Ravenheart Music: Album Reviews
REVIEWS N-O
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ONE HEADED MAN..'WE ARE NOT UNIQUE'
(Catapult Distribution) Reviewed 21st February 2012
The OneHeadedMan was formed in 2007 (Budapest, Hungary). The band is fronted by female singer Lídia Markovits and backed by the usual band of metal musicians who certainly hammer out some good melodic metal on this EP. Opener 'Open Seas' I suspect could become a pounding live favourite - a good opening gambit while second up 'Mahwyk' initially introduces folk elements into the music, before the track opens out and really gathers momentum, an awesome number. Great violin too I hasten to add. 'The Room' has a heavy and pretty damn good Nu Metal vibe featuring Mr Endre Tarjanyi on vocals, while a 2011 version of 'Shine On Me', a track from their earlier Winter, Thunder, Clouds album closes this 4 track EP. This is the second EP I have reviewed today, by a band that I feel could be going places. This is good so I whole heartedly recommend you check the band out here and listen for yourself... 8.5/10 (Dave)
NIGHTQUEEN..'FOR QUEEN and METAL'
(Massacre Records) Reviewed 27th January 2012
Nightqueen was founded at the end of 2004. Songwriter and guitarist Rex Zeco wanted to break the illusion that heavy metal is only popular in metalminded quarters; he wanted to compose a kind of metal for everyone. The formula was simple ... strong guitar riffs in an 80’s style, upgraded with modern metalbeats and a melodic song melody, with catchy tunes that stay in the listener's head for a long time. Couple that with well considered lyrics about love, understanding and social abuses interweaved with mystic and fantasy and there you go! The first song they ever wrote was 'Queen of the Night'. And that title sounded good for a band name as well, thus, ‘Nightqueen’ was born. Fronted by Keely Larreina, this Belgium based band have recorded 11 tracks of Melodic Power Metal for the listener to sink their teeth into. The powerful vocals of Keely are more akin to a metal style than operatic, and this is well suited to the powerful music that the band pumps out. 'Into The Night' is a cool intro before 'Night Fall' powers it's way out of the speakers, quickly followed by the equally powerful 'Mystical Nights'. The title track is a mid paced thumper with one helluva chorus and guitar solo to boot - great all round musicanship in-fact. 'Lady Fantasy' is so catchy it belies belief, great 'shouts' from the guys in the band too! 'Nocturnal Thoughts' is the obligatory Power Ballad, and again I will say it, I am a sucker for a good Power Ballad :) And the totally cool powerful tunes still keep coming...'Secret of the Blindman' being another, and indeed, the album is high octane stuff until the very end, with closer 'Dark Fairy' an 8+ minute total epic to close what to me is an excellent album. All I can say is hail to our Majesty, the Queen and her Knights, this is epic stuff to grace any Palace, and well recommended when it gets released on Feb 24th! 9.25/10 (Dave)
NIGHTWISH..'IMAGINAERUM'
(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 12th December 2011
This is most certainly a Nightwish album through and through. Okay, it may drift away from the typical Nightwish path now and again, but as I say, this is Nightwish. And it has certainly cemented vocalist Anette Olzon's place in the band, who I must say is very impressive on this album! Why do people keep slagging this lass off..please leave her alone...she is f*****g awesome!!! For those wanting your typical Nightwish, it comes along in the opening salvo of 'Taikatalvi' and Storytime', that kick this platter off in typical bombastic Nightwish fashion. And just as you try and catch your breath, 'Ghost River' offers up another pompous track with epic choral and orchestral elements, also featuring the dynamic male vocal interplay with bassist Marco Hietala, that again pops up quite often on this album. 'Slow Love, Slow' does give us a breather, but this jazzy sounding tune (that's right, I said Jazzy) would be more akin to a bar room somewhere. Kind of imagine Anette moving slinkily around a bar singing this in a long skirt slit up to the thigh (steady David!), then you kinda have the picture :). And what a voice!! 'I Want My Tears Back' returns to the classic epic Nightwish sound..totally mind blowing! There are in-fact a whole host of corking tunes on this record that will set your pulse soaring, numbers like the pulsating 'Scaretale', that features the epic orchestration of Pip Williams (who teaches music technology and the London College of Music), the folky and laid back 'Turn Loose The Mermaids', the ballad 'The Crow, The Owl and The Dove' and the closing 15 mins or so of 'Song Of Myself', ending with the title track itself. I have to say that 'Song Of Myself' with it's spoken passages and classic instrumentation, is a total winner for me - love it! I have taken a few days to ingest this album, but I must say that this is typical Nightwish - just take bombastic and classic orchestration, epic choral arrangements (compliments of The Metro Voices and The Young Musicians London), add great musicianship and an awesome female voice to the mix, and the nail has been hit right on the head. This is a must buy, and I would imagine that many fans of the band have bought it already! Superb Premier League stuff! 9.5/10 (Dave)
NEMESEA..'THE QUIET RESISTANCE'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 21st November 2011
"There are times that you want to speak your mind and be brutally honest. That’s the quiet resistance within you,” says guitarist HJ of Dutch rockers Nemesea, referring to the title of the band’s brand new album. The Dutch female fronted band, famous for combining rock with electro, have fine-tuned this musical combination to perfection on this their third studio album. The Quiet Resistance is a gem that reveals its many splendored colours more and more each time you press play. According to HJ, The Quiet Resistance is a balanced mix of the first two albums, combining heavy riffs and symphonic musical landscapes with pop sensibilities and electronic music influences. And how true that is. Fronted by Manda Ophuis, Nemesea is a band that proves that if you work hard from the outset, the hard work will pay off, and the sign up with Napalm Records is total proof of that. Nothing is handed to you on a plate! The album is a 14 track (13 + 1 bonus) monster of infectious electro rock and metal classics. The title track intro offers up a near whispered vocal line, "I dug this hole in the backyard, the quiet resistance", which bodes well, and that leads us into the pop rock of 'Caught In The Middle', an awesome track that pounds along while showcasing Manda's great voice! If you are not out of breath, you will be after 'Afterlife', another great tune with a massive chorus. 'Whenever' should be a pop/rock classic, offering up another totally mind blowing chorus!! Okay, this album may not be metal, and it may appeal more to the Modern Alternative Rock Crowd, but we here at Ravenheart are not stuck in a Gothic Metal rut. 'If You Could' is a ballad done in the inimitable Nemesea style, while 'High Enough' also features the amazing voice of Charlotte Wessels (Delain). To my ears there are highlights galore on this album, with the Symphonic sounding 'Stay With Me' extending back to their more Symphonic roots, and '2012' a trippy atmospheric number. While trawling through some other reviews, I see reviewers too eager to slag TQR off as being too poppy or too commercial. So what if it is? For goodness sake guys, get a frikin' life!! To cap it all off, I must mention the bonus track 'Allein'. This number is right out of the Rammstein book of metal, featuring German singer Heli Reissenweber of Rammstein cover band Stahlzeit! Mind blowing in more ways then one. I like Nemesea, I like this album, and I graciously award it a 9.5/10 (Dave)
NOTURNA..'A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM'
(Self Release) Reviewed 14th November 2011
