Ravenheart Music: Album Reviews
REVIEWS U-Z
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XANDRIA..'NEVERWORLD'S END'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 9th February 2012
Xandria, well what can I say? Since their shoot-to-fame debut 'Kill the Sun' and the ever-popular hit album 'Ravenheart', the band has attracted an ever-increasing fanbase.They have indeed been a fave band of mine now for some while, and Ravenheart Music actually takes it's name from their second album. This is the band's debut appearance on the Napalm Rosta, and if there is anybody out there that misses the Nightwish of old, this album will be for you. The band in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof, who herself replaced original singer Lisa Middelhauve. Now fronted by the awesome operatic voice of Manuela Kraller (one of the best operatic voices I have ever heard), listening to this album for the first time left me totally gobsmacked and lost for words, Manuela understanding how to express an entire range of emotions, and as a consequence, she is an incredible asset to the band.This release is going to be enormous, absolutely no doubt about that. The opening salvo of 'A Prophecy of Worlds to Fall', and 'Valentine' confirm that the band has stayed true to its original sound, while tipping the scales in favour of a more metal sound. Heavy guitars and a driving double bass meet symphonic elements and captivating melodies. Totally mind blowing. And just when you thought "wow", along comes 'Forevermore' at a slightly lower tempo but still just as awesome, and with a chorus that will remain in your head for ages afterwards. 'Blood On My Hands' is another track that will leave you spellbound, while 'Soulcrusher' is a heavy and slightly more complex number, as the title may suggest. 'The Dream Is Still Alive' is the album's ballad, and there is even some Folk influences within 'A Thousand Letters' and 'Cursed'. Epic closer, the 9 minute plus 'The Nomads Crown' drops some middle eastern influences into the glorious choral backdrop, ending the album in magnificent fashion. This album offers one glorious highlight after another, delivering the perfect union between metal and magnificence, a Symphonic Metal masterpiece full of sensual and breathtaking moments. No doubt some people will now call them Nightwish clones, but I disagree, this is Xandria, plain and simple. This is a must buy, this band having just powered it's way to the top of the Premier League with this record!! 10/10 (Dave)
WORMHOLE..'THE STRING THEORY'
(LadyMusicDistro) Reviewed 27th January 2012
Italian Band Wormhole was born in April 2003. The original line-up included Domenico (bass), Francesco (guitar), Paolo (drums) and Marfa (vocals), replaced by current vocalist Valentina in 2006. The band aimed at starting a project with female vocals, in which the dark mood of the musical structures and vocal melodies would have melted with the typical dissonant post-rock style and the entangled prog-rock rhythmic patterns. Indeed a wormhole stands as the metaphor of a link between ideas, sounds, words and contrasts which at first sight may appear too distant from each other, and which are connected in the same way as parallel dimensions are connected. Anyway, with this their latest 9 track recording, the band has taken their music towards a more simple plainer Gothic Metal sound, imagine if you will a mix of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and The Gathering, and that should tell you perhaps where this band is travelling. Some good numbers here, mainly floating between Rock and Metal but melodic and accessible. Further information can be obtained from their Facebook site, whilst I am totally gobsmacked at the amount of good music that is floating around at the moment. The band has recorded two EPs, this is their first full length offering, and I wholeheartedly recommend this to our readers..8.5/10 (Aimee)
ZOLTAR SPEAKS..'TREATMENT' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 23rd January 2012
5 piece band Zoltar Speaks hail from the West Country, a part of the UK that is very familiar to me. Fronted by the powerful vocal style of Louise Body, this Somerset based band pump out 4 hard rocking tracks on this EP, with loadsa melody thrown into the mix for good measure. The aforementioned high octane vocals of Louise kick ass, and that is suited to the type of music the band indulges in. 'A Metaphor' kicks things off and comes blasting out of the speakers like a turbo charged rhino. A very melodic chorus to boot as well. The pace continues with 'How Could You Blame' with yet another melodic chorus - great stuff! 'The Best Revenge' refuses to let up, while closer 'Treatment' slows it up a bit, and could well become a live favourite I think. Check the band out here, as this is Melodic Metal that packs a punch, and is recommended. 8.25/10 (Dave)
VOICES OF DESTINY..'POWERDIVE'
(Massacre Records) Reviewed 24th December 2011
The young German Band Voices of Destiny grace us with their second album (their second within a year!), and this effort continues very nicely from where their debut album 'From The Ashes' left off. Fronted by the clear soprano voice of Maike Holzmann, that contrasts with the grim shouts of male vocalist Lukas Palme, the band combine Epic Metal á la Edenbridge with Gothic Symphonic Metal in the style of Epica and Within Temptation, adding traditional riffing and well-placed Death Growls from the aforementioned Lukas. And regards Maike, she commands this record with great aplomb, especially the bombastic chorus lines, and she leads the slower and melodic parts with much emotion and sentiment. There are 12 tracks (inc bonus) here of powerful Symphonic Melodic Metal, and every one is a little gem. One of my faves amongst the twelve however is 'Being Worth', a great atmospheric but extremely catchy number. Indeed, I am hard pressed to find fault on this album, and surely Voices of Destiny is now to become a force to be reckoned with, within the Gothic/Symphonic Genre. This album is showing great maturity from this young band, and is one helluva release to kick off 2012. It gets released on the 27th January, and I whole heartedly recommend this album to fans of the genre. Great stuff!..9/10 (Dave)
VIRGO..'#1'
(Self Release) Reviewed 2nd November 2011
Virgo is a band from Hungary that has been sent my way by Andrea Boltsek, who I correspond with occasionally via email. The band is a six piece with vocal duties being taken care of by blond lass Viki Vasvári. Virgo despite having two guitarists amongst their fold (which may suggest a heavier more metallic sound), actually soundwise take a more alternative rock direction like Garbage, Placebo or Muse. So you won't find any Symphonic tendencies here. Some good catchy numbers nonetheless on this 9 track recording, and some of these songs you will find possibly sticking in your head and refusing to go away long after the cd has finished. We even have some strings putting in an appearance on the slower bar room style track 'Mixture of Grace and Ordure'. Generally the numbers on offer however are mid paced to uptempo affairs. I am not sure how easy this cd will be to track down, but the band can be checked out at their website. Recommended to fans of the above mentioned artists and anybody into a more alternative rock sound.... 8.5/10 (Dave)
YOUTH SOUNDS..''TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 25th October 2011
Hailing from the big easy New Orleans, sister and brother combo vocalist Erika and bassist Federico Mejia formed Youth Sounds in 2009. This is their second EP following on from last years 'The Bit Parts'. Their name sounds like a boy band, and is bound to strike terror into anyone who remembers Musical Youth. Thankfully their music is nothing like it, and is far more reminiscent of The Feeling's or The Killers indie rock sound mixed with some Shiny Toy Guns and Ting Tings, but there is also a yearning melancholic underbelly that sets them apart. Opener the guitar driven bright and breezy 'It's Hell' is as catchy as hell, 'Whatever Works' is more atmospheric with twinkling synths, 'Foolish Love' and 'You'll Be The Death of Me' shows their deeper more thoughtful side, and finally there's the dreamy profound 'We're No One'. They a highly promising band that combine the more intelligent with the more commercial, and I look forward to a full length début, their website is here, it's available from the usual download stores, a musically youthful 8.5/10 (Phil).
