Ravenheart Music: Album Reviews
REVIEWS E-F
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ETERNAL DREAM..'THE FALL OF SALANTHINE'
(Self Release) Reviewed 14th February 2012
Spaniards Eternal Dream deal in massive, almighty, Ancient Bards/Rhapsody esque, speedy, sword waving, galloping, symphonic power metal. The production by guitarist Niko Hartmann is most professional, talk about thundering, they must have reduced the studio to rubble. Leading the troops into the fray is adorable Ana Morinta with her excellent authentic operatic voice, not only does she does a remarkable job keeping up with lads, but she also doesn't get stampeded in the roar of the charge. Orchestrations are most effective, with loads of fleet fingered fretwork by Niko and Álvaro, the flying synths of César, very impressive bass by Antonio and all propelled by Andy's pummelling percussion. After the grand orchestral intro 'March of the Immortals' you get seven wonderful weapon wielders, including the dynamic 'Symphony of Horizon', interspersed with the lighter waving swaying power ballad 'Farewell' featuring Alexis Serrano (Anámnesis) and the gentle instrumental 'The Rising' with Irina Rivera's lovely violin. Then, after the flowing, melodic, folk flavoured 'Waters of Reality', you are just about to sheathe your mighty broadsword and have a lie down in a darkened room when they launch into the closing 3 part multifaceted epic 'Memories of a Lyliac Dawn', at times it reminds me of Yes, showing they have other strings to their longbow. You want 56 minutes of quality no holds barred speedy symphonic metal? You've got it! Hack your way through the melee to their website here, a thundering 8.5/10 (Phil)
FIONA..'UNBROKEN'
(Life on the Moon Records/Cargo) Reviewed 6th February 2012
Fiona's last release 'Squeeze' was way back in 1992, and now Melodic Rock's sexy looking music maker is back with her latest release. And needless to say, this album harks back to the 80s. Teaming up with the people that were involved in Robin Beck's latest, this will satisfy all those Melodic Rock Fan's out there. 'Loved Along The Way' kick things off, a track co written with Tommy Denander, and sets things going in a very nice sorta way. 'I've Released You' has that Gospel vibe being hideously catchy in the process, while 'Shadows of the Night' is the Pat Benatar cover given the Fiona treatment. 'This Heart' so happens to be a duet with the aforementioned Robin Beck, with 'Get Your Kix' proving that Fiona can rock with the best of them. 'Salt on my Wings' is another rocking number more akin to the House of Lords - no surprise really as this is the House of Lords front man James Christian co-write, together with Tommy Denander and Bobby Messano. The Prophet cover 'Everything You Are' is the power ballad, and closes the album in fine style. The mighty James Christian has produced, mixed and mastered this little gem, and I must say that being a fan myself of the 80s Melodic/Hard Rock scene, I really do like this. Time has been very kind to Fiona, she not only still sounds good, she still looks good too!! This cd is worth checking out, some admirable tunes with great choruses, and it can be purchased from Amazon, ST Records in Dudley here in the UK (+44 (0)1386 230726), or download from iTunes etc. A good record...8.5/10 (Dave)
EFFLORESCE..'COMA GHOSTS'
(Generation Prog Records) Reviewed 16th January 2012
Effloresce means to bloom or flower, making a very appropriate name for this band who sprout from Nuremberg in Germany. Their first bud was the EP 'Shades of Fate, now they about to blossom with this début album produced no less by the hugely respected and enormously influential musician and producer Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Katatonia, Therion, Star One, producer of Opeth, etc. etc.). They propagate a hybrid of prog and gothic metal with roots in classic symphonic prog and an exotic eastern vibe, a cultivar of bands like Akribi, To-Mera, Ayreon, The Reasoning, Porcupine Tree, Stream of Passion and The Gathering. The opening three lengthy songs feature silky smooth transitions from lighter to heavier passages, producing a variety of contrasts that maintains interest, indeed I was surprised when I checked the actual times (around 8-10 mins each), the songs feel a lot shorter than they actually are. Added to that the instrumental passages are mainly based around riffing and tuneful guitar lines by Dave and Tim, rather than shredding and with no endless noodling, supported by Basti and Tobi's excellent rhythm section, with keyboards used to add texture, atmosphere and substance. So it never drags, this is a band that is as interested in mood, melody and emotion as much as showing off their technical skill. Stunning famed haired Nicki has a pure but powerful voice that reminds me of Anneke van Giersbergen and Marcela Bovio, but she also surprises you occasionally with some growls adding to the gothic atmosphere, a couple of times she even does brief clean/growl duets with herself, how she does it live without ripping her throat apart goodness only knows, and she also contributes some rather nice flute to the gentler passages. After the shorter atmospheric Pink Floyd/Camel like instrumental 'Undercoat' comes the outstanding, mellower and more reflective Porcupine Tree/Reasoning esque and splendidly titled 'Swimming Through Deserts', and it closes with the mighty epic 'Shuteye Wanderer' which is superbly constructed as it constantly builds and subsides before slowing fading into the distance.
This is a majestic album that grows with every listen revealing new nuances, with remarkable crossover appeal for both prog and gothic branches of metal as Effloresce are a technically accomplished gothic metal band who like like to stretch out far beyond the confines of a 3 minute song, without ever getting lost in complexity. Shoot off to their website here for more info, a blossoming 8.75/10 (Phil)
EMINA..'TAKE#1'
(66 Records) Reviewed 9th January 2012
Emina hails from Austria and is a band full of passion and enthusiasm, fronted by an attractive lass with a love of all things hard rock, who shares the name of her band. This cd features 11 tracks of music that can best be described as rock with a 70/80's attitude. The album kicks off with the number 'Speeding On A Highway', that briefly reminds me of what the UK band Magnum may sound like with a female singer (sorry Bob!). 'Long Lost Trace' has a bluesy vibe, but the sound is kept alive by some awesome guitar work. 'I Am The Future' showcases extremely well the powerful nature of Emina's vocals, while the heart wrenching ballad 'Don't Need Word's' pulls at the heart strings. And as I have said more than once before, I am a sucker for the odd power ballad. The middle portion of the album does in-fact slow down the pace somewhat, but this girl can sure cut it with the ballads most certainly...great stuff! To summarise, what we have here is an energetic sound with powerful awesome vocals, combined with a raw soul ripping sound offering up cutting edge rock and emotional ballads. This also makes a change from all the Gothic Symphonic stuff that is floating around at the moment. I continue to be amazed at all the good music that is out there, so if 43 minutes of female fronted hard rock floats your boat, then check this out by clicking here, and then think about getting this album. It is currently available digitally via iTunes etc, but it is scheduled to pick up a physical release in March! 8.75/10 (Dave)
EATLIZ..'TEASING NATURE'
(Anova Music) Reviewed 16th November 2011
This is the second full length from the Israeli band who were formed in 2001 by Guy Ben Sherrit, releasing their début album 'Violently Delicate' in 2008, followed by the complimentary titled 2009 EP 'Delicately Violently'. The name Eatliz means butchers shop in Hebrew, it was chosen because it represents the way they chop up and mix all kinds of music as they put into their cooking pot,lean prime cuts of Crowded House, Talking Heads, Radiohead and Frans Ferdinand, then add a zest of zany, and top with lovely Lee Triffon's delicious voice that adds a dash of Bjork to the recipe. They are world famous for their stop motion animation videos, from their début 'Attractive was voted video of the decade by Israeli TV, and millions of cinema goers in America will have seen their video for 'Hey' screened before the Avatar movie. The multi award winning video for this album is for the bossa nova flavoured 'Loose this Child' (video on Female Voices) and this album comes with a DVD containing all these videos together with a live performance from the Barby club in Tel Aviv. Their music simmers and boils from the subtle to the rocking, full of spiky, chiming guitars that are sometimes intricate, sometimes chunky, from Guy, Amit Erez and Or Bahir. These are served on a bed of Hadar Green's fluid bass and Omry Hanegby solid drum groove, all well produced with pin sharp clarity by the band. Particular highlights include the cool funky 'Berlin', the jazzy 'Falling Up', the quirky piano 'Got It', the nifty 'Nine' and the catchy 'Mystical Lady'. Anyone who enjoys artistic pop-rock that's full of originality and verve will relish this album, their delicatessen can be found here, a tasty 8.75/10 (Phil).