Noturna come from one of the great powerhouses of metal Brazil, and were formed back in 2002, releasing their début album 'Diablerie' in 2005. They are fronted by vivacious Vivian Buerno, the only surviving original member (although drummer Rafael Costa comes close), who has a striking mezzo-soprano voice with a superb tone. Noturna remind me of Equinoxem from neighbouring Argentina, progressive gothic metal with elements of symphonic and doom metal to create a uniquely South American blend, however they move closer to early Epica, who they have supported. Befitting the title, a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere pervades the whole album, but it is certainly not down-tempo. After the most impressive opening semi-symphonic brace 'A Dream Within a Dream' and 'Losing Control' songs like 'Falls of Mankind', 'Lethargic Dreams', 'October 13th'' and 'The Fool' are more progressive, jazzy and gothic, featuring some growls by Sergio Barbieri, thankfully deeper and softer that Mark Jansen's, and in contrast 'Cry of the Fallen' is an appropriately sombre hymn. Production by Allan Wallace and Andre Marcia from the death/thrash metal outfit Eminence is curious, Vivian is as clear as a bell, but the sound of the rest of the band is veiled in a murky mist, although adding to the air of mystery, it could do with some vibrancy and clarity, and unusually for prog and gothic, the guitar sound stays on a single fuzz setting, some variety of tone would have added to the music. An intriguing album for gothic and progressive metal fans that's free to download from their website here, a haunting 8.25/10 (Phil)
NARWHAL TUSK..'MEMORY LANE' EP
(Self Released) Reviewed 9th November 2011
Narwhal Tusk..what can I say? I reviewed their debut album back in January and did not hesitate in giving a maximum 10 score! I would not normally score a two track effort, but let's just say that if their new album is going to follow along the lines of what is on offer here, it will be another 10!! Two catchy numbers here kicking off with the track 'Memory Lane' being followed up by 'Deny Deny'. One thing I must say, please do not deny yourself this effort, as it is totally awesome, reminding me a little bit of fellow Russians Dark Princess. And it is being offered as a FREE download - check HERE for more details. This music is inoffensive, catchy and vocalist Valentina Yastremskaya is so damn cool. And the artwork - awesome! I love everything about this band!! (Dave)
NIOBETH..'SILVERY MOONBEAMS'
(WormholeDeath/Dreamcell11) Reviewed 4th October 2011
Niobeth come from Spain, and there are some good bands coming out of that country at the moment. Fronted by trained soprano Itea Benedicto, here we have an act that has well and truly honed the Operatic Metal sound, the sound that Nightwish it seems has now left behind. The band's previous debut full length offering, the 'Shining Harmony of Universe' has been hailed a classic from many quarters, with Sonic Cathedral giving the album the maximum 10 score. 'Silvery Moonbeams' looks set to be deemed another classic, and upon listening to this album for the first time, I had to go and recover my head as it was quite simply blown away. Not only is the music damned near perfect from start to finish, with the band quite simply marrying together metal and classical music as if it comes naturally, the album artwork is quite simply awesome too. Twelve tracks running in total at around the hour mark, with some great rockers including the amazingly catchy 'Eclipse'. To start singling out any faves here...well I don't think I am going to bother, oh well, I may as well, but apart from 'Eclipse' I do quite like the six minute plus 'Sons of the Earth' featuring a choir to boot, the classically orientated 'Campeón' that is so cute, the power ballad 'I Need You To Need Me' and the epic 15 min 'Sodako's Wings of Hope', basically the latter being a classic within a classic. The aforementioned choir by the way does surface in much of the music, and the choir blends in very naturally with the music that the band offers the listener. I also like a little classical music now and again, and the 'Polovtsian Dances' by Alexander Borodin gets given the Niobeth choral treatment. This technical and complex record should propel Niobeth into the Premier League of metal, and as a consequence, this has to be highly recommended to all fans of the genre. Go and buy it..10/10 (Dave)
OPUS DORIA..'INFRAWORLD'
(Self Release) Reviewed 4th October 2011
Opus Doria were founded in the great medieval dukedom of Aquitaine only two years ago, and fittingly they take their name from the eight note Dorian scale developed by medieval monks for their chants, it today equates to the white notes on the piano starting with D for Dorian. Their very impressive symphonic metal lies somewhere between Wildpath and Nightwish, featuring Maela Vergnes's superb soft mezzo-soprano voice. The tempo is lively rather than speedy, and double peddling is used very sparingly, instead this is a band that prefers a good gallop, on 'The Mission' (video on Female Voices blog) you even get the sound of hooves, and during the folky instrumental 'The First Crusade' you can imagine the famous crusader knight Godfrey of Bouillon charging into battle. Other personal picks include the immense and intelligent 'Brain Machine' and the bright and breezy 'Wind Whispers'. What sets them apart is that they are blessed with an outstanding keyboardist and arranger, lovely Laura Nicogossian is given free rein to show off her talents throughout the album including the two glorious symphonic ballads 'The Cry of The Knight' and 'Reborn', with the album culminating with her 10 minute instrumental showcase 'A Lost Planet'. Flavie Nicogossian adds an extra classical flavour with her cello whilst highly skilled guitarist Alexandre Warot and bassist Yannick Hubert supply the metal. The production is good and appropriately thundering, my only slight quibble is that I would have like the vocals higher in mix. This is a thoroughly enjoyable symphonic metal romp so ride off to their Facebook for details on how to grab this opus, a stirring 8.5/10 (Phil)
ONLY FATE REMAINS..'BREATHE'
(Ravenheart Music) Reviewed 14th Sept 2011
Under their previous name Trisomy this Dutch band have a long history going back to 1997 and their school days, guitarist Michiel van Veen being the sole surviving original member. The band underwent a lot of growing pains with the inevitable line-up changes, a former guitarist Eric Hazebroek now plays with Stream of Passion, but after releasing several EP's and demos they changed their name in January of this year and are about to unleash their long awaited début album, the culmination of 14 years of hard work. They cite bands like Lacuna Coil, Delain and Evanescence as their influences, but they have their own unique sound, a hybrid of powerful gothic metal and emotive alt-rock. The songs glide effortlessly back and forth between heavier and subtler passages, Michiel's guitars easing off and then powering through, lifting and propelling the music, making each track dynamic, diverse but homogeneous. Maarten Siem's keyboards & synths and Pieter van den Berkmortelthen's skilled bass work add an element of symphonic metal and Ayreon prog into the mix, coupled with the drums from Marc Bruijn that keep the rhythm section moving along quite nicely. Then it is all topped off by lovely Eva Kokken's terrific rock voice, she sings the songs straight but passionately, steering well clear of the alt-rock wailers. And let us here not forget the They have the benefit of cherry picking the best of all the songs they have written over the years, forged, honed, perfected and tested in the white heat of live performance. This gives is a real impetus to album, forty minutes flies by in a blink of an eye, helped along by the band's top notch production that is deep, rich and clear. We set off on our journey with 'Nightly Walks' that veers towards prog metal, next track 'Fall' is a catchy symphonic number with chugging verse and soaring chorus, followed by the towering gothic metal of 'Shallow Water' with its rasping synths. The next trio, 'The Essence', 'The Real You' and 'Cravings', are more alt-rock/metal, climbing from mellow verses into mighty refrains. Next up is the driving rocker 'Lost', then the stately immense 'Heal Me' which is packed with attitude, and finally 'Imprisoned' encapsulates the band's sound as it ebbs and flows from catchy rock to massive metal. Like Lacuna Coil they have that sound that is part European and part American so this should go down a storm on both sides of the pond, commercial and accessible for alt-rock/metal fans but also meaty and intelligent for lovers of gothic metal as well. Your fate awaits you here, the only thing that remains for me to say is that this album has taken my breath away, 9/10 (Phil).