WHILE SUN ENDS..'THE EMPTINESS BEYOND' (Promo)
(Self Release) Reviewed 21st October 2011
Another goodie that Dave has sent my way. The blond I may be, but I like my metal black! While Sun Ends call themselves an Alternative/Death Metal Band, and that sums this 8 track record up rather nicely. I think you could add the word Progressive into that little mix as well, the progressive elements to my ears surfacing a little on opener 'Last Moments'. This is mainly mid paced to up tempo aggressive music from this Italian Band, with quiter, slower and rather more atmospheric interludes occasionally added to the pot. Most of the vocals, extreme and clean are done by their leading lady Serena, although others are involved throughout the course of the recording. For example, Jonathan from Sunpocrisy has made the clean vocal with Serena on the track 'The Stage', while Rubens from Hungry Like Rakovitz does the screams in some parts on 'Winter'. This style of music may make some listeners hide behind their sofas, but this brings out the bad girl in me :) For fans of this style of music, I would say to give this band a listen by checking out their myspace, as they are worth looking into! 8.25/10 (Rachel)
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS..'MARIA MAGDALENA'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 19th October 2011
Visions of Atlantis first embarked on their musical journey over 10 years ago, their latest album 'Delta' delivering an impressive mix of epic power and pure emotion. Their recent tour in support of this release couldn't have been more successful. Not only did the band members, including new vocalist Maxi Nil, win over countless new fans, but they also grew closer together, as is evident in the band's latest MCD, offering 5 brand-new songs, as well as one re-recording. The opener is an epic symphonic version of Sandra's 'Maria Magdalena', capturing the original spirit of the 80s hit. The vocal duet comprising Maxi Nil and Mario Plank giving the song a welcomed dynamic. 'Melancholia', 'Change of Tides', and 'Distant Shores' uncover the band's orchestrally appealing style that has won them so many fans, while the re-recording of 'Last Shut of Your Eyes' (from the album 'Cast Away') and 'Beyond Horizon' wind this work down with a soulful and dreamy edge. This is good and can be bought from the usual outlets from 21st October, 8.75/10 (Aimee)
WHISPERING WOODS..'FAIRY WOODS'
(Self Release) Reviewed 10th October 2011
Romanians Whispering Woods were founded by guitarist Doru Căilean in 2008 with the dream of creating a complete concept that would embrace their music, image and live shows. Since then is has taken many line-up changes and a great deal of dedication to finally realise their vision. So this is a concept album based upon their own fairytale, but this no ordinary story as you are the main protagonist. Awaking in a forest you believe you are in a dream, but after a terrifying encounter with a Leviathan you realise that this is a very real world beyond normal reality. The story then unfolds as you are taken on an amazing adventure deep into the Fairy Woods. I feel this mysterious and enigmatic tale is a subtle allegory for plight of our planet as it heads towards ecological disaster, and only if we become one again with nature can we save our beautiful world, but you may also have your own feelings and interpretations, it is certainly a story full of deep, profound and multiple meaning. They cultivate a hybrid of light symphonic gothic folk rock/metal that entwines around early Within Temptation, Weeping Silence, Dunwich, Lyriel and Materdea, with Alexandra Burcă's excellent authentic operatic voice that suits the music perfectly. The songs are very descriptive and evocative, taking you on a variety of twisting, turning paths, sometimes dramatic, sometimes gentle, sometimes rocking, sometimes soothing, perfectly personified by the epic 'Ode to the Leviathan' where they organically climb from the quiet stillness of a forest clearing through the crown canopy to soaring crescendos amongst the tree tops. This is music to light a scented candle to, sit back, and become one with the story and atmosphere, like on 'Black Wedding' where Cora Miron starts with a wedding march on her organ before it becomes a creepy funeral dirge, or the spooky vibe in the rocking 'Ghost in the Monastery'. The production is clear and precise with a live feel, it is a good job that they are all good musicians and singers because there is no wall of sound or studio trickery to hide behind, every nuance of what they play is exactly what you hear. This is a band that shows that less can be more, like Cora's aching piano on the plaintive 'Sleeping Angel', and at times you can even hear the rustle of the snare or the hum of the strings as they drop to just guitar and drums, their woods really can whisper. Radu uses a variety of acoustic and electric sounds to complement the music, and Cătălina Popa, who has played with Haggard, provides loads of folky flute to the sound, exemplified by the beautiful folk rock 'The Call of the Trees' and the lively title track 'Fairy Woods'. This is a work of huge imagination and atmosphere so take the path to their Whispering Wood here, and it's available at a variety of download branches, an enchanted 8.75/10 (Phil)
WHITE WILLOW..'TERMINAL TWILIGHT'
(Termo Records) Reviewed 2nd October 2011
Norwegians White Willow have been important players in the prog scene since their 1995 début, now they are now back after a five year hiatus with their strongest line-up to date, including the return of the voice of White Willow, Sylvia Skjellestad. They are rooted in the great British tradition of melodic prog, Gentle Giant, Caravan, Camel, Jon Anderson, early pre AOR Genesis and early pre weird King Crimson, but with added art pop-rock and a touch of alternative, folk and gothic rock, plus an occasional smidgeon of avant garde. However, although they use vintage equipment, this sounds a very modern record, its retro prog, but brought bang up to date. White Willow weave their magic through seven polymorphic lengthy excursions, plus the reflective closer 'A Rumour of Twilight'. They are full of beautiful vocal melodies, superb instrumental parts, great sounds, glorious tunes, loads of fascinating diversions, enchanting acoustic forays, and bursts of powerful rocking. This is one of those albums that has the “ooh I like that bit” factor by the shovel load, I'm particularly taken with the catchy climax to 'Natasha Of The Burning Woods', if they did a dance mix it would be smash in the clubs, and it is all content, not noodling. It is all capped with Sylvia's wonderful warm voice, she could be Jon Anderson's