EVANESCENCE..S/T
(Wind Up/EMI) Reviewed 11th October 2011
Here we have an album (the 16 track version) that like the latest Within Temptation opus, looks set to divide opinion (and in-fact is aleady doing so) amongst fans and non fans alike. This is the long awaited follow up to 'The Open Door', which although a good album, I never quite rated as highly as their official debut 'Fallen'. So after their hiatus, what about this latest self titled effort, their third studio album from Amy Lee and her band. This is rather good in-fact. The opener and lead single 'What You Want', carries the lyrics "Hello Hello Remember Me", but to be honest I do not think anybody has really forgotten. A stomping opener that is already picking up heavy rotation here in the UK. And although we know Amy as the singer of the band, she can sure tinkle those ivories aswell, the piano led intro to 'My Heart Is Broken' will testify - a piano, synths led anthemic rocker against a wall of guitars. And talking anthemic rockers, there are plenty of those here on this record! And what I also like about Amy and Evanescence is their ability to churn out some wonderful ballads, check out 'Lost in Paradise' and the electro hip hop sounding 'Swimming Home', both awesome numbers in their own right. I do not at times understand various 'versions' of albums that get released, but I have the 'deluxe version' here that features four 'bonus tracks'. But bonus tracks or not, these are equally as dynamic as the rest of the album. This is a strong and powerful album with stadium filling choruses, and proves that Evanescence is alive and truly kicking. And although the band revolves around a certain Ms Lee, we must not forget the other musicians that make up this awesome combo. Whole heartedly recommended...9.5/10 (Dave)
FREQUENCY DRIFT..'GHOSTS'
(ProgRock Records) Reviewed 2nd October 2011
I have just reviewed the new White Willow album and here is a German band who were so inspired by the Norwegians that they named themselves after one of their songs. Led by keys player Andreas Hack, they began their careers with the two part Personal Effects albums, based on a story set in a dark futuristic urban setting inspired by films like Blade Runner. This third album sees a change in personnel, a new sound, a new record company and a new theme. The idea behind their cinematic prog rock is for you to conjure up in your own imagination the story, meaning and characters, just like when you read a book or hear a radio play you have your own vision and interpretation, which is why when you see the film it is often a massive disappointment because it does not match your own creation. For this reason they deliberately keep everything vague, there is no right and wrong way to interpret the songs, just your own way. The theme on this album is about the intangible phenomena that effect our lives, be they current or from our past, apart from that it is up to you to decide what they are about and how they relate to you, we all have different life stories. After a most unusual choice of opener, the reflective piano piece 'Crows', the first full song 'Dreams' shows their style, if you start with someone like Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree and then add a spot of melodic rock and Clannad Celtic, with an odd dash of avant garde, then you might get some idea. The songs grow organically, there is always a natural flow as they shift seamlessly from ambient and atmospheric to powerful and soaring, although you do get a some unexpected curve balls like the Ian Anderson esque flute solo in 'Dreams'. Like Pink Floyd or Karnataka they are never in a hurry to get anywhere, but just went you're getting all chilled out, WHOOMPH they take off, 'Tempest' being a perfect example as the song builds like a gathering storm. Antje Auer has a truly superb rock voice that sounds like a female Bob Catley when she applies power, or Enya when singing soft, and she also contributes some stunning and very dramatic violin work, a real highlight in many of the songs. They use a lot of sound effects which can be very realistic or even disconcerting at times, I kept leaping up to look out the window, I didn't know what was real and what was coming out of the speakers, like on 'Crows' when you get the sound of, guess what, pterodactyls, only kidding. The most singular track is the bluesy funky catchy 'Sadness', which would not sound out of place in Dirty Harry movie, while the gorgeous 'Mermaid' reminds me of the Mostly Autumn song 'Find the Sun' and Antje really lets rip with her fiddle at one point. If you are a person with a vivid imagination and an adventurous spirit then this hour of melodic, mellifluous and mesmerising music will be just the cinema ticket, their movie theatre can be found at www.frequencydrift.com/, a wide-screen 8.75/10 (Phil)
EDGE OF PARADISE..'MASK'
(ShredRock Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2011
Edge of Paradise is fronted by the rather attractive and pretty Margarita Monet, and on this their debut 9 track CD, the band unleash an aggressive, knockout punch of industrial heavy metal. Couple Margarita's vocals with the ferocious and mind blowing fretwork of guitarist Dave Bates, and you’ve got a band that offers something highly refreshing in today’s modern metal sound-scape, especially when you add guest appearances by renowned session drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Don Henley and major session drummer for hit-TV and movie soundtracks) and bassist extraordinaire Tony Franklin (The Firm, Glenn Hughes, Blue Murder, Roy Harper). This combo proving to be the ultimate rhythm section when it comes to the hard-edged rock sounds contained on this album. The band in music terms is new, formed at the start of 2011 from the ashes of Dave Bates’ former band Bleed, which was fronted by Robin McAauley (MSG). And indeed Robin offers up backing vocals on this album as well as co writing most of the songs. This is in yer face Melodic Metal with some great tracks from the opener 'Falling Down' to the closer 'Fire'. And we are even treated to the track 'Shredenstein', which is a totally awesome remake of Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein'. Like the aforementioned 'Shredenstein', it is worthy to note that 'I Come In Peace' and closer 'Fire' are also instrumentals, showcasing the awesome guitar skills of Dave. However, if I had a preference, I would like to have heard more songs featuring Margarita's vocals, instead of just the six, and I would have preferred the three instrumentals at different points in the cd running order and not perhaps tacked on the end. Nevertheless, minor gripes aside, this record is good and if their live shows are as awesome as the cd, seeing this band on stage must be a treat. I like this, and they are well worth checking out, so pop to their website and uncover what is behind the MASK....8.5/10 (Dave)
EARTH PRAYER..'NINE DAYS'
(Self Release) Reviewed 27th Sept 2011
Earth Prayer is a 4 piece band from London fronted by Anglo American Heidi Jo Hines, and they offer up pure energy Rock and Blues with powerful soulful vocals, and a great organic sound to boot. With influences ranging from the Stones, Janis Joplin, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple and many more, this band is on a mission. 11 tracks of pure no frills Rock n Roll with even hints of Gospel...check out 'Halleluja'. And when they slow it down a touch in tracks such as 'Breakdown, it is equally as awesome. This release makes a refreshing change and I recommend the album to fans of the above mentioned bands and the like. The album actually took nine days to record, hence the title, but lyrically it is filled with a lifetime of thoughts, hopes, beliefs and interest. Check them out here. This is an album with balls...8.5/10 (Dave)
FIREBRAND SUPER ROCK..S/T
(Self Released) Reviewed 9th September 2011
Here we have an epic debut album from a band whose name sure has aroused my curiousity. Indeed, that could be the name given to a new genre of metal music. Anyway, I digress, they were formed in 2004, and this Edinburgh based band plays classic heavy metal, with the soaring and epic female vocals of front lady Laura Donnelly a joy to behold. And during their career, the band has supported Slayer, Trivium, Mastodon and Amon Amarth amongst others, so they have been about. There are 10 tracks here of listenable but powerful heavy metal, with thundering riffs and screaming solos. There are various influences surfacing during the 43 minutes or so, but they do tend to keep a sound of their own as well. In a world where the Female Fronted scene tends to get associated with the Gothic or Symphonic genre, this is something refreshingly different and I like it. This album will be "re-released" worldwide on 5th December through Rising Records and if you are a true Metal fan, this should be on your Christmas list without a shadow of doubt. Meanwhile, check the band out at their Facebook page. With a spot on production that enhances the music even more, this is damn good!! 8.75/10 (Dave)
FRAGMENTS OF FAITH..'MASK' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd August 2011
Fragments of Faith is a five-piece band based in London, fronted by Valentina. This EP offers up six tracks of Melodic Metal with an Electonic edge, and by and large, I do have a soft spot for this style of music. Opener 'Break Me Down' charges it's way out of the speakers like a demented Rhino, and we can hear right away that this band means business - an awesome opener. 'Insignificant' slows it down a touch, but still with the heaviness and melody so apparent in the previous number. Lovely stuff! Great vocals from Valentina too. 'Force Myself' ups the pace again and yet maintains the melodic sensibility that is apparent throughout the six tracks on this record. Not a filler in sight and this band deserves to be heard. And with new songs being written as I write this, the future surely must be looking good! Check them out here....8.75/10 (Dave)
FERN FOX-PALMER...3 track Promo/demo
(Self Release) Reviewed 5th August
Here at Ravenheart Music, we receive promos and demos from musicians representing all genres of music. Okay, lets look at one of these - Ms Fox-Palmer hails from the Birmingham area, and here we have a lass whose vocals are awesome. Her three track solo cd of laid back/mid tempo rock has taken my breath away and I honestly feel that the UK has a hidden talent here. This is just a brief introduction to this young lady for those of you out there who are curious. I had the pleasure of meeting Fern the other day, and the enthusiasm ouses from this gal. Check her out here..8/10 (Dave)
ECHOTERRA..'LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN'
(BlindingForce Recordings) Reviewed 28th July 2011
Minneapolis-based symphonic metallers ECHOTERRA has been on the scene since 2007, and have already created a stir with their awesome style of Symphonic Metal. Now the band’s forthcoming and highly anticipated release, 'Land of the Midnight Sun', and the first with Melissa Ferlaaak (ex Visions of Atlantis) on vocals is nearly upon us, and rest assured, this new record is full of energy and excitement. Every song drawing upon a different facet of the symphonic metal genre, including influences from rock, power metal, opera, progressive together with some solid songwriting to boot. Kicking off with the symphonic 'After The Rain', what becomes apparent is the rawness of the production, and I hasten to add that this is a good thing, many bands these days sound too polished for their own good. 'The Best Is Yet to Come' is another good one, and Melissa is on top form...awesome! I am not going to highlight every track here as they are all rather good, including 'Midnight Sun', the catchy 'The Ghost Within My Heart', 'Welcome My Friend Of Misery', 'Memories of Another Time' and the epic closer 'Genes of Isis'. Echoterra will surely be making further waves within the Symphonic Genre with this release that will be due in October. As a consequence, I am sure that this is going to take Europe and the world by storm. Great stuff and highly recommended! ....9/10 (Dave)
EQUINOXEM..'PROPHESIES OF SOUL'
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd July 2011
The name of this new band from Argentina is an amalgam of three words, Equinox, the Latin for night Noctem, and the Greek for night Nox, the result meaning something like Nocturnal Equinox. I mention this because their music is likewise a pot pourri of ingredients, if you blend gothic metal with elements of symphonic, prog, power, gothic, thrash and even an occasional touch of doom, then you end up with something that sounds like Equinoxem. Quite appropriately the band fronted by adorable Ashe Alder was founded on the spring equinox 21st of September 2008, if you live in the northern hemisphere and are confused like me, it is of course opposite down there. The band uses a lot of unusual key signatures and chord changes, when combined with the lyrics it gives the music an almost eerie supernatural quality, and Ashe with her lovely semi-operatic voice does an incredible job of keeping in tune. Guitarist Matt Tallón contributes very occasional low rumbling growls and several tracks feature portentous narrations by Casti The Wizard, Harry's brother. The songs swirl, sweep and swoop smoothly between diverse sections but they are certainly not disjointed or random, they are all of a piece. They range from those with varied elements like 'Between Light and Truth' to the more thrashing 'Nosce te Ipsum' to the more doomy 'Dusk of Oblivion' to the more rocking 'The Walker' to the monumental 'Stonehenge' to the gorgeous Celtic ballad 'Sunrays of Hope'. Keys player Francisco Roldán also adds variety by using a wide range of sounds, and it has all been well produced by Roberto Castiglioni. I foresee that this unique album that will appeal to a wide ranging conglomeration of metal fans, their website lies somewhere here, a soulfully prophesied score of 8.5/10 (Phil).