STEVIE NICKS..'IN YOUR DREAMS'
(Reprise Records) Reviewed 14th August 2011
Okay, I will be honest, I have been and am still in love with Stevie Nicks. I was an avid follower of Fleetwood Mac, and the now 63 year old singer (that's right, she's 63!) is someone who is an icon in my books! This her seventh solo album and her first in ten years, sees this lass in fine form, and that voice, well it is still as supple as ever. Furthermore, we see production collaborations with Eurythmic Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, and with mixing by the awesome Chris Lord-Alge, the Queen of AOR has it nailed here with this 14 track release. An absolute stunner from the opener 'Secret Love' a song she penned in 1976 during her 'Rumour' days, to the closer, 'Cheaper Than Free' featuring Dave Stewart. I am finding it difficult to pick out a fave track here, but 'Moonlight (Vampire's Dream)' is currently not only to my ears an awesome track, but a number that could be in my best of 2011! This song being inspired by the 'Twilight' series. Artists come and go, but Stevie Nicks still rules the roost. Great stuff for fans of Fleetwood Mac and slick Melodic Soft Rock in general. I have seen good reviews for this record and bad reviews too. I am of the impression that the poor reviews are coming from 20-30 something year old music jounalists that would not appreciate this type of music, if it was handed to them on a plate, together with a million dollars. To my ears however, this is awesome from our beloved Gypsy Princess..9/10 (Dave)
NOISY TOYZ..'FALLEN ANGEL' (3 Track Single)
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th July 2011
The name Noisy Toyz could suggest a Glam Rock Band or some Hair Band from the 80s, but names can be deceiving. This band actually offers a good dose of Gothic Symphonic Metal. And furthermore, they hail from the UK, although singer Eleonora D Elia actually comes from Rome and is currently studying in London. This single is from the forthcoming album 'The Fate of Dreams' which is to be released later in the Autumn 2011. Despite a reference that I read somewhere that they are an Industrial Metal Band (they may flirt with the Industrial genre by the way), this to my ears is much more Symphonic than Industrial. The three tracks showcased here are all excellent, and if what I hear on this little platter is typical of the album to come, the UK may have something special to unleash onto the music listening public. The actual single 'Fallen Angel' is totally awesome, while second track 'Always Disappear' maintains the high standard of the opener. My personal fave however is 'Save Me', a total masterpice. The tracks here are a must for fans of the Gothic Symphonic genre, and we even get subtle growls too, but not overdone I hasten to add. I like this, you can buy it here, and I can't wait for the full album. It is difficult to score just three tracks, but I will......8.75/10 (Dave)
NO LOVE LOST..'WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE AWAKE' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th July 2011
Formed in 2006, Birmingham's NO LOVE LOST recorded the 'In The Darkest Hour' Demo in March 2007, and this was received with some enthusiastic response. Another demo followed in January 2009, this being 'Submission & Seabound', the band then having Sally Holliday, the Hanging Doll front lady on vocals. Fast forward to 2011, and the band, now fronted by Laura Burton are about to unleash this 4 track EP onto the unsuspecting British public. And it is good! I would class the music as Melodic Gothic Doom Metal, and this band would surely go down a storm touring with none other than Ravenheart Faves and West Midlands Rockers Winter Storm. Corking tracks on this EP with three of the four exceeding the 6 minute mark, so you will get your monies worth. My fave has to be the epic 'The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth', and if you like your music Draconian style but without the male growls, this is for you. A good effort from a hard working Midlands Band. Check them out at their Facebook, and this is worthy of an 8.5/10 (Dave).
NOCTURA..'SURRENDER THE SUN'
(Self Release) Reviewed 18th July 2011
If I told you that Noctura are an American gothic alt-rock/metal group then not only can you guess who they been compared to, you can also imagine the level of expectation that has been loaded onto their young shoulders, with sell out gigs before they had barely started and the cost of their new album being funded by fans. Evanescence went super nova in 2003 but since then their star has seriously fallen, you can argue until you turn blue about the quality of their second album but the simple fact is that it failed to sell trillions like the first (an eye watering 17 million to be more precise), so the field is certainly open. Equally familiar is that they are based around a singer/pianist, Mandy Suiter, and a guitarist, Jeremy Roche, with the assistance of producer Dan Certa who worked on, guess what, the début album by Ben Moody's new band We Are The Fallen, so you can't escape the comparisons. But let us try and judge them on their own merits, a band should never be lumbered with the tag 'the new whatever'. If Within Temptation had pursued the alt-metal side of Heart Of Everything instead of diverting off into 80's rock then they may well have created an album very much like this, symphonic, powerful, emotive, beautifully produced, brilliantly written, skilfully performed and laden with soaring anthemic refrains. Mandy has a truly wonderful expressive pure voice, she never over sings or wails like Carly Smithson, and it has that lovely deep rich Within Temptation rhythm guitar tone and style. You get eight absolute belters for your bucks interspersed with two gorgeous ballads, the delicate piano and voice 'Gone Away' and the building orchestral power ballad 'Forever Lullaby'. Notable features include the Therion guitar motif in 'Everything', the WT riffage of 'Undone', the touch of symphonic power metal in 'Bleeding For Truth', and the dramatic epic closer 'Venom'. Compared to the fantastic EarlyRise I reviewed a short while ago they have two massive advantages in the four P's of marketing, that is they are in the right place which means easier promotion. However, although this album is ten times better than We Are The Fallen they haven't got a big name, yet. Noctura have got their own sound and this is an absolutely awesome, totally enjoyable and utterly faultless album that should see a very bright future for the band, their website is here, a brilliant 9/10 (Phil)
NULL PARADOX..'THE ONION and the ANTS, GERTRUDE and GRACE'
(Zoltan Entertainment) Reviewed 20th June 2011
The idea for this novel album and book project came to freelance sound engineer Tom Libertiny when he was driving in a jet-black Mustang down a lonely road in Michigan. Gradually over many years a fully fledged band of top class musicians was formed to help Tom realise his musical vision, and the songs are intended to stand on their own as well as tie in with his soon to be published book. The theme is the choices that we make, some clearly obvious, some subtle, others seemingly trivial, that all have tremendous ramifications on our lives due to chaos theory, where dynamic situations produce unpredictable results. Musically they are somewhere between Mostly Autumn at their most rock and Foo Fighters. Shimmering Crystal Sherry has a Heather Findlay type voice with her ability to be ethereal, or powerful, or both at the same time. On CD Baby they are put in the “Jam- band” category which is as accurate as putting Black Sabbath in “Country”, it must be a mistake. Every song is lovingly crafted modern classic rock with a subtle tinge of gothic and blues, all superbly produced with a terrific sound by Tom and Jake Rye, including a fantastic drum sound, the sure sign of top quality engineering. This, the first part of a trilogy, is the sort of project that you would expect to be obscure, arty, weird and played in small dingy clubs, but it screams radio play and arenas, it has the power, scale and hugely commercial rock sound perfect for a top down cruise in a Mustang with your hair blowin' free like a cornfield (bonus points for naming the band). Every track is a belter, whether its melodic rockers like 'Valentines Day' and 'Orange and Purple Paradox'; or songs with a swinging groove such as 'Small' and 'Glass Desert' with its rolling piano riff and ripping trumpet solo (live video on Female Voices blog). If I was given the tough job of choosing a track to play on the radio I'd opt for the catchy groovy 'My Sweet Hell'. Its decision time, do you head for their website and buy a copy, or miss out on this awesome rock record, its your call, a decisive 9/10 (Phil)