daughter, and propelled along by Mattias Olsson's mighty shed building drums and Ellen Andrea Wang's Jon Camp/Chris Squire esque grunting bass. Lars Fredrik Frøislie's avalanche of keyboards take me back to the days when Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz had a mountain of equipment the size of Everest, the likes of Moog, Arp, Mellotron, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond, etc. etc., oh what names to conjure with. Ketil Einarsen's flute is a key ingredient, but more classical and pure than Ian Anderson's huff and puff, and guitarist and songwriter Jacob Holm-Lupouses uses a diverse palette of sounds and styles, from gentle acoustic picking to soaring leads. Although his haunting lyrics were written before the terrible terrorist attacks in his homeland, they have now take on a fresh poignancy and perspective, and although he has had misgivings, he said there “something cathartic and therapeutic in the music”. Steve Wilson for once is nowhere to be seen, he must be on holiday, but you can't totally escape his clutches as his chum from No-Man, Tim Bowness, contributes vocals and lyrics to the more pastoral 'Kansas Regrets'. This is the return of the an important band and a must for all aficionados of all things prog of whatever hue, their forest is here, a tremendous 9/10 (Phil)
WEREWORLD..'WEREWORLD'
(Avispa Music) Reviewed 20th Sept 2011
I was chatting with Guillermo the guitarist about how few Spanish bands of any description, let alone metal, become known outside their own borders, ask most people and they will be left scratching their heads, a very strange phenomenon for such a massive country, well, Wereworld are determined to put this right. At the core of their songs is top rate Sonata Arctica/Nightwish type powerful melodic symphonic metal, but what sets them apart from the crowd is the twists, turns and musical hooks they inject, anything from full blown orchestral to bluesy guitar solos to massed choirs to bursts of power metal to musical theatre to Ennio Morricone style film score to bouts of aggressive venom to Tijuana Brass to Mexican Mariachi to Celtic folk. There's even a touch of French accordion on one of my faves, 'Autumn Song', which transports you to the banks of the Seine on a rainy September's day. So many bands follow a predictable verse chorus pattern, once you've heard the first minute, you know what's coming next, Wereworld on the other hand keep you glued to the edge of your edge of your seat to the very last note. Not only does it take a highly talented, versatile and skilful band to carry this off, but also the song-writing/arrangements/band have to be dead tight to stop it becoming chaotic or ending up sounding like a pastiche, it all has to make sense in the context of the song. Out front adorable Ana Rochas has a dual faceted voice, deep powerful rock with occasional higher semi-operatic, with a delicious Spanish twang (all lyrics in excellent English, again unusual for a Spanish band), sometimes accentuated by a rather sexy rasp that sends a shiver down my spine, and she ably supported by Guillermo who does rock, tenor and aggressive but clean vocals. In fact, the variety of voices, duetting, storytelling, theatrical drama and musical diversions gives the album a feeling of a metal opera like Aina or Roswell Six. Keys player Jaime Sanz supplies many of the magical ingredients, the wonderfully named Danny Growl is allowed to show off his skills with the four stringer instead of the normal backing boom, and it is all powered along by Rubén Fernandez's drums, showing his flair around the toms. You get 9 mini epics and a couple of classic powerful ballads centred around the awesome 'Requiem for the World' and led by the catchy lead single 'I F.L.Y.' (video on Female Voices blog) with its tasty Moog motif, all professionally recorded. Their penchant for throwing all sorts into the mix is a two edged sword, it may confuse some people, but if like me you like the unpredictable, albeit kept under under strict control, then you will be in heaven, there is certainly something for everyone, whether you're into traditional, melodic, power or symphonic metal. It's down to your principles, do you either sell out and try to pander to a particular market, or you follow your own heart. Let us hope that people throughout Europe take Wereworld to their hearts, they certainly deserve it, their Facebook is here, a highly enterprising 9/10 (Phil)
VIOLET FURY..'SWEETNESS and LIES'
(Self Release) Reviewed 17th Sept 2011
Enter the world of atmospheric Gothic Rock with Violet Fury. Formerly called Violet Vortex, this British Band I think deserves more recognition than they are actually getting. 'Sweetness and Lies' is their debut and I was put onto them by Rachel, who is the quiet shy one here at Ravenheart Towers, but she sure knows her music. 'Beautiful Nightmare' kicks things off, with vocalist Laura 'FUF' Jones sounding a little like Amy Lee. Maybe this is what Evanescence would sound like if they was a more Gothy and Atmospheric Band. The Amy Lee comparisons do continue at times through this release, with Violet Fury's overall sound maybe akin more to a female fronted Depeche Mode or perhaps even Nine Inch Nails. 'Opium' is a dark and broody number, while 'Not This Time' is a more synth driven up tempo track. 'Call Me' is a Blondie cover that remains true to the original to an extent with subtle touches of electronica. The album ends with the epic 6+ minute 'Dancing On Your Grave'. To summarise, this is 10 tracks of guitar/synth driven Gothic Rock and is worth checking out. The album can be downloaded from CdBaby and iTunes to name just two. 8.25/10 (Dave)
LINDSAY ULLMANN..'BLOODSUCKER' (3 Track Single)
(Self Released) Reviewed 6th Sept 2011
A mini opus here featuring three tracks of music that is going to inspire me to check out this lass from Surrey further. Basically, this is a single release, with lead off track 'Bloodsucker' setting the pace here rather nicely. However, Lindsay hardly looks the Vampire type as she cuts through this rather catchy blood sucking number. 'No Good Perfection' is a subtle slower but yet another great tune, but I much prefer closer 'Cry Alone' that in itself could be a single too. The tunes here I would put into the rock category but with pop sensibilities. It is difficult to score just three tracks, but if any future full length album by this lass has songs that are the quality of this little epic, it could prove to be an interesting release. Check her out here. (Dave)
VARIOUS ARTISTS..'MELODY and MALICE'
(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 10th August 2011