EarlyRise..'WHAT IF'
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd June 2011
All the way from Israel comes this duo of Raz Klinghoffer and Orly Lari who are desperate for people to hear their music, well that's what Ravenheart is all about, bringing you the best in new music, and there's nothing as exciting as a band like EarlyRise turning up out of the blue. What if you took the world's top selling female fronted bands, Evanescence, Paramore, The Material and Within Temptation, and then blended them together with a terrific production job by Raz? You get something that should sell by the shipload. Added to that not only has Orly a fantastic, powerful, expressive, soaring Amy Lee type voice, she also has the gorgeous mystical looks that are tailor made for magazine covers. What immediately impresses me is the breadth of their musical vision, Raz is a prog standard guitarist who uses just about every guitar sound imaginable, Orli adds piano, synths and strings to mix, and Itamar Goldwasser powers it all along with highly skilled drumming. This creates multi-dimensional soundscapes that lifts them miles above your average one sound fits all alt-rock/metal band. They pack into each and every multi-faceted song a whole album's worth of great ideas, moving gracefully from gentle piano and voice, to mellow reflection, to symphonic grandeur, to driving power to heavy rocking, blurring genre boundaries. This is the sort of album you can listen to time and time again and always find something new. It also makes it impossible to single out tracks, normally albums have two or three tracks of this quality, not thirteen. It is mind boggling that they can produce a début album like this that demonstrates so much maturity, if there is any justice in the world EarlyRise will become Mega with a capital M. Get up early early and head to their Facebook, and the album is available from CD Baby, a rising and shining 9.5/10 (Phil)
FOOLS FOR ROWAN..'TWISTED, TIED UP, TANGLED'
(Lava Lamp Records) Reviewed 11th June 2011
Fools for Rowan was formed by delectable Erin Mullins after she moved to Nashville to pursue her career in music. She gathered a band together which includes lead guitarist Rachel Brandsness who has a degree in music business from Belmont University, so they are more than well equipped to take on the fickle music business. Their first single was released in October 2009, with this début album following in November, but they have only just been discovered by our elite top secret undercover American agent, code named Burning Desire, a man who spends his life hiding in hedges and rummaging through trash cans. Their style is Material esque alt-rock with Paramore attitude, Evanescence melodrama and Kings of Leon's knack for rousing refrains, but with a dirty hard rock edge instead of the normal jingle jangle indie sound, what Erin calls 'Lipstick Rock'. Added to that Erin has a bluesier, rockier, deeper and more restrained voice than your average alt-rock high pitched wailer. You can also tell that they're from Nashville, although certainly not overtly country, there is a certain indefinable vibe. The album contains an equal measure of belting driving rockers and suped up string laced power ballads. Rocking highlights include first single 'Burnt Around the Edges', title track 'Tangled and the bouncy 'It's Alright, whilst outstanding ballads include 'Light Me Up', 'No' and the awesome 'Dead' (video on Female Voices blog). It is a little brief at 35 minutes, perhaps an intro and a closing epic with the band stretching their legs, Rachel can really shred that fretboard, would have rounded out the album a little better. If you like not just alternative but also classic rock,disentangle yourself to their website, a burning 8.75/10 (Phil)
EVE OF POISON..'ASCENSION'
(Demo) Reviewed 26th May 2011
The album kicks off with the lyrics "sex is a dirty word", which caught my interest straight away :) British Band Eve of Poison is fronted by the lovely singer songwriter Izabella. She writes songs with producer Rob Varley who also plays bass in the band. Remaining band members consist of John Mitchell - well known guitarist from the band 'Arena' and producer for 'Funeral For A Friend' and 'Enter Shikari', while Justin Hammond completes the line up on drums. This cd is in-fact their debut album in demo form, and it is not a bad effort. Izabella has a powerful voice, and is well suited to the band's melodic and dark style of music. There is indeed certainly a dark undercurrent running through some of the music/lyrics, with further occasional references to death (Back From The Dead) and twisted love (Original Sin). Indeed, I am also reminded at times in a subtle way of the early musical style of Ravenheart faves, the Californian Gothic Rockers Saints of Ruin. I understand that Eve Of Poison is waiting for a label to release this album. Certainly, an interesting record and a band that we here at Ravenheart Music will keep an eye on. Check out their website here. 8.25/10 (Dave)
HEATHER FINDLAY..'THE PHOENIX SUITE'
(Nova) Reviewed 1st May 2011
The Goddess of melodic prog is back like a phoenix with her first solo release. When she left Mostly Autumn last year it created a stir the likes of which have rarely been seen. She has decided to do something different and release a series of EP's, each in a different style. This one is produced with Chris Johnson who played on Mostly Autumn's Heart Full of Sky album, his 'Silver Glass' is a great favourite of mine, and it features Dave Kilminster on guitar who has performed with the likes of Roger Waters and Keith Emerson. I am not a great fan of EP's, by the time you have got yourself comfy with a cup of tea they're over leaving you frustrated and half satisfied, and they tend to be almost as expensive as a full CD. The second major concern that set alarm bells ringing was that in her interview she said that this one was inspired by the late great Jeff Buckley, now Heather is a terrific singer but Jeff was a very unique and extraordinary talent who was a bit like musical Marmite, some considered him the most emotional wonderful singer ever, others just thought he wailed hysterically. So I made my cup of tea and got myself comfy well before pressing play and waited with some trepidation. First track 'Red Dust' shows she has decided wisely not to totally adopt Jeff's singing style, but it's more expressive than with Mostly, and musically I can certainly see the influence. The result is stripped down guitar rock that drifts along pleasantly through the five tracks without getting particularly exciting, in contrast to Jeff who love him or loath him always provoked a reaction, or artists like Grace Potter and Celleste who put some va-va-voom and swagger into their music. The lack of keyboards is odd seeing as Chris is also a keyboard player, they could have added some zest into the mix. Mostly Autumn fans will be rather nonplussed by this release, which was the intention so she can distance herself from the past. Putting that aside I cannot help but compare it to the classic Grace, Jeff's only completed album, which is asking a awful lot from a début EP, probably too much. Trying to put myself in the shoes of people who don't know Heather or Mostly or Jeff, this a good rock record with some enjoyable heartfelt songs. Her website can be be found by a click here...Heather Findlay, a pleasant 8/10.
FLUXIOUS..'WHY SO SERIOUS'
(M & O Music) Reviewed 30th April 2011
Fluxious is based in Geneva, and they bring to the surface an intense blending of rock and metal coupled with jazz elements, overhung by the furious soul like voice of front lady Joana Desfosses. Indeed the voice of Joana almost spills over into mainstream pop territory at times, and it sure suits this music well. 12 foot tapping tracks of what can suitably be described as Jazz/Rock/Metal. The record may need repeated listens, but upon each listen, further layers of musical magic are revealed, until the melodies bounce around in your head and won't go away. One of my fave tracks being 'Huging', an at times heavy thumping metallic track, coupled with lighter progressive jazz like influences. Indeed, the Progressive influences do surface at times, more so on closer 'It Belongs To You'. Their Facebook can be reached here, while for fans Jazz/Rock/Metal, I whole heartedly recommend this release, 8.5/10 (Dave)
EVANHELL..3 Track Demo
(Self Released) Reviewed 20th April 2011
Here we have a band that hails from Buenos Aires in Argentina, and from what my spies tell me, South America seems to be kinda becoming the next hot bed of Symphonic Metal. Here within this review I present to our readers the band EVANHELL fronted by Daiana Sanchez, and three tracks comprising demo recordings. The band also tell me that there are other finished recordings in the pipeline, and to be honest I cannot wait. The band list Nightwish, Lacuna Coil and After Forever amongst their influences, and I certainly detect the Nightwish influences here. Three epic bouncy melodic tracks full of Symphonic arrangements, Guitars, Bass, and Double Bass (drums). Indeed, a solid, powerful, and contundent structure ably supported by keys. This leaving vocalist Daiana to play with commercial and modern melodies. The key to a good song is not only the structure and the melodies, but also the lyrics, and there are three good ones here climaxing in the near 8 minute 'The Exorcist'. Enlighten your soul by taking a trip to their Facebook here, a listen to their music is meanwhile recommended - 8.5/10 (Dave).