NITROVILLE..'CAN'T STOP WHAT'S COMING'
(Tijuana Brothers Records) Reviewed 14th June 2011
If no frills blues driven hard rock is up your alleyway, then it is well worth listening to London based rockers NitroVille. Their debut 'Can't Stop What's Coming', offers 11 tracks of lyrical story telling with rock solid musicianship. Fronted by Tola Lamont, the band was formed by Tola and guitarist Kurt Michael Boeck in 2010. Dane Fussi Andersen joined the band later that year to underpin Kurt Michael Boeck's Texan guitar style, with hard driving bass lines and harmonies. The last member to join, was drummer Cyro Zuzi from Sao Paulo, Brazil, offering a true international feel to the line up. However, Cyro has now moved on being replaced by tub thumper Matt Whittington. This album is no frills hard edged rock, the kinda music that will send lovers of AC/DC and the like into raptures. Just listen to 'Bad Blood', 'Cheating The Hangman' and 'Dust Devil' to get a rough idea the kinda road this band are travelling on. Produced by Mark Waterman (Ride, Smashing Pumpkins) at London’s Fortress Studios (Biffy Clyro, Nickleback, Therapy), the album will be available on itunes and other digital stores on Monday 27th June, and hard copies should also be made available. Check the band out at their reverbnation, but my 'early years' were spent listening to this style of music, and this is damn good 8.75/10 (Dave)
OMEGA LITHIUM..'KINETIK'
(Drakkar) Reviewed 3rd June 2011
Fronted by Mya Mortensen, this Croation band laid a solid foundation when they released 'Dreams in Formaline' in 2009. An album with rock solid grooves, that on the odd occasion and with the addition of male vocals by Malice Rime, reminded me just a little of Lacuna Coil. And an album that caused wide-spread euphoria among the press and helped the band garner an impressive following based on their live qualities. Now we fast forward to the present day, and have the band faltered at all in the attempt to follow up their debut with their second studio recording? The answer is a resounding "NO", not at all. The lyrics here cover a wide field. There are numbers which ironically deal with sex, drugs and parties ('Dance With Me'), the self-ironic, Croatian language song 'Pjesma' and the sexually inspired 'Strip Me'. On the other hand, Omega Lithium can also broach serious subjects: 'Wind' is about the hidden secrets which we would like to block out and definitely don’t want to reveal to anybody. This album is 'Industrial Dance Metal' at it's finest, offering hot guitars, a hot vocalist (sorry girls but it has to be said) and oudles of electronica scattered throughout. Great stuff! Get it now! 9.25/10 (Dave)
NERANATURE..'FORESTING WOUNDS'
(Metal Mind) Reviewed 21st May 2011
Nera is the seductive co-lead singer with the Polish black metal outfit Darzamat, or should I say sole lead singer as that guy's screaming hardly qualifies as singing, more being tortured by a red hot poker. Anyway, this, her first solo album, is thankfully a totally different kettle of fish, atmospheric gothic metal in the same mould as Lacuna Coil, modern Gary Numan and Lahannya, but with her own distinctive moody haunting sound. This is down to her deep rich awesome voice that is melded into the equally deep rich awesome production sound courtesy of Jaroslaw Toifel, good grief does this perfect combination sound good. Jaroslaw has somehow managed to soak everything in reverb and still keep it as clear as a bell, really remarkable, it must be a total joy for the band to be recorded so beautifully. I found it quite mesmerising the way her voice is so strong, sonorous and melodic as the music swells, soars and lulls driven along by a throbbing groove, it all creates an almost hypnotic quality to the music, heightened by the atmospheric effects. Nera is living proof that you can be deeply soulful just by tone and intonation without wailing your head off, and the lyrics are also obviously deeply personal to her. Every song is superb, including the terrific lead single 'Precious Now' (video on Female Voices blog), the swaying beguiling 'Woman's Soul', the eastern inflected rocker 'Broken' with it's raging riff, the rousing and conversely titled 'Disappointed' with it's ethereal passage, and the driving far from lifeless 'Dormant'. Even her Garbage cover (that's Garbage the band, I don't mean a rubbish version) 'The World is Not Enough' fits seamlessly into the flow of the album. Rarely have I heard an album sound this good, and when combined with excellent song writing and a truly outstanding singer it creates something rather special. Her website is here, a deeply deep 9/10 (Phil)
ONE WITHOUT..'SWEET RELIEF'
(Self Release Download Only) Reviewed 3rd May 2011
Currently available as a FREE download (I did say FREE) from their website, Swedes One Without fronted by Catrin Feymark together with growls from Kenny Boufadene, hit us with their second album, and what an awesome 17 track affair this is. Their debut album 'Thoughts of a Secluded Mind' was a high octane affair, and this release continues the 'Gothenburg Metal Sound', heavy riffs, hooks galore, an occasional subtle electro undercurrent, together with choruses that bounce around in your head for ages after the album has finished. I will not list each track individually but faves include 'Accusing Eyes', 'Souls of Thousands', 'Spit it Out' and 'Leaving Traces', confirming that this is a totally awesome offering from a band that completely deserves your support. Go to the band's website, download this offering here and even consider making a donation to their cause. If you are not a downloader, there are plans afoot for a physical copy to be released, just keep checking their website. This is good Melodic Metal, damn good..9/10 (Dave)
NIKI BARR BAND..'RADAR RADIO'
(NBE) Reviewed 18th February 2011
I have been following Niki Barr since before Ravenheart Music became Ravenheart Music, Niki offering songs that so happen to be perfect for Rock Radio. And this latest effort from this Maryland born lass is no different, giving us 10 songs and around 35 mins of great rock music. A sound that is indeed influenced by Rock and Punk combined, a kinda slightly heavier Paramore! Opener and single 'Sex Fiend' start proceedings, and a belter it is too. The very catchy 'Worry' follows and this would make a good second single and I bet it sounds good live too. Indeed, the whole album offers a selection of catchy upbeat songs like 'Ghosts' and 'Lips Like Crucifix' plus one awesome ballad, 'Fallen'. This girl and her band are hard working musicians, they are always on the road, they have played for the troops, and they deserve your recognition. Check out myspace. Quoting one example, if Paramore can break into the mainstream, then so should Niki Barr and her Band. Recommended...8.5/10 (Dave)
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ONE HEADED MAN..'WE ARE NOT UNIQUE'
(Catapult Distribution) Reviewed 21st February 2012
The OneHeadedMan was formed in 2007 (Budapest, Hungary). The band is fronted by female singer Lídia Markovits and backed by the usual band of metal musicians who certainly hammer out some good melodic metal on this EP. Opener 'Open Seas' I suspect could become a pounding live favourite - a good opening gambit while second up 'Mahwyk' initially introduces folk elements into the music, before the track opens out and really gathers momentum, an awesome number. Great violin too I hasten to add. 'The Room' has a heavy and pretty damn good Nu Metal vibe featuring Mr Endre Tarjanyi on vocals, while a 2011 version of 'Shine On Me', a track from their earlier Winter, Thunder, Clouds album closes this 4 track EP. This is the second EP I have reviewed today, by a band that I feel could be going places. This is good so I whole heartedly recommend you check the band out here and listen for yourself... 8.5/10 (Dave)
