Album Review: Def Leppard - Drastic Symphonies
Reviewed by Tim Finch
There have been many times where rock and metal bands have joined forces with orchestral backing to bring new dimensions to their music. The most well known of these is of course Metallica’s ‘S&M’ releases, and on top of that the likes of Scorpions, Deep Purple and even Cradle of Filth have tried out this concept with varying levels of success.
This week northern power house Def Leppard join that ever growing list with the release of ‘Drastic Symphonies’ where they team up with the The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to rework some of their classic tunes. But will it work, will their music convert into a more classically themed delivery, will this record stand the test of time?
Opening with a barrage of strings giving the music a Middle Eastern feel that introduction leads us into ‘Turn To Dust’ which transforms into an all new epic. However it’s ‘Animal’ where the mix of classical and rock really comes into its own, powered again by the Philharmonic’s string section which add depth and flavour to a true Leppard classic. Throughout Elliot’s voice sits front and centre with the orchestral backing and wonderful use kettle drums to add some power. It’s not until over two and a half minutes in that the listener hears any form of electric instrument, but when that guitar kicks in it is perfectly timed and adds to the symphony without stealing its thunder.
With the introduction of every song it is evident that Def Leppard have allowed the orchestra to drive the sound, they are front and centre developing the atmosphere. If you were to compare it to ‘S&M’, Metallica’s approach was to enhance their already epic sound with a myriad of additional backing instruments, whereas Def Leppard have reinterpreted their works to focus on the orchestral element.
‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ is stripped back, a duet between Elliott and Emm Gryner with the backing of a piano and some strings to transform it to be almost unrecognisable from the original. ‘Hysteria’ does change the pace with the band more prominent and the orchestra adding additional depth behind them.
This won’t be an album to the taste of everyone, a lot of traditional fans will be put off by the orchestral element. But if you have an appreciation for different styles of music, seeing these classic songs reinterpreted is something special.