EVE OF POISON..'DRESSED IN BLACK/UNTIL I DIE' 2 track single
(Self Release) Reviewed 13th April 2011
I am trying to avoid reviewing singles as to be honest, I could be inundated with music, leaving me no time to do anything else. But for some reason, this band has caught my eye. Fronted by the rather eye catching Izabella, I have here a two track cd, that I believe will showcase what is to come from their forthcoming album. Eve of Poison is basically Izabella and producer/bassist Rob Varley. Guitarist John Mitchell from the band 'Arena' and producer for 'Funeral For A Friend' and 'Enter Shikari' is also in the frame, plus Justin Hammond on drums who completes the line up. The two songs on offer here are good catchy gothy numbers. Powerful, extremely melodic and dark sums them up quite nicely actually, and if the songs on the forthcoming album are anything like these two numbers, then we are onto a winner. No operatic warblings here either. On the basis of what is here, this music is worth checking out as is their website - downloadable from iTunes. 8/10 (Dave)
EOWYN..'BEAUTIFUL ASHES'
(Self Release) Reviewed 29th March 2011
This is the fourth album by the lovely Nashville musician who is a big fave here at The Towers. If the word Nashville brings you out in a cold sweat with thoughts of Stetsons and cowboy boots, don't panic, Éowyn's music lies somewhere between Evanescence and Lacuna Coil, with added modern Gary Numan industrial (mind you, I wear a black Stetson, and anyone who has been to my Facebook will know I like my hats). She has a humongous soaring voice with a distinctive tremor that suits her massive anthems perfectly, and she gives it plenty of oomph and expression without having to resort to wailing and shrieking like so many alternative metal/rock singers. Although devoutly Christian, she is not as overt as say HB, and as I've said before, there is no reason why Christian artists should be pigeon-holed, it should not be an issue. And before you ask, she is nothing to do with Mr. Tolkien. The songs are packed with huge choruses, booming synths, rich strings, intriguing samples, twinkling bubbling electronica, crunchy guitars, banging beats and throbbing base creating a massive awesome sound courtesy of producer Travis Wyrick. She opens with a brace of dramatic expressive songs with soaring refrains, 'You Had To' and title song 'Beautiful Ashes'. Éowyn had to give up full time music in 2008 due to financial difficulties, years of hard work burnt to ashes, but after having a terrible time she began to rebuild her life and career, rediscovering the beauty amongst the ashes, and thanks to the backing of 180 fans, who raised $20,000, she was able to produce this new album. After the moody melodramatic 'More Than Yesterday' comes a couple of songs, 'Fail-Safe' and 'Dream', that almost head towards anthemic Within Temptation esque symphonic with loads of ingenious orchestral sounds. The second half alternates between tremendous driving groovers with a touch of Muse, 'Cliché’ and ‘Alive', and expressive soaring songs, 'Burning Pages’ and 'All I Need' that sweep from a whisper to a roar, and she closes with the curious curio 'The Music Box'. Not only is this is terrific stuff that all gothic and alternative metal fans will be burning to get their hands on, but given the right exposure it will also go down a storm with the mainstream. Her website lies here, a Ravenheart recommended 9/10 (Phil)
EXAWATT..'AMONG DIFFERENT SIGHTS'
(Musea Records) Reviewed 12th March 2011
This Italian band are proud to call themselves “old skool prog metal”, they even have the T shirts to prove it, but this does them a disservice, it just means that they aren't trying to shock you into stupor with heaviness and technicality, which seems to be the current trend, they want to keep you entertained, not boggle you with science. A mix of Dream Theater, Kamelot, IQ, Yes and Argent, the surges of musical skill are more than matched by superb melodies creating a diverse and fascinating listening experience. They were founded way back in 1991, but didn't get round to releasing their début album, Time Frames, until 2005. Since then they have added captivating Cecilia Mengh to their ranks, her outstanding dynamic rock vocals juxtaposed with Luca Benni's lighter Colin Blunstone style voice making for an interesting combination, and as the album unfolds she becomes the dominant partner. This is like putting on your favourite woolly jumper, comfortable, comforting, familiar and warming. Ten great songs full of variety packed with loads of great tunes and some terrific Moog and guitar solos by Andrea Corsetti and Daniele Palloni. I am particularly taken with the catchy 'Tomorrow', the uplifting 'Garden of the Dark Lord', the delightful 'Awake in the Cosmic Dream', the strutting 'Lucid Dream' and the mighty 'Wounds' which starts like a Roman epic. To cap it all, the hidden track after 'Stand Before I Crawl' is a cracking version of Supertramp's 'Breakfast in America', written by Roger Hodgson when was just 18 and had never ever even been to America. The old adage is that if it aint bust, don't fix it, “old skool” it may be, but who cares, this is great stuff that will appeal to rock and metal fans as well. Charge along to their myspace, Exawatt Myspace and the album is plugged at the Musea shop, click here. A fully powered 8.75/10 (Phil)
FRACTAL..'SET ME ON FIRE'
(Metalysm) Reviewed 10th March 2011
Fractal are new Russian bunch fronted by the ravishing Ulyana Mikhailova who has an incredible belting voice that goes from soul to rock to metal to a snarl to a shriek to operatic, supported by sporadic growls that sound like the Cookie Monsters being attacked by a Rottweiler. The gentle symphonic intro gives no warning of the onslaught to come, thundering terrifying gothic metal that's the aural equivalent of being run over by a stampeding mammoth, with bursts of power and death metal to make sure that you are thoroughly flattened. If you're still standing after being shredded by monsters like 'While Your Heart is Beating' (just about!), 'He Remembers Forgotten Beauty', 'The Stolen Child' and being blasted by 'Storm Wind', then the mind blowing 'Devil's Bed' will polish you off, with the epic 'Set Me On Fire' incinerating what's left. The only slight respite from the carnage is 'Sweeter Than Honey', mind you, even that is not that sweet. For those stout of heart their Myspace is here... Fractal Myspace and it's available from their record labels eBay store. Must dash, I hear a rumble in the distance, a stampeding 8.25/10 (Phil)
ELANE..'ARCANE'
(Curzweyhl-Rough Trade) Reviewed 1st March 2011
In my review for their last album Silver Falls I mentioned that this Celtic folk rock group from Germany was moving towards melodic rock. This brand new album sees the quartet of lovely singer Joran Elane, guitarist Skaldir, keyboardist Nico and violist Simon head towards epic symphonic rock, Clannad, Enya and Eisblume with added power and majesty. The album is inspired by the works of German author Kai Meyer who has written many historically based fantasy books for both adults and children. There are 15 tracks containing 5 song cycles based around his books which are mainly in German, although the album lyrics are predominantly in English, 'Göttin der Wüste' ('Goddess of the Desert', set in Africa in the early 20th century), 'Surmkinde', ('The Storm King', based on Arabian Nights), 'Herrin der Lüge', ('Mistress of Lies', set in Europe and the Holy Land in 1210), 'Loreley' (based on the Rhine's legendary Loreley Rock siren) and 'Das Zweite Gesicht' ('The Second Face', set in 1920's Berlin). Each cycle is a mixture of songs featuring Joran's wonderful pure voice and instrumentals. Highlights range from glorious symphonic rock numbers 'Heart of the Desert', 'Arcane Ride', 'Deae Noctis' and 'Goddess of the Night' to the sublime 'Magdalena', 'My Ivory Fairy' and 'Lurlinnight'. There is a strong essence of the mystic east running throughout the album, especially on instrumental pieces like 'Samarkand' and 'Wasser Und Fels' ('Water & Rock'). Another remarkable track is 'Masken' sung by Nico in English which reminds me of Leonard Cohen. The whole album is like a sumptuous magic carpet ride through mystic lands, so float along to their magical web kingdom, Elane Music, and it's available from most bountiful bazaars, a glorious 9/10 (Phil)
EVDEMONIUM..'WEB AROUND US'
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th January 2011
My brother in arms Dave reviewed the fantastic Narwhal Tusk album a short while ago, and here we have their friends Evdemonium with their own début opus. Their style is rather different, sci-fi themed gothic metal with loads of terrific electronica that floats around bands like Lacuna Coil, Elysion, Delain and Lahannya, but with bursts of power metal that pushes them towards Nightwish and Dawn of Destiny at times. They are fronted by the lovely Anastasia Kalinichenko who has a superb clear powerful voice. After the burbling electronica of the intro, the suitably titled 'The Future is Coming', they open up with a quartet of superb catchy anthemic rockers including title track 'Web Around Us' (live video on Female Voices blog) that motor along at a cracking pace, packed full of subtle variations and all sorts of ingenious ingredients making for an absorbing listening experience. The second half sees them moving towards power metal with the instrumental 'Millenium', followed by the more symphonic mini epic 'Starlight', the powerful strutting 'Total Destruction', the moody and magnificent 'I'll Search for You', and ending with the dramatic electronica outro 'After The End'. Production is very good and powerful, perhaps a touch more vocal would have been nice, and all the performances are most professional. For some baffling reason they have decided to make this little beauty available free of charge from their website, http://evdemonium.com/, so what are you waiting for, but before you dash off I'd better give you the score, a futuristic 8.75/10 (Phil)