I always find compilations hard to review and I am one of these people that in many cases only listens to a compilation cd once, only going back to the album to listen to a particular track or two. But having said that, I have been introduced to many a band's music through a compilation cd, so they do have their valuable plus points. Femme Metal is one of the leaders in Female Fronted Music, and this double whammy offers up 32 tracks of music to blow the mind of any metal fan, whether you are a lover of Female Fronted Music or not. Many of the bands on here I am familiar with, but one or two have escaped under the Ravenheart radar, Deadlock who opens cd 1 as one example. Other prime offerings on the first cd include tracks by Regardless of Me, In This Moment, Katra and local band Winter Storm. Cd 2 kicks off proceedings with 'Wait For Me' by Magica, a song that should be familiar to many of those into the genre. The second cd's highlights include tracks by Edenbridge, The Mariana Hollow, Achilla, Lacuna Coil and Ravenheart's very own Evil's Desire. There is some good music on here, and not only will fans of Female Fronted Metal lap this up, this double album is a good introduction to people who are just a little curious into what the genre has to offer. Offering criticism though, but on a constructive note, I feel there is more malice here than melody, but that is just my personal taste. It gets released on 26th September with proceeds going to the NSPCC. Good stuff Carrie! 8.75/10 (Dave)
VAMPYRE HEART..DEMO EP
(Self Released) Reviewed 31st July 2011
Vampyre Heart is a Gothic/Vampire Rock band from Bournemouth on the south coast of England. They are fronted by a lovely lass called Summer, and they have been jolly good friends of mine for a while now. They won many over when they appeared at the Ravenheart Rock night on July 9th. Their live performance was awesome, as was their recent performance in Barnstaple, Devon, despite some apparent sound issues. They have released this six track demo cd, that is a good showcase for the material that they offer the discerning listener, and a taster for a forthcoming album. We have here 6 tracks of Electro/Vampyre Rock, each track a great foot tapper in their own right. 'Lost Within The Shadows' kicks this litte platter off, and this is an ideal start to the cd, and gives a good indication as to what to expect from the remainder of this demo. Indeed, this material would go down well in the Gothic clubs. Vampyre Heart is a good example of a band that work really hard with limited resources and they should be supported all the way. Take a trip to their reverbnation site to hear for yourself. To finalise, this is for fans of Gothic/Electro/Vampyre Rock, and going by this, the band has nailed it, and confirmation of that can be found if you google them. You see numerous sites within the genre that support them and their music, and if you wanna know more, contact me here. This is cool...8.5/10 (Dave)
WILDPATH..'UNDERNEATH'
(Brennus Music) Reviewed 24th July 2011
I was totally enchanted by their last album Non Omnis Moriar (review in the Ravenheart Archives) so I am very excited about this new release, the third from this French band founded in 2001 by school friends Alexis Garsault (keyboards) and Olivier Caron (guitar). Wildpath are the epitome of the unique French brand of symphonic speedy power metal that is no way as frantic as Dragonforce or as physical as Helloween or as bombastic as Nightwish, their music is lighter, more playful, more diverse and more romantic.'Seeds of a Dream' introduces the wonderful orchestral and choral arrangements used throughout the album, and you also get a second bonus CD of orchestral versions of all the songs that takes you into the realms of a Danny Elfman soundtrack. There is a vitality, vibrancy, enthusiasm and sheer sense of fun about their music that is so infectious, if it doesn't get you moving, call an undertaker, this is music to bring a smile to your face and a spring into your step. Songs like 'Unearthed' and 'Dive' are mighty multidimensional mini epics with deep thoughtful lyrics and ebullient refrains. 'Reviver' is an almost Diablo Swing Orchestra like boogie, 'Anchored' would get Jack Sparrow slicing his mainbrace, 'X' is invaded by the Tasmanian Devil, the ballad 'Dreaming Doll' is simply sublime, and 'The Craft' gets seriously groovy, time to shake a leg. The songs are packed with magical musical moments and loads of delightful surprises, during the absolutely awesome 'Crystallized' even Deep Purple burst through door (featuring bassist Nicolas Lopes's excellent voice). Adding to the richness is the diversity of the instrumentation used by Alexis, for example the clever use of xylophone, which takes them far beyond the standard string dominated symphonic sound. Belle Marjolaine Bernard does a splendid job with her lovely semi operatic voice, at times she has to cope with some real tongue twisters, the performances from all the lads are totally professional, I'm surprised guitarists Olivier and Matthias Bouyssou don't tie their fingers in knots, and it's all been superbly recorded by Alexis and Oliver in their own studio. Pierre Mahier is a phenomenal drummer who shows real versatility, and his double peddling is kept to fleeting flutters that are so quick it's a wonder he doesn't vanish in a puff of smoke. This is an album of incredible imagination and joie de vivre that anyone who loves symphonic metal will adore, from Within Temptation to Rhapsody, there's something for everyone. Tread the path that is wild to their portal here, a magnifique 9.5/10 (Phil)
ULTIMATE FATE..'BEYOND THE HORIZON'
(Self Release) Reviewed 13th July 2011
Ultimate Fate come from Sweden, a country not noted for symphonic metal compared with their neighbours Finland, a fact which I have always found most curious. They also feature a keyboard player Andreas Bergqvist which is again also unusual for a Swedish band. Fronted by enchanting Jennie Nord they present here a taster of what is to come with a diverse sample of their wares. 'Horizon' is a superb powerful anthemic symphonic metal song full of rippling piano. The hugely melodic 'Beyond Fear' sways and flows and glides reminding me of Winter in Eden and Hanging Doll before taking off towards a more powerful sound. Last track 'Retribution' heads over the border towards mighty Nightwish. You may expect this to be of demo quality but the production is exemplary. This 3 track sampler certainly wets the appetite for what is to come, available to download from various purveyors, their website holds more info http://www.ultimatefate.se/, a very exciting new band to look out for. (Phil)
WITCHCRAFT..'ASH'
(Ravenheart Music - Digital Release)
