite interesting and has several layers to it and is very well done.

Rating: 8.0/10

Tracklist DVD :

• Drama - Full show

Bonus :

• The Cycle of Ephapsaménée
  
• English/French versions
  
• Paintings
  
• Portraits
  
• Making Of
  
• Teaser

Line Up :

• Sarah Barisèle - Vocals
  
• Barbara Haigneré - Backing Vocals
  
• Laurent Desvignes - Guitars, Harsh Vocals
  
• Matthieu Scarpa - Guitars
  
• Gianni Leone - Bass
  
• Christophe Demazeux - Drums

Links :

Amphitryon Official MySpace

Amphitryon Official Site