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ETERNAL DREAM..'THE FALL OF SALANTHINE'
(Self Release) Reviewed 14th February 2012
Spaniards Eternal Dream deal in massive, almighty, Ancient Bards/Rhapsody esque, speedy, sword waving, galloping, symphonic power metal. The production by guitarist Niko Hartmann is most professional, talk about thundering, they must have reduced the studio to rubble. Leading the troops into the fray is adorable Ana Morinta with her excellent authentic operatic voice, not only does she does a remarkable job keeping up with lads, but she also doesn't get stampeded in the roar of the charge. Orchestrations are most effective, with loads of fleet fingered fretwork by Niko and Álvaro, the flying synths of César, very impressive bass by Antonio and all propelled by Andy's pummelling percussion. After the grand orchestral intro 'March of the Immortals' you get seven wonderful weapon wielders, including the dynamic 'Symphony of Horizon', interspersed with the lighter waving swaying power ballad 'Farewell' featuring Alexis Serrano (Anámnesis) and the gentle instrumental 'The Rising' with Irina Rivera's lovely violin. Then, after the flowing, melodic, folk flavoured 'Waters of Reality', you are just about to sheathe your mighty broadsword and have a lie down in a darkened room when they launch into the closing 3 part multifaceted epic 'Memories of a Lyliac Dawn', at times it reminds me of Yes, showing they have other strings to their longbow. You want 56 minutes of quality no holds barred speedy symphonic metal? You've got it! Hack your way through the melee to their website here, a thundering 8.5/10 (Phil)
FIONA..'UNBROKEN'
(Life on the Moon Records/Cargo) Reviewed 6th February 2012
Fiona's last release 'Squeeze' was way back in 1992, and now Melodic Rock's sexy looking music maker is back with her latest release. And needless to say, this album harks back to the 80s. Teaming up with the people that were involved in Robin Beck's latest, this will satisfy all those Melodic Rock Fan's out there. 'Loved Along The Way' kick things off, a track co written with Tommy Denander, and sets things going in a very nice sorta way. 'I've Released You' has that Gospel vibe being hideously catchy in the process, while 'Shadows of the Night' is the Pat Benatar cover given the Fiona treatment. 'This Heart' so happens to be a duet with the aforementioned Robin Beck, with 'Get Your Kix' proving that Fiona can rock with the best of them. 'Salt on my Wings' is another rocking number more akin to the House of Lords - no surprise really as this is the House of Lords front man James Christian co-write, together with Tommy Denander and Bobby Messano. The Prophet cover 'Everything You Are' is the power ballad, and closes the album in fine style. The mighty James Christian has produced, mixed and mastered this little gem, and I must say that being a fan myself of the 80s Melodic/Hard Rock scene, I really do like this. Time has been very kind to Fiona, she not only still sounds good, she still looks good too!! This cd is worth checking out, some admirable tunes with great choruses, and it can be purchased from Amazon, ST Records in Dudley here in the UK (+44 (0)1386 230726), or download from iTunes etc. A good record...8.5/10 (Dave)
EFFLORESCE..'COMA GHOSTS'
(Generation Prog Records) Reviewed 16th January 2012
Effloresce means to bloom or flower, making a very appropriate name for this band who sprout from Nuremberg in Germany. Their first bud was the EP 'Shades of Fate, now they about to blossom with this début album produced no less by the hugely respected and enormously influential musician and producer Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Katatonia, Therion, Star One, producer of Opeth, etc. etc.). They propagate a hybrid of prog and gothic metal with roots in classic symphonic prog and an exotic eastern vibe, a cultivar of bands like Akribi, To-Mera, Ayreon, The Reasoning, Porcupine Tree, Stream of Passion and The Gathering. The opening three lengthy songs feature silky smooth transitions from lighter to heavier passages, producing a variety of contrasts that maintains interest, indeed I was surprised when I checked the actual times (around 8-10 mins each), the songs feel a lot shorter than they actually are. Added to that the instrumental passages are mainly based around riffing and tuneful guitar lines by Dave and Tim, rather than shredding and with no endless noodling, supported by Basti and Tobi's excellent rhythm section, with keyboards used to add texture, atmosphere and substance. So it never drags, this is a band that is as interested in mood, melody and emotion as much as showing off their technical skill. Stunning famed haired Nicki has a pure but powerful voice that reminds me of Anneke van Giersbergen and Marcela Bovio, but she also surprises you occasionally with some growls adding to the gothic atmosphere, a couple of times she even does brief clean/growl duets with herself, how she does it live without ripping her throat apart goodness only knows, and she also contributes some rather nice flute to the gentler passages. After the shorter atmospheric Pink Floyd/Camel like instrumental 'Undercoat' comes the outstanding, mellower and more reflective Porcupine Tree/Reasoning esque and splendidly titled 'Swimming Through Deserts', and it closes with the mighty epic 'Shuteye Wanderer' which is superbly constructed as it constantly builds and subsides before slowing fading into the distance.
This is a majestic album that grows with every listen revealing new nuances, with remarkable crossover appeal for both prog and gothic branches of metal as Effloresce are a technically accomplished gothic metal band who like like to stretch out far beyond the confines of a 3 minute song, without ever getting lost in complexity. Shoot off to their website here for more info, a blossoming 8.75/10 (Phil)
EMINA..'TAKE#1'
(66 Records) Reviewed 9th January 2012
Emina hails from Austria and is a band full of passion and enthusiasm, fronted by an attractive lass with a love of all things hard rock, who shares the name of her band. This cd features 11 tracks of music that can best be described as rock with a 70/80's attitude. The album kicks off with the number 'Speeding On A Highway', that briefly reminds me of what the UK band Magnum may sound like with a female singer (sorry Bob!). 'Long Lost Trace' has a bluesy vibe, but the sound is kept alive by some awesome guitar work. 'I Am The Future' showcases extremely well the powerful nature of Emina's vocals, while the heart wrenching ballad 'Don't Need Word's' pulls at the heart strings. And as I have said more than once before, I am a sucker for the odd power ballad. The middle portion of the album does in-fact slow down the pace somewhat, but this girl can sure cut it with the ballads most certainly...great stuff! To summarise, what we have here is an energetic sound with powerful awesome vocals, combined with a raw soul ripping sound offering up cutting edge rock and emotional ballads. This also makes a change from all the Gothic Symphonic stuff that is floating around at the moment. I continue to be amazed at all the good music that is out there, so if 43 minutes of female fronted hard rock floats your boat, then check this out by clicking here, and then think about getting this album. It is currently available digitally via iTunes etc, but it is scheduled to pick up a physical release in March! 8.75/10 (Dave)
EATLIZ..'TEASING NATURE'
(Anova Music) Reviewed 16th November 2011
This is the second full length from the Israeli band who were formed in 2001 by Guy Ben Sherrit, releasing their début album 'Violently Delicate' in 2008, followed by the complimentary titled 2009 EP 'Delicately Violently'. The name Eatliz means butchers shop in Hebrew, it was chosen because it represents the way they chop up and mix all kinds of music as they put into their cooking pot,lean prime cuts of Crowded House, Talking Heads, Radiohead and Frans Ferdinand, then add a zest of zany, and top with lovely Lee Triffon's delicious voice that adds a dash of Bjork to the recipe. They are world famous for their stop motion animation videos, from their début 'Attractive was voted video of the decade by Israeli TV, and millions of cinema goers in America will have seen their video for 'Hey' screened before the Avatar movie. The multi award winning video for this album is for the bossa nova flavoured 'Loose this Child' (video on Female Voices) and this album comes with a DVD containing all these videos together with a live performance from the Barby club in Tel Aviv. Their music simmers and boils from the subtle to the rocking, full of spiky, chiming guitars that are sometimes intricate, sometimes chunky, from Guy, Amit Erez and Or Bahir. These are served on a bed of Hadar Green's fluid bass and Omry Hanegby solid drum groove, all well produced with pin sharp clarity by the band. Particular highlights include the cool funky 'Berlin', the jazzy 'Falling Up', the quirky piano 'Got It', the nifty 'Nine' and the catchy 'Mystical Lady'. Anyone who enjoys artistic pop-rock that's full of originality and verve will relish this album, their delicatessen can be found here, a tasty 8.75/10 (Phil).