NIGHTQUEEN..'FOR QUEEN and METAL'
(Massacre Records) Reviewed 27th January 2012
Nightqueen was founded at the end of 2004. Songwriter and guitarist Rex Zeco wanted to break the illusion that heavy metal is only popular in metalminded quarters; he wanted to compose a kind of metal for everyone. The formula was simple ... strong guitar riffs in an 80’s style, upgraded with modern metalbeats and a melodic song melody, with catchy tunes that stay in the listener's head for a long time. Couple that with well considered lyrics about love, understanding and social abuses interweaved with mystic and fantasy and there you go! The first song they ever wrote was 'Queen of the Night'. And that title sounded good for a band name as well, thus, ‘Nightqueen’ was born. Fronted by Keely Larreina, this Belgium based band have recorded 11 tracks of Melodic Power Metal for the listener to sink their teeth into. The powerful vocals of Keely are more akin to a metal style than operatic, and this is well suited to the powerful music that the band pumps out. 'Into The Night' is a cool intro before 'Night Fall' powers it's way out of the speakers, quickly followed by the equally powerful 'Mystical Nights'. The title track is a mid paced thumper with one helluva chorus and guitar solo to boot - great all round musicanship in-fact. 'Lady Fantasy' is so catchy it belies belief, great 'shouts' from the guys in the band too! 'Nocturnal Thoughts' is the obligatory Power Ballad, and again I will say it, I am a sucker for a good Power Ballad :) And the totally cool powerful tunes still keep coming...'Secret of the Blindman' being another, and indeed, the album is high octane stuff until the very end, with closer 'Dark Fairy' an 8+ minute total epic to close what to me is an excellent album. All I can say is hail to our Majesty, the Queen and her Knights, this is epic stuff to grace any Palace, and well recommended when it gets released on Feb 24th! 9.25/10 (Dave)
NIGHTWISH..'IMAGINAERUM'
(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 12th December 2011
This is most certainly a Nightwish album through and through. Okay, it may drift away from the typical Nightwish path now and again, but as I say, this is Nightwish. And it has certainly cemented vocalist Anette Olzon's place in the band, who I must say is very impressive on this album! Why do people keep slagging this lass off..please leave her alone...she is f*****g awesome!!! For those wanting your typical Nightwish, it comes along in the opening salvo of 'Taikatalvi' and Storytime', that kick this platter off in typical bombastic Nightwish fashion. And just as you try and catch your breath, 'Ghost River' offers up another pompous track with epic choral and orchestral elements, also featuring the dynamic male vocal interplay with bassist Marco Hietala, that again pops up quite often on this album. 'Slow Love, Slow' does give us a breather, but this jazzy sounding tune (that's right, I said Jazzy) would be more akin to a bar room somewhere. Kind of imagine Anette moving slinkily around a bar singing this in a long skirt slit up to the thigh (steady David!), then you kinda have the picture :). And what a voice!! 'I Want My Tears Back' returns to the classic epic Nightwish sound..totally mind blowing! There are in-fact a whole host of corking tunes on this record that will set your pulse soaring, numbers like the pulsating 'Scaretale', that features the epic orchestration of Pip Williams (who teaches music technology and the London College of Music), the folky and laid back 'Turn Loose The Mermaids', the ballad 'The Crow, The Owl and The Dove' and the closing 15 mins or so of 'Song Of Myself', ending with the title track itself. I have to say that 'Song Of Myself' with it's spoken passages and classic instrumentation, is a total winner for me - love it! I have taken a few days to ingest this album, but I must say that this is typical Nightwish - just take bombastic and classic orchestration, epic choral arrangements (compliments of The Metro Voices and The Young Musicians London), add great musicianship and an awesome female voice to the mix, and the nail has been hit right on the head. This is a must buy, and I would imagine that many fans of the band have bought it already! Superb Premier League stuff! 9.5/10 (Dave)
NEMESEA..'THE QUIET RESISTANCE'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 21st November 2011
"There are times that you want to speak your mind and be brutally honest. That’s the quiet resistance within you,” says guitarist HJ of Dutch rockers Nemesea, referring to the title of the band’s brand new album. The Dutch female fronted band, famous for combining rock with electro, have fine-tuned this musical combination to perfection on this their third studio album. The Quiet Resistance is a gem that reveals its many splendored colours more and more each time you press play. According to HJ, The Quiet Resistance is a balanced mix of the first two albums, combining heavy riffs and symphonic musical landscapes with pop sensibilities and electronic music influences. And how true that is. Fronted by Manda Ophuis, Nemesea is a band that proves that if you work hard from the outset, the hard work will pay off, and the sign up with Napalm Records is total proof of that. Nothing is handed to you on a plate! The album is a 14 track (13 + 1 bonus) monster of infectious electro rock and metal classics. The title track intro offers up a near whispered vocal line, "I dug this hole in the backyard, the quiet resistance", which bodes well, and that leads us into the pop rock of 'Caught In The Middle', an awesome track that pounds along while showcasing Manda's great voice! If you are not out of breath, you will be after 'Afterlife', another great tune with a massive chorus. 'Whenever' should be a pop/rock classic, offering up another totally mind blowing chorus!! Okay, this album may not be metal, and it may appeal more to the Modern Alternative Rock Crowd, but we here at Ravenheart are not stuck in a Gothic Metal rut. 'If You Could' is a ballad done in the inimitable Nemesea style, while 'High Enough' also features the amazing voice of Charlotte Wessels (Delain). To my ears there are highlights galore on this album, with the Symphonic sounding 'Stay With Me' extending back to their more Symphonic roots, and '2012' a trippy atmospheric number. While trawling through some other reviews, I see reviewers too eager to slag TQR off as being too poppy or too commercial. So what if it is? For goodness sake guys, get a frikin' life!! To cap it all off, I must mention the bonus track 'Allein'. This number is right out of the Rammstein book of metal, featuring German singer Heli Reissenweber of Rammstein cover band Stahlzeit! Mind blowing in more ways then one. I like Nemesea, I like this album, and I graciously award it a 9.5/10 (Dave)
NOTURNA..'A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM'
(Self Release) Reviewed 14th November 2011