The Russian metal-band Witchcraft began to exist in 2005. It was initially just a gothic band, but some time later, Witchcraft started to mix different music styles and created a new experimental style, that they now call Dark Progressive Metal. Indeed, to be fair that would sum the music of Witchcraft up quite nicely. Fronted by Angel with clean male vocals by a guy called B. Golik, this their second release is an impressive record with liberal use of keys throughout the album. The keys kinda giving the record that Progressive feel. Some awesome songs here including the title track, the haunting ballad 'Frail Rime' (showcasing Frontlady Angel's impressive and angelic vocal style), the epic near 7 minute long 'Alive' and the beautiful 'Eternity'. Overall, this record is very consistent throughout it's 12 tracks, excellent all round musicianship and is well worth checking out, with a Worldwide release expected digitally via the Ravenheart label very soon. The band's myspace site is here. Great stuff..8.75/10 (Dave)
XOANON..'MIDDAY'
(Self Release) Reviewed 5th June 2011
Xoanon are a mysterious Polish group who are so unknown even the band have never heard of themselves. Added to that on singer Ula's own Myspace site she calls herself 'Secretly'. All I can tell you is that the other two members are Waldy, guitar and bass and Kriss on synth, and, urmmm, that's it really. But they really do exist, their CD sits proudly on display amongst the Monets and Manets in the Tour du Roi's Chambre de Chevaliers here at Ravenheart Towers. By now you are probably expecting this to sound like it was recorded on a cheap mobile phone in someone's bathroom, but they are far above your average amateur back bedroom band, and the production is surprisingly professionally good. They have a distinctive brand of thoughtful engrossing melodic gothic metal with strong leanings towards symphonic and prog rock, sort of somewhere between Delain and Anathema. The songs swirl and sweep from lighter to powerful heavier passages with loads of surprising twists and turns, unpredictable without being disjointed. The gentler sections are sublime, and have an almost ethereal tranquillity, 'Slipping' being a perfect example, and when they take off like on the soaring 'Scorching' the results are quite stunning. To compliment this Waldy uses a wide variety of guitar sounds, and Kriss's keyboards are excellent, for a three piece band they make one hell of a massive sound. Ula has a delightful strong semi-operatic voice, my only complaint is that she should be higher in the mix, especially during heavier parts. I presume a drum machine was used as there is no drummer credited, if it is then it is very well done, you will struggle to tell the difference, which again separates them from many other small projects that use tiresome clattering drum machines. Added to that the quality of their own songs such as the superb 'How Much Longer' is shown by the fact that their version of 'Only For The Weak' by In Flames fits seamlessly into the track list, and it is done their way, not as a replica. All in all a most surprising début from a most surprising band, as to obtain a copy, all I can suggest is writing to the band at xoanonband@gmail.com and their Myspace is here, a most surprising 8.5/10 (Phil)
WEEPING SILENCE..'THEATRE OF LIFE'
(Ravenheart Music) Reviewed 25th May 2011
Malta's Weeping Silence have been on the metal scene since the mid 90's and are the very definition of a band who have paid their dues and deserve success. I along with a host of other reviewers were mightily impressed with their last release, 2008's 'End of an Era', but this album sees them take it to the next level as they look to break out and take on the might of European gothic metal. There is a massive void left by Within Temptation's move into 80's melodic metal, so the time is certainly ripe. I do not mean to suggest that Weeping Silence are copying Within Temptation, quite the opposite, they have an equally long history (founded a year before in fact), the same roots in 90's doom, and have undergone a similar natural metamorphosis into symphonic gothic metal. However there they diverge as Weeping Silence have chosen to develop the 'Mother Earth' style which I have sadly missed, it is curious that very few bands have explored this distinctive branch of metal despite its original success. There are eight multifaceted epics containing that unique mix of symphonic, gothic and prog rock/metal with the doom turned into a melancholic atmosphere as they swirl and sweep effortlessly between heavier and lighter, slower and livelier passages, but always with a anthemic chorus at their heart. The biggest difference is that the lighter elements are more melodic rock rather than folk and indeed the whole album is almost as much rock as metal orientated. The other main difference is the highly varied lead guitar work by Mario and Manuel which punctuate Alison's orchestral keyboard soundscapes, and Sean's use of fretless bass is most unusual for a metal band, when combined with Angelo's skilled drumming it allows them to glide rather than pound. Perfectly matching and enhancing the music is lovely Rachel Grech's gorgeous pitch perfect voice that echoes Sharon den Adel's semi operatic post banshee/pre rock 'Silent Force' style, ably supported by four opera singers who have been magically transformed into a massed choir, and the band has thankfully and wisely ditched all traces of growling. It's all been professionally produced at the high-tech Temple Studios on Malta's sun-kissed Mistra Bay. We get off to a stately start with 'Of Light and Shadow', 'Dark Waters' then picks up the pace with it's catchy refrain, and 'Within White Walls' slows it down before it too gathers momentum. The inspiring title track 'Theatre of Life' comes next before the sublime 'Season’s Journey'. There is a lovely balance in the running order as they launch into awesome dynamic 'Promises Broken', followed by the reflective moody almost Camel'ish' instrumental 'Monuments' showcasing Sean's fretless, and we end with the rousing 'Innocent Cries'. Theatre of Life is a very apt title for this work, it has everything a good play should have, drama, poignancy, emotion, romance, thoughtfulness, darkness, lightness and Rachel's lyrical poetry. This is an album that grows with every listen, gradually enveloping you in its warm embrace. You can find their stage here, a theatrical 9.5/10 (Phil)
WOODSCREAM..'PENDRAMA'
(Self Release) Reviewed 25th May 2011