EVANESCENCE..S/T
(Wind Up/EMI) Reviewed 11th October 2011
Here we have an album (the 16 track version) that like the latest Within Temptation opus, looks set to divide opinion (and in-fact is aleady doing so) amongst fans and non fans alike. This is the long awaited follow up to 'The Open Door', which although a good album, I never quite rated as highly as their official debut 'Fallen'. So after their hiatus, what about this latest self titled effort, their third studio album from Amy Lee and her band. This is rather good in-fact. The opener and lead single 'What You Want', carries the lyrics "Hello Hello Remember Me", but to be honest I do not think anybody has really forgotten. A stomping opener that is already picking up heavy rotation here in the UK. And although we know Amy as the singer of the band, she can sure tinkle those ivories aswell, the piano led intro to 'My Heart Is Broken' will testify - a piano, synths led anthemic rocker against a wall of guitars. And talking anthemic rockers, there are plenty of those here on this record! And what I also like about Amy and Evanescence is their ability to churn out some wonderful ballads, check out 'Lost in Paradise' and the electro hip hop sounding 'Swimming Home', both awesome numbers in their own right. I do not at times understand various 'versions' of albums that get released, but I have the 'deluxe version' here that features four 'bonus tracks'. But bonus tracks or not, these are equally as dynamic as the rest of the album. This is a strong and powerful album with stadium filling choruses, and proves that Evanescence is alive and truly kicking. And although the band revolves around a certain Ms Lee, we must not forget the other musicians that make up this awesome combo. Whole heartedly recommended...9.5/10 (Dave)
FREQUENCY DRIFT..'GHOSTS'
(ProgRock Records) Reviewed 2nd October 2011
I have just reviewed the new White Willow album and here is a German band who were so inspired by the Norwegians that they named themselves after one of their songs. Led by keys player Andreas Hack, they began their careers with the two part Personal Effects albums, based on a story set in a dark futuristic urban setting inspired by films like Blade Runner. This third album sees a change in personnel, a new sound, a new record company and a new theme. The idea behind their cinematic prog rock is for you to conjure up in your own imagination the story, meaning and characters, just like when you read a book or hear a radio play you have your own vision and interpretation, which is why when you see the film it is often a massive disappointment because it does not match your own creation. For this reason they deliberately keep everything vague, there is no right and wrong way to interpret the songs, just your own way. The theme on this album is about the intangible phenomena that effect our lives, be they current or from our past, apart from that it is up to you to decide what they are about and how they relate to you, we all have different life stories. After a most unusual choice of opener, the reflective piano piece 'Crows', the first full song 'Dreams' shows their style, if you start with someone like Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree and then add a spot of melodic rock and Clannad Celtic, with an odd dash of avant garde, then you might get some idea. The songs grow organically, there is always a natural flow as they shift seamlessly from ambient and atmospheric to powerful and soaring, although you do get a some unexpected curve balls like the Ian Anderson esque flute solo in 'Dreams'. Like Pink Floyd or Karnataka they are never in a hurry to get anywhere, but just went you're getting all chilled out, WHOOMPH they take off, 'Tempest' being a perfect example as the song builds like a gathering storm. Antje Auer has a truly superb rock voice that sounds like a female Bob Catley when she applies power, or Enya when singing soft, and she also contributes some stunning and very dramatic violin work, a real highlight in many of the songs. They use a lot of sound effects which can be very realistic or even disconcerting at times, I kept leaping up to look out the window, I didn't know what was real and what was coming out of the speakers, like on 'Crows' when you get the sound of, guess what, pterodactyls, only kidding. The most singular track is the bluesy funky catchy 'Sadness', which would not sound out of place in Dirty Harry movie, while the gorgeous 'Mermaid' reminds me of the Mostly Autumn song 'Find the Sun' and Antje really lets rip with her fiddle at one point. If you are a person with a vivid imagination and an adventurous spirit then this hour of melodic, mellifluous and mesmerising music will be just the cinema ticket, their movie theatre can be found at www.frequencydrift.com/, a wide-screen 8.75/10 (Phil)
EDGE OF PARADISE..'MASK'
(ShredRock Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2011
Edge of Paradise is fronted by the rather attractive and pretty Margarita Monet, and on this their debut 9 track CD, the band unleash an aggressive, knockout punch of industrial heavy metal. Couple Margarita's vocals with the ferocious and mind blowing fretwork of guitarist Dave Bates, and you’ve got a band that offers something highly refreshing in today’s modern metal sound-scape, especially when you add guest appearances by renowned session drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Don Henley and major session drummer for hit-TV and movie soundtracks) and bassist extraordinaire Tony Franklin (The Firm, Glenn Hughes, Blue Murder, Roy Harper). This combo proving to be the ultimate rhythm section when it comes to the hard-edged rock sounds contained on this album. The band in music terms is new, formed at the start of 2011 from the ashes of Dave Bates’ former band Bleed, which was fronted by Robin McAauley (MSG). And indeed Robin offers up backing vocals on this album as well as co writing most of the songs. This is in yer face Melodic Metal with some great tracks from the opener 'Falling Down' to the closer 'Fire'. And we are even treated to the track 'Shredenstein', which is a totally awesome remake of Edgar Winter's 'Frankenstein'. Like the aforementioned 'Shredenstein', it is worthy to note that 'I Come In Peace' and closer 'Fire' are also instrumentals, showcasing the awesome guitar skills of Dave. However, if I had a preference, I would like to have heard more songs featuring Margarita's vocals, instead of just the six, and I would have preferred the three instrumentals at different points in the cd running order and not perhaps tacked on the end. Nevertheless, minor gripes aside, this record is good and if their live shows are as awesome as the cd, seeing this band on stage must be a treat. I like this, and they are well worth checking out, so pop to their website and uncover what is behind the MASK....8.5/10 (Dave)
EARTH PRAYER..'NINE DAYS'
(Self Release) Reviewed 27th Sept 2011
Earth Prayer is a 4 piece band from London fronted by Anglo American Heidi Jo Hines, and they offer up pure energy Rock and Blues with powerful soulful vocals, and a great organic sound to boot. With influences ranging from the Stones, Janis Joplin, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple and many more, this band is on a mission. 11 tracks of pure no frills Rock n Roll with even hints of Gospel...check out 'Halleluja'. And when they slow it down a touch in tracks such as 'Breakdown, it is equally as awesome. This release makes a refreshing change and I recommend the album to fans of the above mentioned bands and the like. The album actually took nine days to record, hence the title, but lyrically it is filled with a lifetime of thoughts, hopes, beliefs and interest. Check them out here. This is an album with balls...8.5/10 (Dave)
FIREBRAND SUPER ROCK..S/T
(Self Released) Reviewed 9th September 2011
Here we have an epic debut album from a band whose name sure has aroused my curiousity. Indeed, that could be the name given to a new genre of metal music. Anyway, I digress, they were formed in 2004, and this Edinburgh based band plays classic heavy metal, with the soaring and epic female vocals of front lady Laura Donnelly a joy to behold. And during their career, the band has supported Slayer, Trivium, Mastodon and Amon Amarth amongst others, so they have been about. There are 10 tracks here of listenable but powerful heavy metal, with thundering riffs and screaming solos. There are various influences surfacing during the 43 minutes or so, but they do tend to keep a sound of their own as well. In a world where the Female Fronted scene tends to get associated with the Gothic or Symphonic genre, this is something refreshingly different and I like it. This album will be "re-released" worldwide on 5th December through Rising Records and if you are a true Metal fan, this should be on your Christmas list without a shadow of doubt. Meanwhile, check the band out at their Facebook page. With a spot on production that enhances the music even more, this is damn good!! 8.75/10 (Dave)
FRAGMENTS OF FAITH..'MASK' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd August 2011
Fragments of Faith is a five-piece band based in London, fronted by Valentina. This EP offers up six tracks of Melodic Metal with an Electonic edge, and by and large, I do have a soft spot for this style of music. Opener 'Break Me Down' charges it's way out of the speakers like a demented Rhino, and we can hear right away that this band means business - an awesome opener. 'Insignificant' slows it down a touch, but still with the heaviness and melody so apparent in the previous number. Lovely stuff! Great vocals from Valentina too. 'Force Myself' ups the pace again and yet maintains the melodic sensibility that is apparent throughout the six tracks on this record. Not a filler in sight and this band deserves to be heard. And with new songs being written as I write this, the future surely must be looking good! Check them out here....8.75/10 (Dave)
FERN FOX-PALMER...3 track Promo/demo
(Self Release) Reviewed 5th August
Here at Ravenheart Music, we receive promos and demos from musicians representing all genres of music. Okay, lets look at one of these - Ms Fox-Palmer hails from the Birmingham area, and here we have a lass whose vocals are awesome. Her three track solo cd of laid back/mid tempo rock has taken my breath away and I honestly feel that the UK has a hidden talent here. This is just a brief introduction to this young lady for those of you out there who are curious. I had the pleasure of meeting Fern the other day, and the enthusiasm ouses from this gal. Check her out here..8/10 (Dave)
ECHOTERRA..'LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN'
(BlindingForce Recordings) Reviewed 28th July 2011
Minneapolis-based symphonic metallers ECHOTERRA has been on the scene since 2007, and have already created a stir with their awesome style of Symphonic Metal. Now the band’s forthcoming and highly anticipated release, 'Land of the Midnight Sun', and the first with Melissa Ferlaaak (ex Visions of Atlantis) on vocals is nearly upon us, and rest assured, this new record is full of energy and excitement. Every song drawing upon a different facet of the symphonic metal genre, including influences from rock, power metal, opera, progressive together with some solid songwriting to boot. Kicking off with the symphonic 'After The Rain', what becomes apparent is the rawness of the production, and I hasten to add that this is a good thing, many bands these days sound too polished for their own good. 'The Best Is Yet to Come' is another good one, and Melissa is on top form...awesome! I am not going to highlight every track here as they are all rather good, including 'Midnight Sun', the catchy 'The Ghost Within My Heart', 'Welcome My Friend Of Misery', 'Memories of Another Time' and the epic closer 'Genes of Isis'. Echoterra will surely be making further waves within the Symphonic Genre with this release that will be due in October. As a consequence, I am sure that this is going to take Europe and the world by storm. Great stuff and highly recommended! ....9/10 (Dave)
EQUINOXEM..'PROPHESIES OF SOUL'
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd July 2011
The name of this new band from Argentina is an amalgam of three words, Equinox, the Latin for night Noctem, and the Greek for night Nox, the result meaning something like Nocturnal Equinox. I mention this because their music is likewise a pot pourri of ingredients, if you blend gothic metal with elements of symphonic, prog, power, gothic, thrash and even an occasional touch of doom, then you end up with something that sounds like Equinoxem. Quite appropriately the band fronted by adorable Ashe Alder was founded on the spring equinox 21st of September 2008, if you live in the northern hemisphere and are confused like me, it is of course opposite down there. The band uses a lot of unusual key signatures and chord changes, when combined with the lyrics it gives the music an almost eerie supernatural quality, and Ashe with her lovely semi-operatic voice does an incredible job of keeping in tune. Guitarist Matt Tallón contributes very occasional low rumbling growls and several tracks feature portentous narrations by Casti The Wizard, Harry's brother. The songs swirl, sweep and swoop smoothly between diverse sections but they are certainly not disjointed or random, they are all of a piece. They range from those with varied elements like 'Between Light and Truth' to the more thrashing 'Nosce te Ipsum' to the more doomy 'Dusk of Oblivion' to the more rocking 'The Walker' to the monumental 'Stonehenge' to the gorgeous Celtic ballad 'Sunrays of Hope'. Keys player Francisco Roldán also adds variety by using a wide range of sounds, and it has all been well produced by Roberto Castiglioni. I foresee that this unique album that will appeal to a wide ranging conglomeration of metal fans, their website lies somewhere here, a soulfully prophesied score of 8.5/10 (Phil).