Noturna come from one of the great powerhouses of metal Brazil, and were formed back in 2002, releasing their début album 'Diablerie' in 2005. They are fronted by vivacious Vivian Buerno, the only surviving original member (although drummer Rafael Costa comes close), who has a striking mezzo-soprano voice with a superb tone. Noturna remind me of Equinoxem from neighbouring Argentina, progressive gothic metal with elements of symphonic and doom metal to create a uniquely South American blend, however they move closer to early Epica, who they have supported. Befitting the title, a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere pervades the whole album, but it is certainly not down-tempo. After the most impressive opening semi-symphonic brace 'A Dream Within a Dream' and 'Losing Control' songs like 'Falls of Mankind', 'Lethargic Dreams', 'October 13th'' and 'The Fool' are more progressive, jazzy and gothic, featuring some growls by Sergio Barbieri, thankfully deeper and softer that Mark Jansen's, and in contrast 'Cry of the Fallen' is an appropriately sombre hymn. Production by Allan Wallace and Andre Marcia from the death/thrash metal outfit Eminence is curious, Vivian is as clear as a bell, but the sound of the rest of the band is veiled in a murky mist, although adding to the air of mystery, it could do with some vibrancy and clarity, and unusually for prog and gothic, the guitar sound stays on a single fuzz setting, some variety of tone would have added to the music. An intriguing album for gothic and progressive metal fans that's free to download from their website here, a haunting 8.25/10 (Phil)
NARWHAL TUSK..'MEMORY LANE' EP
(Self Released) Reviewed 9th November 2011
Narwhal Tusk..what can I say? I reviewed their debut album back in January and did not hesitate in giving a maximum 10 score! I would not normally score a two track effort, but let's just say that if their new album is going to follow along the lines of what is on offer here, it will be another 10!! Two catchy numbers here kicking off with the track 'Memory Lane' being followed up by 'Deny Deny'. One thing I must say, please do not deny yourself this effort, as it is totally awesome, reminding me a little bit of fellow Russians Dark Princess. And it is being offered as a FREE download - check HERE for more details. This music is inoffensive, catchy and vocalist Valentina Yastremskaya is so damn cool. And the artwork - awesome! I love everything about this band!! (Dave)
NIOBETH..'SILVERY MOONBEAMS'
(WormholeDeath/Dreamcell11) Reviewed 4th October 2011
Niobeth come from Spain, and there are some good bands coming out of that country at the moment. Fronted by trained soprano Itea Benedicto, here we have an act that has well and truly honed the Operatic Metal sound, the sound that Nightwish it seems has now left behind. The band's previous debut full length offering, the 'Shining Harmony of Universe' has been hailed a classic from many quarters, with Sonic Cathedral giving the album the maximum 10 score. 'Silvery Moonbeams' looks set to be deemed another classic, and upon listening to this album for the first time, I had to go and recover my head as it was quite simply blown away. Not only is the music damned near perfect from start to finish, with the band quite simply marrying together metal and classical music as if it comes naturally, the album artwork is quite simply awesome too. Twelve tracks running in total at around the hour mark, with some great rockers including the amazingly catchy 'Eclipse'. To start singling out any faves here...well I don't think I am going to bother, oh well, I may as well, but apart from 'Eclipse' I do quite like the six minute plus 'Sons of the Earth' featuring a choir to boot, the classically orientated 'Campeón' that is so cute, the power ballad 'I Need You To Need Me' and the epic 15 min 'Sodako's Wings of Hope', basically the latter being a classic within a classic. The aforementioned choir by the way does surface in much of the music, and the choir blends in very naturally with the music that the band offers the listener. I also like a little classical music now and again, and the 'Polovtsian Dances' by Alexander Borodin gets given the Niobeth choral treatment. This technical and complex record should propel Niobeth into the Premier League of metal, and as a consequence, this has to be highly recommended to all fans of the genre. Go and buy it..10/10 (Dave)
OPUS DORIA..'INFRAWORLD'
(Self Release) Reviewed 4th October 2011
Opus Doria were founded in the great medieval dukedom of Aquitaine only two years ago, and fittingly they take their name from the eight note Dorian scale developed by medieval monks for their chants, it today equates to the white notes on the piano starting with D for Dorian. Their very impressive symphonic metal lies somewhere between Wildpath and Nightwish, featuring Maela Vergnes's superb soft mezzo-soprano voice. The tempo is lively rather than speedy, and double peddling is used very sparingly, instead this is a band that prefers a good gallop, on 'The Mission' (video on Female Voices blog) you even get the sound of hooves, and during the folky instrumental 'The First Crusade' you can imagine the famous crusader knight Godfrey of Bouillon charging into battle. Other personal picks include the immense and intelligent 'Brain Machine' and the bright and breezy 'Wind Whispers'. What sets them apart is that they are blessed with an outstanding keyboardist and arranger, lovely Laura Nicogossian is given free rein to show off her talents throughout the album including the two glorious symphonic ballads 'The Cry of The Knight' and 'Reborn', with the album culminating with her 10 minute instrumental showcase 'A Lost Planet'. Flavie Nicogossian adds an extra classical flavour with her cello whilst highly skilled guitarist Alexandre Warot and bassist Yannick Hubert supply the metal. The production is good and appropriately thundering, my only slight quibble is that I would have like the vocals higher in mix. This is a thoroughly enjoyable symphonic metal romp so ride off to their Facebook for details on how to grab this opus, a stirring 8.5/10 (Phil)
ONLY FATE REMAINS..'BREATHE'
(Ravenheart Music) Reviewed 14th Sept 2011
Under their previous name Trisomy this Dutch band have a long history going back to 1997 and their school days, guitarist Michiel van Veen being the sole surviving original member. The band underwent a lot of growing pains with the inevitable line-up changes, a former guitarist Eric Hazebroek now plays with Stream of Passion, but after releasing several EP's and demos they changed their name in January of this year and are about to unleash their long awaited début album, the culmination of 14 years of hard work. They cite bands like Lacuna Coil, Delain and Evanescence as their influences, but they have their own unique sound, a hybrid of powerful gothic metal and emotive alt-rock. The songs glide effortlessly back and forth between heavier and subtler passages, Michiel's guitars easing off and then powering through, lifting and propelling the music, making each track dynamic, diverse but homogeneous. Maarten Siem's keyboards & synths and Pieter van den Berkmortelthen's skilled bass work add an element of symphonic metal and Ayreon prog into the mix, coupled with the drums from Marc Bruijn that keep the rhythm section moving along quite nicely. Then it is all topped off by lovely Eva Kokken's terrific rock voice, she sings the songs straight but passionately, steering well clear of the alt-rock wailers. And let us here not forget the They have the benefit of cherry picking the best of all the songs they have written over the years, forged, honed, perfected and tested in the white heat of live performance. This gives is a real impetus to album, forty minutes flies by in a blink of an eye, helped along by the band's top notch production that is deep, rich and clear. We set off on our journey with 'Nightly Walks' that veers towards prog metal, next track 'Fall' is a catchy symphonic number with chugging verse and soaring chorus, followed by the towering gothic metal of 'Shallow Water' with its rasping synths. The next trio, 'The Essence', 'The Real You' and 'Cravings', are more alt-rock/metal, climbing from mellow verses into mighty refrains. Next up is the driving rocker 'Lost', then the stately immense 'Heal Me' which is packed with attitude, and finally 'Imprisoned' encapsulates the band's sound as it ebbs and flows from catchy rock to massive metal. Like Lacuna Coil they have that sound that is part European and part American so this should go down a storm on both sides of the pond, commercial and accessible for alt-rock/metal fans but also meaty and intelligent for lovers of gothic metal as well. Your fate awaits you here, the only thing that remains for me to say is that this album has taken my breath away, 9/10 (Phil).