Fronted by Valentina Tsyganova, Woodscream is one of the brightest young bands on the underground scene of Saint Petersburg. The music performed by Woodscream is a harmonic composition of the various genres of modern metal, which includes the elements of European folk traditions and the atmosphere of the dark middle-age tales on which the lyrics of majority band’s songs are based. This five track EP is very representative of what I have said above. Sung in their native Russian, the tracks here are rather quirky and terribly cathcy from the opener Равновесие (Equilibrium) to the closer Аконит (Aconite). Pop to their Myspace here, whilst I can whole heartedly recommend Woodscream as a band to be watched. Very good! 8.5/10 (Dave)
Xe-NONE..'DANCEFLOORATION'
(RefLEXYa Records) Reviewed 1st April 2011
During my dafter moments I like to tease friends that Katy Perry has joined Cradle of Filth or Shakira is making an album with Fear Factory, but sadly they never believe me. Well, if you want to know what such a concoction might sound like, look no further, Russians Xe-NONE with their raving dance metal. Grooving dance synths and beats courtesy of Newman and Push, F****r's (it rhymes with tucker’s) raging riffing metal guitars (yep F****r is the name of the guitarist!), Lexy Dance yelling his head off during the ve_blankrses and ravishing Lady EvilAnn belting out ridiculously catchy choruses like a suped up Lulu, what a mixture. Two things are for sure, this will blow your mind and it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on (unless you're a contortionist!). They were formed by Lexy and Newman in Kirov back in 2004 to create a fusion between 90's dance music and modern metal, releasing their appropriately titled début album 'Dance Metal [Rave]olution' that was recorded in 2007 and released in 2008. 'Heartcore' sets out their manifesto of mayhem, turn it up until the needles turn red and watch the neighbours run screaming into the street. Tunes like 'Summertime' and 'Cyber Girl' will have you dancing around the room like your pants (or knickers) are on fire, and 'VHS' reminds me of The Buggles gone metal. However, this is no joke band, they are all excellent musicians, the immense production is totally professional, EvilAnn has an amazing voice, and the songwriting is superb, for examples of their more serious side just listen to 'Dreamcity' and 'Blackhole Time', while 'Blood, Fire, Snow' is one of the most colossal, ferocious and terrifying symphonic metal songs I have ever heard, the neighbours will be begging for mercy. This is a wild tango into uncharted territory, music for the feet and head that will bring a smile to your face and spring in your step, so strut you_blankr funky stuff to their dance-floor here, a mind bending body popping 8.5/10 (Phil)
WINDFALL..'CRUSH' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd March 2011
Italy seems to be bubbling under with female fronted metal talent at the moment, and now we have Melodic Metal Band Windfall fronted by Francesca Tedeschi, to wet our appetites. Kicking off with 'Dad Show', this is an intense and powerful number that will knock you backwards, before 'Life is a Challenge' hits you while you are still recovering from the opener. 'Revenge' starts with an 80's AOR keys type sound, before the band kick in to produce yet another powerful number, with the EP finishing with the dynamic title track. The vocals of Francesca Tedeschi are damn cool on this release, with the other band members throwing in good performances too. This is worth checking out - their myspace is here...8.25/10 (Dave)
WITHIN TEMPTATION..'THE UNFORGIVING'
(Roadrunner Records) Reviewed 18th March 2011
WIthin Temptation...need I say anymore. A fave band of mine without a doubt, and a new direction? Maybe, but it works, although some will argue with that assumption no doubt. Certainly to my ears it does anyway. The brief 34 second intro 'Why Not Me' takes us onto the totally cool 'Shot In The Dark' showcasing the band's new Rock direction. And as catchy as hell I might add too. And you have no time to catch your breath when 'In The Middle of the Night' hits ya! Great guitar intro, and this track almost flirts with Power Metal Territory, certainly a high tempo number and with a great catchy chorus! Next track up 'Faster' is certainly well publicised now and needs no intro - a great track and now becoming one of my fave WT tracks. 'Fire and Ice' is a gothy super cool 4 minute ballad, possibly dipping their toes into more familiar Within Temptation territory, great piano and strings throughout. 'Iron' ups the ante, and the band sure pump some with this track, super cool! 'Where is the Edge' will be familiar to fans, and a rather typically sounding Within Temptation tune to boot, while 'Sinead' is a cool and very catchy sounding rock number, a highlight of the album. 'Lost' is another awesome sounding power ballad together with great guitar solo. The closing trio of 'Murder', 'A Demon's Fate' and the ballad 'Stairway To The Skies' are three totally dynamic rock numbers to finish on. To summarise, real fans don't have to like the new direction of WT's music, but real fans should also have the decency not to bitch about it. The band are on top form, Sharon has never sounded better, and to my ears this record is cool, has a rock edge for sure, but it is still unmistakebly Within Temptation. This is a sure fire winner and will get a 10/10 (Dave)
WORLD OF GLASS PROMOTIONS...WORLD OF GLASS COMPILATION VOLUME 1
(Download Only Release) Reviewed 13th March 2011
Compilations can be difficult to review, especially as most of the tracks on a compilation, one normally is familiar with, like greatest hits, best ofs etc. But this little cookie is something just a little different. It features 60 tracks of music by relatively unknown underground female fronted bands. So you will not find Evanescence, Delain, Within Temptation or the like on here, but what you will discover is 60 tracks of awesome music by bands/artists that are not household names as such. To go through and review every track one by one and I will still be here next Christmas, but there can be found here such symphonic masterpieces as 'Revolution Has Begun' by Analgesia, flirtations with the Industrial/Electro being the rather catchy 'Energy Vampire' by Dharma, and some hard rock from Solsikk by way of the track 'Freefall' from their forthcoming S/T album. And we are still on CD1 of this amazing 3 CD set. Other highlights (and there are loads of them too) across the compilation include tracks by Lovelorn, Narwhal Tusk, Syrens Call, Khaelys, Bare Infinity, Wedingoth, Medan Agan, Djerv, Exoterik and Pythia. Although I have highlighted these artists, do not let that mislead you, every track by every artist across this compilation is a sheer gem. This so happens to be a totally awesome compilation from Raquel and Alexis at World of Glass. It can be downloaded from WorldofGlass, and as it's free, go on, download it!!!!....9.5/10 (Dave)