EarlyRise..'WHAT IF'
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd June 2011
All the way from Israel comes this duo of Raz Klinghoffer and Orly Lari who are desperate for people to hear their music, well that's what Ravenheart is all about, bringing you the best in new music, and there's nothing as exciting as a band like EarlyRise turning up out of the blue. What if you took the world's top selling female fronted bands, Evanescence, Paramore, The Material and Within Temptation, and then blended them together with a terrific production job by Raz? You get something that should sell by the shipload. Added to that not only has Orly a fantastic, powerful, expressive, soaring Amy Lee type voice, she also has the gorgeous mystical looks that are tailor made for magazine covers. What immediately impresses me is the breadth of their musical vision, Raz is a prog standard guitarist who uses just about every guitar sound imaginable, Orli adds piano, synths and strings to mix, and Itamar Goldwasser powers it all along with highly skilled drumming. This creates multi-dimensional soundscapes that lifts them miles above your average one sound fits all alt-rock/metal band. They pack into each and every multi-faceted song a whole album's worth of great ideas, moving gracefully from gentle piano and voice, to mellow reflection, to symphonic grandeur, to driving power to heavy rocking, blurring genre boundaries. This is the sort of album you can listen to time and time again and always find something new. It also makes it impossible to single out tracks, normally albums have two or three tracks of this quality, not thirteen. It is mind boggling that they can produce a début album like this that demonstrates so much maturity, if there is any justice in the world EarlyRise will become Mega with a capital M. Get up early early and head to their Facebook, and the album is available from CD Baby, a rising and shining 9.5/10 (Phil)
FOOLS FOR ROWAN..'TWISTED, TIED UP, TANGLED'
(Lava Lamp Records) Reviewed 11th June 2011
Fools for Rowan was formed by delectable Erin Mullins after she moved to Nashville to pursue her career in music. She gathered a band together which includes lead guitarist Rachel Brandsness who has a degree in music business from Belmont University, so they are more than well equipped to take on the fickle music business. Their first single was released in October 2009, with this début album following in November, but they have only just been discovered by our elite top secret undercover American agent, code named Burning Desire, a man who spends his life hiding in hedges and rummaging through trash cans. Their style is Material esque alt-rock with Paramore attitude, Evanescence melodrama and Kings of Leon's knack for rousing refrains, but with a dirty hard rock edge instead of the normal jingle jangle indie sound, what Erin calls 'Lipstick Rock'. Added to that Erin has a bluesier, rockier, deeper and more restrained voice than your average alt-rock high pitched wailer. You can also tell that they're from Nashville, although certainly not overtly country, there is a certain indefinable vibe. The album contains an equal measure of belting driving rockers and suped up string laced power ballads. Rocking highlights include first single 'Burnt Around the Edges', title track 'Tangled and the bouncy 'It's Alright, whilst outstanding ballads include 'Light Me Up', 'No' and the awesome 'Dead' (video on Female Voices blog). It is a little brief at 35 minutes, perhaps an intro and a closing epic with the band stretching their legs, Rachel can really shred that fretboard, would have rounded out the album a little better. If you like not just alternative but also classic rock,disentangle yourself to their website, a burning 8.75/10 (Phil)
EVE OF POISON..'ASCENSION'
(Demo) Reviewed 26th May 2011
The album kicks off with the lyrics "sex is a dirty word", which caught my interest straight away :) British Band Eve of Poison is fronted by the lovely singer songwriter Izabella. She writes songs with producer Rob Varley who also plays bass in the band. Remaining band members consist of John Mitchell - well known guitarist from the band 'Arena' and producer for 'Funeral For A Friend' and 'Enter Shikari', while Justin Hammond completes the line up on drums. This cd is in-fact their debut album in demo form, and it is not a bad effort. Izabella has a powerful voice, and is well suited to the band's melodic and dark style of music. There is indeed certainly a dark undercurrent running through some of the music/lyrics, with further occasional references to death (Back From The Dead) and twisted love (Original Sin). Indeed, I am also reminded at times in a subtle way of the early musical style of Ravenheart faves, the Californian Gothic Rockers Saints of Ruin. I understand that Eve Of Poison is waiting for a label to release this album. Certainly, an interesting record and a band that we here at Ravenheart Music will keep an eye on. Check out their website here. 8.25/10 (Dave)
HEATHER FINDLAY..'THE PHOENIX SUITE'
(Nova) Reviewed 1st May 2011
The Goddess of melodic prog is back like a phoenix with her first solo release. When she left Mostly Autumn last year it created a stir the likes of which have rarely been seen. She has decided to do something different and release a series of EP's, each in a different style. This one is produced with Chris Johnson who played on Mostly Autumn's Heart Full of Sky album, his 'Silver Glass' is a great favourite of mine, and it features Dave Kilminster on guitar who has performed with the likes of Roger Waters and Keith Emerson. I am not a great fan of EP's, by the time you have got yourself comfy with a cup of tea they're over leaving you frustrated and half satisfied, and they tend to be almost as expensive as a full CD. The second major concern that set alarm bells ringing was that in her interview she said that this one was inspired by the late great Jeff Buckley, now Heather is a terrific singer but Jeff was a very unique and extraordinary talent who was a bit like musical Marmite, some considered him the most emotional wonderful singer ever, others just thought he wailed hysterically. So I made my cup of tea and got myself comfy well before pressing play and waited with some trepidation. First track 'Red Dust' shows she has decided wisely not to totally adopt Jeff's singing style, but it's more expressive than with Mostly, and musically I can certainly see the influence. The result is stripped down guitar rock that drifts along pleasantly through the five tracks without getting particularly exciting, in contrast to Jeff who love him or loath him always provoked a reaction, or artists like Grace Potter and Celleste who put some va-va-voom and swagger into their music. The lack of keyboards is odd seeing as Chris is also a keyboard player, they could have added some zest into the mix. Mostly Autumn fans will be rather nonplussed by this release, which was the intention so she can distance herself from the past. Putting that aside I cannot help but compare it to the classic Grace, Jeff's only completed album, which is asking a awful lot from a début EP, probably too much. Trying to put myself in the shoes of people who don't know Heather or Mostly or Jeff, this a good rock record with some enjoyable heartfelt songs. Her website can be be found by a click here...Heather Findlay, a pleasant 8/10.
FLUXIOUS..'WHY SO SERIOUS'
(M & O Music) Reviewed 30th April 2011
Fluxious is based in Geneva, and they bring to the surface an intense blending of rock and metal coupled with jazz elements, overhung by the furious soul like voice of front lady Joana Desfosses. Indeed the voice of Joana almost spills over into mainstream pop territory at times, and it sure suits this music well. 12 foot tapping tracks of what can suitably be described as Jazz/Rock/Metal. The record may need repeated listens, but upon each listen, further layers of musical magic are revealed, until the melodies bounce around in your head and won't go away. One of my fave tracks being 'Huging', an at times heavy thumping metallic track, coupled with lighter progressive jazz like influences. Indeed, the Progressive influences do surface at times, more so on closer 'It Belongs To You'. Their Facebook can be reached here, while for fans Jazz/Rock/Metal, I whole heartedly recommend this release, 8.5/10 (Dave)
EVANHELL..3 Track Demo
(Self Released) Reviewed 20th April 2011
Here we have a band that hails from Buenos Aires in Argentina, and from what my spies tell me, South America seems to be kinda becoming the next hot bed of Symphonic Metal. Here within this review I present to our readers the band EVANHELL fronted by Daiana Sanchez, and three tracks comprising demo recordings. The band also tell me that there are other finished recordings in the pipeline, and to be honest I cannot wait. The band list Nightwish, Lacuna Coil and After Forever amongst their influences, and I certainly detect the Nightwish influences here. Three epic bouncy melodic tracks full of Symphonic arrangements, Guitars, Bass, and Double Bass (drums). Indeed, a solid, powerful, and contundent structure ably supported by keys. This leaving vocalist Daiana to play with commercial and modern melodies. The key to a good song is not only the structure and the melodies, but also the lyrics, and there are three good ones here climaxing in the near 8 minute 'The Exorcist'. Enlighten your soul by taking a trip to their Facebook here, a listen to their music is meanwhile recommended - 8.5/10 (Dave).