STEVIE NICKS..'IN YOUR DREAMS'
(Reprise Records) Reviewed 14th August 2011
Okay, I will be honest, I have been and am still in love with Stevie Nicks. I was an avid follower of Fleetwood Mac, and the now 63 year old singer (that's right, she's 63!) is someone who is an icon in my books! This her seventh solo album and her first in ten years, sees this lass in fine form, and that voice, well it is still as supple as ever. Furthermore, we see production collaborations with Eurythmic Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, and with mixing by the awesome Chris Lord-Alge, the Queen of AOR has it nailed here with this 14 track release. An absolute stunner from the opener 'Secret Love' a song she penned in 1976 during her 'Rumour' days, to the closer, 'Cheaper Than Free' featuring Dave Stewart. I am finding it difficult to pick out a fave track here, but 'Moonlight (Vampire's Dream)' is currently not only to my ears an awesome track, but a number that could be in my best of 2011! This song being inspired by the 'Twilight' series. Artists come and go, but Stevie Nicks still rules the roost. Great stuff for fans of Fleetwood Mac and slick Melodic Soft Rock in general. I have seen good reviews for this record and bad reviews too. I am of the impression that the poor reviews are coming from 20-30 something year old music jounalists that would not appreciate this type of music, if it was handed to them on a plate, together with a million dollars. To my ears however, this is awesome from our beloved Gypsy Princess..9/10 (Dave)
NOISY TOYZ..'FALLEN ANGEL' (3 Track Single)
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th July 2011
The name Noisy Toyz could suggest a Glam Rock Band or some Hair Band from the 80s, but names can be deceiving. This band actually offers a good dose of Gothic Symphonic Metal. And furthermore, they hail from the UK, although singer Eleonora D Elia actually comes from Rome and is currently studying in London. This single is from the forthcoming album 'The Fate of Dreams' which is to be released later in the Autumn 2011. Despite a reference that I read somewhere that they are an Industrial Metal Band (they may flirt with the Industrial genre by the way), this to my ears is much more Symphonic than Industrial. The three tracks showcased here are all excellent, and if what I hear on this little platter is typical of the album to come, the UK may have something special to unleash onto the music listening public. The actual single 'Fallen Angel' is totally awesome, while second track 'Always Disappear' maintains the high standard of the opener. My personal fave however is 'Save Me', a total masterpice. The tracks here are a must for fans of the Gothic Symphonic genre, and we even get subtle growls too, but not overdone I hasten to add. I like this, you can buy it here, and I can't wait for the full album. It is difficult to score just three tracks, but I will......8.75/10 (Dave)
NO LOVE LOST..'WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE AWAKE' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 26th July 2011
Formed in 2006, Birmingham's NO LOVE LOST recorded the 'In The Darkest Hour' Demo in March 2007, and this was received with some enthusiastic response. Another demo followed in January 2009, this being 'Submission & Seabound', the band then having Sally Holliday, the Hanging Doll front lady on vocals. Fast forward to 2011, and the band, now fronted by Laura Burton are about to unleash this 4 track EP onto the unsuspecting British public. And it is good! I would class the music as Melodic Gothic Doom Metal, and this band would surely go down a storm touring with none other than Ravenheart Faves and West Midlands Rockers Winter Storm. Corking tracks on this EP with three of the four exceeding the 6 minute mark, so you will get your monies worth. My fave has to be the epic 'The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth', and if you like your music Draconian style but without the male growls, this is for you. A good effort from a hard working Midlands Band. Check them out at their Facebook, and this is worthy of an 8.5/10 (Dave).
NOCTURA..'SURRENDER THE SUN'
(Self Release) Reviewed 18th July 2011
If I told you that Noctura are an American gothic alt-rock/metal group then not only can you guess who they been compared to, you can also imagine the level of expectation that has been loaded onto their young shoulders, with sell out gigs before they had barely started and the cost of their new album being funded by fans. Evanescence went super nova in 2003 but since then their star has seriously fallen, you can argue until you turn blue about the quality of their second album but the simple fact is that it failed to sell trillions like the first (an eye watering 17 million to be more precise), so the field is certainly open. Equally familiar is that they are based around a singer/pianist, Mandy Suiter, and a guitarist, Jeremy Roche, with the assistance of producer Dan Certa who worked on, guess what, the début album by Ben Moody's new band We Are The Fallen, so you can't escape the comparisons. But let us try and judge them on their own merits, a band should never be lumbered with the tag 'the new whatever'. If Within Temptation had pursued the alt-metal side of Heart Of Everything instead of diverting off into 80's rock then they may well have created an album very much like this, symphonic, powerful, emotive, beautifully produced, brilliantly written, skilfully performed and laden with soaring anthemic refrains. Mandy has a truly wonderful expressive pure voice, she never over sings or wails like Carly Smithson, and it has that lovely deep rich Within Temptation rhythm guitar tone and style. You get eight absolute belters for your bucks interspersed with two gorgeous ballads, the delicate piano and voice 'Gone Away' and the building orchestral power ballad 'Forever Lullaby'. Notable features include the Therion guitar motif in 'Everything', the WT riffage of 'Undone', the touch of symphonic power metal in 'Bleeding For Truth', and the dramatic epic closer 'Venom'. Compared to the fantastic EarlyRise I reviewed a short while ago they have two massive advantages in the four P's of marketing, that is they are in the right place which means easier promotion. However, although this album is ten times better than We Are The Fallen they haven't got a big name, yet. Noctura have got their own sound and this is an absolutely awesome, totally enjoyable and utterly faultless album that should see a very bright future for the band, their website is here, a brilliant 9/10 (Phil)
NULL PARADOX..'THE ONION and the ANTS, GERTRUDE and GRACE'
(Zoltan Entertainment) Reviewed 20th June 2011
The idea for this novel album and book project came to freelance sound engineer Tom Libertiny when he was driving in a jet-black Mustang down a lonely road in Michigan. Gradually over many years a fully fledged band of top class musicians was formed to help Tom realise his musical vision, and the songs are intended to stand on their own as well as tie in with his soon to be published book. The theme is the choices that we make, some clearly obvious, some subtle, others seemingly trivial, that all have tremendous ramifications on our lives due to chaos theory, where dynamic situations produce unpredictable results. Musically they are somewhere between Mostly Autumn at their most rock and Foo Fighters. Shimmering Crystal Sherry has a Heather Findlay type voice with her ability to be ethereal, or powerful, or both at the same time. On CD Baby they are put in the “Jam- band” category which is as accurate as putting Black Sabbath in “Country”, it must be a mistake. Every song is lovingly crafted modern classic rock with a subtle tinge of gothic and blues, all superbly produced with a terrific sound by Tom and Jake Rye, including a fantastic drum sound, the sure sign of top quality engineering. This, the first part of a trilogy, is the sort of project that you would expect to be obscure, arty, weird and played in small dingy clubs, but it screams radio play and arenas, it has the power, scale and hugely commercial rock sound perfect for a top down cruise in a Mustang with your hair blowin' free like a cornfield (bonus points for naming the band). Every track is a belter, whether its melodic rockers like 'Valentines Day' and 'Orange and Purple Paradox'; or songs with a swinging groove such as 'Small' and 'Glass Desert' with its rolling piano riff and ripping trumpet solo (live video on Female Voices blog). If I was given the tough job of choosing a track to play on the radio I'd opt for the catchy groovy 'My Sweet Hell'. Its decision time, do you head for their website and buy a copy, or miss out on this awesome rock record, its your call, a decisive 9/10 (Phil)