VITRUVIUS..S/T
(Dust on the Tracks) Reviewed 7th March 2011
Vitruvius are quite a rarity, a new prog metal band from Mexico, a country not noted for this genre (apart from Elfonia of course), fronted by by the gorgeous Dulce Robles, with all lyrics in English. Vitruvius was a Roman architect, engineer and general boffin so it makes an appropriate name for a prog band. On their German record company website they are likened to Within Temptation and Nightwish, why on earth do some people say everything female fronted is like these bands, it's like saying everything male fronted is like Guns N' Roses, it's about as useful as a chocolate fire-guard, and it does not do Dulce and the guys any justice. I suppose the company hopes fans of these bands will go out and buy the record blindly. Vitruvius are far more like a mix of the melodic gothic tinged Reasoning, the heavier proggier jazzier To-Mera, and the space metal of Ayreon. Dulce has a rich pure voice with a touch of jazz and soul that fits the music like a glove. This is top notch professionally produced melodic prog metal that displays all the technical skill that you would expect, but they never get too complex at the expense of the songs which are fairly concise by prog standards, the guitar and synth solos by mainman Oskar Villarreal are a reasonable length and don't outstay their welcome. He also gets a good wig out on the suitably titled instrumental 'Alchemist' while Dulce goes for a cuppa. Highlights include Armando Thame's incredible bass work on 'Stealing A Tear From the Rain', 'Inner Space' which has a whiff of Wish You Were Here, Dulce's belting performance on 'Somewhere' which also features guest keyboardist Lucas Espinoza, and the terrific two part 'Black Sphere'. Perhaps the couple of tracks after 'Alchemist' could do with a bit more work in the song writing department, or something different like a ballad or an acoustic number. It's easily available, just head to their Facebook here for more info, a well engineered 8.5/10 (Phil)
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS..'DELTA'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 27th February 2011
The last VofA album 'Trinity' was reviewed on this site in April 2007, and since then, the band has undergone line up changes including a change of female singer (twice!). Indeed, new singer Maxi Nil (ex-Elysium) is able to prove her talents as a first-class vocalist on this album, whilst the supporting role of Mario Plank's aggressive vocal accents places a finishing and unique touch to the tracks on offer. The change of female vocals which so happens to be their fourth since the band's debut did kind of leave a question in my mind as to whether this would affect the quality of the output from the band, but first track out 'Black River Delta' did put my mind at rest, this being a strong opening symphonic track to what is a strong and stable Symphonic Metal record. The ballads are there also, second track in, the rather dramatic and powerful 'Memento' being one such number, while the gentle 'Reflection' is another. One of my fave tracks however is 'New Dawn' a fairly short but still a powerful and catchy song, and they do have a video to this posted on our femalevoices blogspot. Another fave here being the Nightwish sounding 'Twist of Fate'. This is overall a very good release and certainly fans of the Symphonic Metal Genre will lap this up. One more thing I would like to add and as mentioned on my review of 'Trinity', I used to find Mario Plank's clean and at times nasally vocal style just a little annoying and distracting (that's possibly just me), but even they have improved over time. Great stuff..8.75/10 (Dave)
WHISPERS OF FATE..'EMBRACE MY WINTER'
(Self Release) Reviewed 23rd January 2011
Whispers Of Fate is an Italian Symphonic Gothic Metal project brought to life by the near operatic vocal style of Betty, together with Kaos on guitars. The musical compositions from this duo began in early 2007, and after many attempts to form a proper band they start working on their first full-length album. Even if the band's core still consists of the two founding members, in 2009 Alexander joins the project as drummer and Venom (cool name eh?) as keyboard player, and in the latter part of 2010 this album is released. Although classed as an album, I would call this more an EP, the work featuring seven tracks offering just slightly more than 30 minutes of symphonic wintry melodies melted with female vocals, in a powerful metal attitude. What I do notice on this release is the orchestration that is brought to life by the keys and synths, and accompanied elsewhere by some competent musicanship too. 'Forgotten Prayer' is an awesome orchestral atmospheric intro, whilst 'Sphere' is quite a catchy track. 'Preludio D'Inverno' is a quieter number sung in Betty's native tongue (presumably), that merges into the final track, the more upbeat 'Frozen Heart'. This is a very interesting release, and proving that there is a helluva lot of pretty decent unsigned stuff out there. Check them out at www.myspace.com/whispersoffate. Not bad, not bad at all...8.5/10 (Dave)
UNRULY CHILD..'WORLDS COLLIDE'
(Frontiers Records) Reviewed 4th January 2011
The 1992 self titled debut from Unruly Child is quite rightly an AOR/Melodic Rock masterpiece, with the vocals of Mark Free spearheading an album of melodic but hard hitting rock. And I am proud to have that debut album in my collection. Mark Free left the band after that release, only to return in 2010 to complete the original line up for this, Unruly Childs's fifth offering. But there is one difference this time. After having gone through a helluva lot of personal problems, Mark Free has now returned as Marcie Michelle Free, and therefore, I now have the honour of reviewing this release for the Ravenheart Music site. And there is no doubt that Marcie's vocals are still as stong as ever, being backed up by a sterling performance from the remaining members of her band. 'Show Me The Money' is a powerful up tempo opener, while 'When We Were Young' is a great melodic and catchy song. 'Tell Another Lie' is an awesome power ballad, while the awesomely catchy 'Love is Blind' ups the tempo again. The second half of the album is as good as the first half, a mix of ballads ('Talk To Me' and 'You Don't Understand') and melodic rockers ('Neverland' and 'Very First Time'). To summarise, this is a very strong melodic rock/AOR release, and I myself have nothing full of admiration for Marcie and the band as a whole. As a consequence, I have to say that this is a strong record and well worthy of 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Dave).