EVE OF POISON..'DRESSED IN BLACK/UNTIL I DIE' 2 track single
(Self Release) Reviewed 13th April 2011
I am trying to avoid reviewing singles as to be honest, I could be inundated with music, leaving me no time to do anything else. But for some reason, this band has caught my eye. Fronted by the rather eye catching Izabella, I have here a two track cd, that I believe will showcase what is to come from their forthcoming album. Eve of Poison is basically Izabella and producer/bassist Rob Varley. Guitarist John Mitchell from the band 'Arena' and producer for 'Funeral For A Friend' and 'Enter Shikari' is also in the frame, plus Justin Hammond on drums who completes the line up. The two songs on offer here are good catchy gothy numbers. Powerful, extremely melodic and dark sums them up quite nicely actually, and if the songs on the forthcoming album are anything like these two numbers, then we are onto a winner. No operatic warblings here either. On the basis of what is here, this music is worth checking out as is their website - downloadable from iTunes. 8/10 (Dave)
EOWYN..'BEAUTIFUL ASHES'
(Self Release) Reviewed 29th March 2011
This is the fourth album by the lovely Nashville musician who is a big fave here at The Towers. If the word Nashville brings you out in a cold sweat with thoughts of Stetsons and cowboy boots, don't panic, Éowyn's music lies somewhere between Evanescence and Lacuna Coil, with added modern Gary Numan industrial (mind you, I wear a black Stetson, and anyone who has been to my Facebook will know I like my hats). She has a humongous soaring voice with a distinctive tremor that suits her massive anthems perfectly, and she gives it plenty of oomph and expression without having to resort to wailing and shrieking like so many alternative metal/rock singers. Although devoutly Christian, she is not as overt as say HB, and as I've said before, there is no reason why Christian artists should be pigeon-holed, it should not be an issue. And before you ask, she is nothing to do with Mr. Tolkien. The songs are packed with huge choruses, booming synths, rich strings, intriguing samples, twinkling bubbling electronica, crunchy guitars, banging beats and throbbing base creating a massive awesome sound courtesy of producer Travis Wyrick. She opens with a brace of dramatic expressive songs with soaring refrains, 'You Had To' and title song 'Beautiful Ashes'. Éowyn had to give up full time music in 2008 due to financial difficulties, years of hard work burnt to ashes, but after having a terrible time she began to rebuild her life and career, rediscovering the beauty amongst the ashes, and thanks to the backing of 180 fans, who raised $20,000, she was able to produce this new album. After the moody melodramatic 'More Than Yesterday' comes a couple of songs, 'Fail-Safe' and 'Dream', that almost head towards anthemic Within Temptation esque symphonic with loads of ingenious orchestral sounds. The second half alternates between tremendous driving groovers with a touch of Muse, 'Cliché’ and ‘Alive', and expressive soaring songs, 'Burning Pages’ and 'All I Need' that sweep from a whisper to a roar, and she closes with the curious curio 'The Music Box'. Not only is this is terrific stuff that all gothic and alternative metal fans will be burning to get their hands on, but given the right exposure it will also go down a storm with the mainstream. Her website lies here, a Ravenheart recommended 9/10 (Phil)
EXAWATT..'AMONG DIFFERENT SIGHTS'
(Musea Records) Reviewed 12th March 2011
This Italian band are proud to call themselves “old skool prog metal”, they even have the T shirts to prove it, but this does them a disservice, it just means that they aren't trying to shock you into stupor with heaviness and technicality, which seems to be the current trend, they want to keep you entertained, not boggle you with science. A mix of Dream Theater, Kamelot, IQ, Yes and Argent, the surges of musical skill are more than matched by superb melodies creating a diverse and fascinating listening experience. They were founded way back in 1991, but didn't get round to releasing their début album, Time Frames, until 2005. Since then they have added captivating Cecilia Mengh to their ranks, her outstanding dynamic rock vocals juxtaposed with Luca Benni's lighter Colin Blunstone style voice making for an interesting combination, and as the album unfolds she becomes the dominant partner. This is like putting on your favourite woolly jumper, comfortable, comforting, familiar and warming. Ten great songs full of variety packed with loads of great tunes and some terrific Moog and guitar solos by Andrea Corsetti and Daniele Palloni. I am particularly taken with the catchy 'Tomorrow', the uplifting 'Garden of the Dark Lord', the delightful 'Awake in the Cosmic Dream', the strutting 'Lucid Dream' and the mighty 'Wounds' which starts like a Roman epic. To cap it all, the hidden track after 'Stand Before I Crawl' is a cracking version of Supertramp's 'Breakfast in America', written by Roger Hodgson when was just 18 and had never ever even been to America. The old adage is that if it aint bust, don't fix it, “old skool” it may be, but who cares, this is great stuff that will appeal to rock and metal fans as well. Charge along to their myspace, Exawatt Myspace and the album is plugged at the Musea shop, click here. A fully powered 8.75/10 (Phil)
FRACTAL..'SET ME ON FIRE'
(Metalysm) Reviewed 10th March 2011
Fractal are new Russian bunch fronted by the ravishing Ulyana Mikhailova who has an incredible belting voice that goes from soul to rock to metal to a snarl to a shriek to operatic, supported by sporadic growls that sound like the Cookie Monsters being attacked by a Rottweiler. The gentle symphonic intro gives no warning of the onslaught to come, thundering terrifying gothic metal that's the aural equivalent of being run over by a stampeding mammoth, with bursts of power and death metal to make sure that you are thoroughly flattened. If you're still standing after being shredded by monsters like 'While Your Heart is Beating' (just about!), 'He Remembers Forgotten Beauty', 'The Stolen Child' and being blasted by 'Storm Wind', then the mind blowing 'Devil's Bed' will polish you off, with the epic 'Set Me On Fire' incinerating what's left. The only slight respite from the carnage is 'Sweeter Than Honey', mind you, even that is not that sweet. For those stout of heart their Myspace is here... Fractal Myspace and it's available from their record labels eBay store. Must dash, I hear a rumble in the distance, a stampeding 8.25/10 (Phil)
ELANE..'ARCANE'
(Curzweyhl-Rough Trade) Reviewed 1st March 2011
In my review for their last album Silver Falls I mentioned that this Celtic folk rock group from Germany was moving towards melodic rock. This brand new album sees the quartet of lovely singer Joran Elane, guitarist Skaldir, keyboardist Nico and violist Simon head towards epic symphonic rock, Clannad, Enya and Eisblume with added power and majesty. The album is inspired by the works of German author Kai Meyer who has written many historically based fantasy books for both adults and children. There are 15 tracks containing 5 song cycles based around his books which are mainly in German, although the album lyrics are predominantly in English, 'Göttin der Wüste' ('Goddess of the Desert', set in Africa in the early 20th century), 'Surmkinde', ('The Storm King', based on Arabian Nights), 'Herrin der Lüge', ('Mistress of Lies', set in Europe and the Holy Land in 1210), 'Loreley' (based on the Rhine's legendary Loreley Rock siren) and 'Das Zweite Gesicht' ('The Second Face', set in 1920's Berlin). Each cycle is a mixture of songs featuring Joran's wonderful pure voice and instrumentals. Highlights range from glorious symphonic rock numbers 'Heart of the Desert', 'Arcane Ride', 'Deae Noctis' and 'Goddess of the Night' to the sublime 'Magdalena', 'My Ivory Fairy' and 'Lurlinnight'. There is a strong essence of the mystic east running throughout the album, especially on instrumental pieces like 'Samarkand' and 'Wasser Und Fels' ('Water & Rock'). Another remarkable track is 'Masken' sung by Nico in English which reminds me of Leonard Cohen. The whole album is like a sumptuous magic carpet ride through mystic lands, so float along to their magical web kingdom, Elane Music, and it's available from most bountiful bazaars, a glorious 9/10 (Phil)
EVDEMONIUM..'WEB AROUND US'
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th January 2011
My brother in arms Dave reviewed the fantastic Narwhal Tusk album a short while ago, and here we have their friends Evdemonium with their own début opus. Their style is rather different, sci-fi themed gothic metal with loads of terrific electronica that floats around bands like Lacuna Coil, Elysion, Delain and Lahannya, but with bursts of power metal that pushes them towards Nightwish and Dawn of Destiny at times. They are fronted by the lovely Anastasia Kalinichenko who has a superb clear powerful voice. After the burbling electronica of the intro, the suitably titled 'The Future is Coming', they open up with a quartet of superb catchy anthemic rockers including title track 'Web Around Us' (live video on Female Voices blog) that motor along at a cracking pace, packed full of subtle variations and all sorts of ingenious ingredients making for an absorbing listening experience. The second half sees them moving towards power metal with the instrumental 'Millenium', followed by the more symphonic mini epic 'Starlight', the powerful strutting 'Total Destruction', the moody and magnificent 'I'll Search for You', and ending with the dramatic electronica outro 'After The End'. Production is very good and powerful, perhaps a touch more vocal would have been nice, and all the performances are most professional. For some baffling reason they have decided to make this little beauty available free of charge from their website, http://evdemonium.com/, so what are you waiting for, but before you dash off I'd better give you the score, a futuristic 8.75/10 (Phil)
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