NITROVILLE..'CAN'T STOP WHAT'S COMING'
(Tijuana Brothers Records) Reviewed 14th June 2011
If no frills blues driven hard rock is up your alleyway, then it is well worth listening to London based rockers NitroVille. Their debut 'Can't Stop What's Coming', offers 11 tracks of lyrical story telling with rock solid musicianship. Fronted by Tola Lamont, the band was formed by Tola and guitarist Kurt Michael Boeck in 2010. Dane Fussi Andersen joined the band later that year to underpin Kurt Michael Boeck's Texan guitar style, with hard driving bass lines and harmonies. The last member to join, was drummer Cyro Zuzi from Sao Paulo, Brazil, offering a true international feel to the line up. However, Cyro has now moved on being replaced by tub thumper Matt Whittington. This album is no frills hard edged rock, the kinda music that will send lovers of AC/DC and the like into raptures. Just listen to 'Bad Blood', 'Cheating The Hangman' and 'Dust Devil' to get a rough idea the kinda road this band are travelling on. Produced by Mark Waterman (Ride, Smashing Pumpkins) at London’s Fortress Studios (Biffy Clyro, Nickleback, Therapy), the album will be available on itunes and other digital stores on Monday 27th June, and hard copies should also be made available. Check the band out at their reverbnation, but my 'early years' were spent listening to this style of music, and this is damn good 8.75/10 (Dave)
OMEGA LITHIUM..'KINETIK'
(Drakkar) Reviewed 3rd June 2011
Fronted by Mya Mortensen, this Croation band laid a solid foundation when they released 'Dreams in Formaline' in 2009. An album with rock solid grooves, that on the odd occasion and with the addition of male vocals by Malice Rime, reminded me just a little of Lacuna Coil. And an album that caused wide-spread euphoria among the press and helped the band garner an impressive following based on their live qualities. Now we fast forward to the present day, and have the band faltered at all in the attempt to follow up their debut with their second studio recording? The answer is a resounding "NO", not at all. The lyrics here cover a wide field. There are numbers which ironically deal with sex, drugs and parties ('Dance With Me'), the self-ironic, Croatian language song 'Pjesma' and the sexually inspired 'Strip Me'. On the other hand, Omega Lithium can also broach serious subjects: 'Wind' is about the hidden secrets which we would like to block out and definitely don’t want to reveal to anybody. This album is 'Industrial Dance Metal' at it's finest, offering hot guitars, a hot vocalist (sorry girls but it has to be said) and oudles of electronica scattered throughout. Great stuff! Get it now! 9.25/10 (Dave)
NERANATURE..'FORESTING WOUNDS'
(Metal Mind) Reviewed 21st May 2011
Nera is the seductive co-lead singer with the Polish black metal outfit Darzamat, or should I say sole lead singer as that guy's screaming hardly qualifies as singing, more being tortured by a red hot poker. Anyway, this, her first solo album, is thankfully a totally different kettle of fish, atmospheric gothic metal in the same mould as Lacuna Coil, modern Gary Numan and Lahannya, but with her own distinctive moody haunting sound. This is down to her deep rich awesome voice that is melded into the equally deep rich awesome production sound courtesy of Jaroslaw Toifel, good grief does this perfect combination sound good. Jaroslaw has somehow managed to soak everything in reverb and still keep it as clear as a bell, really remarkable, it must be a total joy for the band to be recorded so beautifully. I found it quite mesmerising the way her voice is so strong, sonorous and melodic as the music swells, soars and lulls driven along by a throbbing groove, it all creates an almost hypnotic quality to the music, heightened by the atmospheric effects. Nera is living proof that you can be deeply soulful just by tone and intonation without wailing your head off, and the lyrics are also obviously deeply personal to her. Every song is superb, including the terrific lead single 'Precious Now' (video on Female Voices blog), the swaying beguiling 'Woman's Soul', the eastern inflected rocker 'Broken' with it's raging riff, the rousing and conversely titled 'Disappointed' with it's ethereal passage, and the driving far from lifeless 'Dormant'. Even her Garbage cover (that's Garbage the band, I don't mean a rubbish version) 'The World is Not Enough' fits seamlessly into the flow of the album. Rarely have I heard an album sound this good, and when combined with excellent song writing and a truly outstanding singer it creates something rather special. Her website is here, a deeply deep 9/10 (Phil)
ONE WITHOUT..'SWEET RELIEF'
(Self Release Download Only) Reviewed 3rd May 2011
Currently available as a FREE download (I did say FREE) from their website, Swedes One Without fronted by Catrin Feymark together with growls from Kenny Boufadene, hit us with their second album, and what an awesome 17 track affair this is. Their debut album 'Thoughts of a Secluded Mind' was a high octane affair, and this release continues the 'Gothenburg Metal Sound', heavy riffs, hooks galore, an occasional subtle electro undercurrent, together with choruses that bounce around in your head for ages after the album has finished. I will not list each track individually but faves include 'Accusing Eyes', 'Souls of Thousands', 'Spit it Out' and 'Leaving Traces', confirming that this is a totally awesome offering from a band that completely deserves your support. Go to the band's website, download this offering here and even consider making a donation to their cause. If you are not a downloader, there are plans afoot for a physical copy to be released, just keep checking their website. This is good Melodic Metal, damn good..9/10 (Dave)
NIKI BARR BAND..'RADAR RADIO'
(NBE) Reviewed 18th February 2011
I have been following Niki Barr since before Ravenheart Music became Ravenheart Music, Niki offering songs that so happen to be perfect for Rock Radio. And this latest effort from this Maryland born lass is no different, giving us 10 songs and around 35 mins of great rock music. A sound that is indeed influenced by Rock and Punk combined, a kinda slightly heavier Paramore! Opener and single 'Sex Fiend' start proceedings, and a belter it is too. The very catchy 'Worry' follows and this would make a good second single and I bet it sounds good live too. Indeed, the whole album offers a selection of catchy upbeat songs like 'Ghosts' and 'Lips Like Crucifix' plus one awesome ballad, 'Fallen'. This girl and her band are hard working musicians, they are always on the road, they have played for the troops, and they deserve your recognition. Check out myspace. Quoting one example, if Paramore can break into the mainstream, then so should Niki Barr and her Band. Recommended...8.5/10 (Dave)
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