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XANDRIA..'NEVERWORLD'S END'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 9th February 2012
Xandria, well what can I say? Since their shoot-to-fame debut 'Kill the Sun' and the ever-popular hit album 'Ravenheart', the band has attracted an ever-increasing fanbase.They have indeed been a fave band of mine now for some while, and Ravenheart Music actually takes it's name from their second album. This is the band's debut appearance on the Napalm Rosta, and if there is anybody out there that misses the Nightwish of old, this album will be for you. The band in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof, who herself replaced original singer Lisa Middelhauve. Now fronted by the awesome operatic voice of Manuela Kraller (one of the best operatic voices I have ever heard), listening to this album for the first time left me totally gobsmacked and lost for words, Manuela understanding how to express an entire range of emotions, and as a consequence, she is an incredible asset to the band.This release is going to be enormous, absolutely no doubt about that. The opening salvo of 'A Prophecy of Worlds to Fall', and 'Valentine' confirm that the band has stayed true to its original sound, while tipping the scales in favour of a more metal sound. Heavy guitars and a driving double bass meet symphonic elements and captivating melodies. Totally mind blowing. And just when you thought "wow", along comes 'Forevermore' at a slightly lower tempo but still just as awesome, and with a chorus that will remain in your head for ages afterwards. 'Blood On My Hands' is another track that will leave you spellbound, while 'Soulcrusher' is a heavy and slightly more complex number, as the title may suggest. 'The Dream Is Still Alive' is the album's ballad, and there is even some Folk influences within 'A Thousand Letters' and 'Cursed'. Epic closer, the 9 minute plus 'The Nomads Crown' drops some middle eastern influences into the glorious choral backdrop, ending the album in magnificent fashion. This album offers one glorious highlight after another, delivering the perfect union between metal and magnificence, a Symphonic Metal masterpiece full of sensual and breathtaking moments. No doubt some people will now call them Nightwish clones, but I disagree, this is Xandria, plain and simple. This is a must buy, this band having just powered it's way to the top of the Premier League with this record!! 10/10 (Dave)
WORMHOLE..'THE STRING THEORY'
(LadyMusicDistro) Reviewed 27th January 2012
Italian Band Wormhole was born in April 2003. The original line-up included Domenico (bass), Francesco (guitar), Paolo (drums) and Marfa (vocals), replaced by current vocalist Valentina in 2006. The band aimed at starting a project with female vocals, in which the dark mood of the musical structures and vocal melodies would have melted with the typical dissonant post-rock style and the entangled prog-rock rhythmic patterns. Indeed a wormhole stands as the metaphor of a link between ideas, sounds, words and contrasts which at first sight may appear too distant from each other, and which are connected in the same way as parallel dimensions are connected. Anyway, with this their latest 9 track recording, the band has taken their music towards a more simple plainer Gothic Metal sound, imagine if you will a mix of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and The Gathering, and that should tell you perhaps where this band is travelling. Some good numbers here, mainly floating between Rock and Metal but melodic and accessible. Further information can be obtained from their Facebook site, whilst I am totally gobsmacked at the amount of good music that is floating around at the moment. The band has recorded two EPs, this is their first full length offering, and I wholeheartedly recommend this to our readers..8.5/10 (Aimee)
ZOLTAR SPEAKS..'TREATMENT' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 23rd January 2012
5 piece band Zoltar Speaks hail from the West Country, a part of the UK that is very familiar to me. Fronted by the powerful vocal style of Louise Body, this Somerset based band pump out 4 hard rocking tracks on this EP, with loadsa melody thrown into the mix for good measure. The aforementioned high octane vocals of Louise kick ass, and that is suited to the type of music the band indulges in. 'A Metaphor' kicks things off and comes blasting out of the speakers like a turbo charged rhino. A very melodic chorus to boot as well. The pace continues with 'How Could You Blame' with yet another melodic chorus - great stuff! 'The Best Revenge' refuses to let up, while closer 'Treatment' slows it up a bit, and could well become a live favourite I think. Check the band out here, as this is Melodic Metal that packs a punch, and is recommended. 8.25/10 (Dave)
VOICES OF DESTINY..'POWERDIVE'
(Massacre Records) Reviewed 24th December 2011
The young German Band Voices of Destiny grace us with their second album (their second within a year!), and this effort continues very nicely from where their debut album 'From The Ashes' left off. Fronted by the clear soprano voice of Maike Holzmann, that contrasts with the grim shouts of male vocalist Lukas Palme, the band combine Epic Metal á la Edenbridge with Gothic Symphonic Metal in the style of Epica and Within Temptation, adding traditional riffing and well-placed Death Growls from the aforementioned Lukas. And regards Maike, she commands this record with great aplomb, especially the bombastic chorus lines, and she leads the slower and melodic parts with much emotion and sentiment. There are 12 tracks (inc bonus) here of powerful Symphonic Melodic Metal, and every one is a little gem. One of my faves amongst the twelve however is 'Being Worth', a great atmospheric but extremely catchy number. Indeed, I am hard pressed to find fault on this album, and surely Voices of Destiny is now to become a force to be reckoned with, within the Gothic/Symphonic Genre. This album is showing great maturity from this young band, and is one helluva release to kick off 2012. It gets released on the 27th January, and I whole heartedly recommend this album to fans of the genre. Great stuff!..9/10 (Dave)
VIRGO..'#1'
(Self Release) Reviewed 2nd November 2011
Virgo is a band from Hungary that has been sent my way by Andrea Boltsek, who I correspond with occasionally via email. The band is a six piece with vocal duties being taken care of by blond lass Viki Vasvári. Virgo despite having two guitarists amongst their fold (which may suggest a heavier more metallic sound), actually soundwise take a more alternative rock direction like Garbage, Placebo or Muse. So you won't find any Symphonic tendencies here. Some good catchy numbers nonetheless on this 9 track recording, and some of these songs you will find possibly sticking in your head and refusing to go away long after the cd has finished. We even have some strings putting in an appearance on the slower bar room style track 'Mixture of Grace and Ordure'. Generally the numbers on offer however are mid paced to uptempo affairs. I am not sure how easy this cd will be to track down, but the band can be checked out at their website. Recommended to fans of the above mentioned artists and anybody into a more alternative rock sound.... 8.5/10 (Dave)
YOUTH SOUNDS..''TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 25th October 2011
Hailing from the big easy New Orleans, sister and brother combo vocalist Erika and bassist Federico Mejia formed Youth Sounds in 2009. This is their second EP following on from last years 'The Bit Parts'. Their name sounds like a boy band, and is bound to strike terror into anyone who remembers Musical Youth. Thankfully their music is nothing like it, and is far more reminiscent of The Feeling's or The Killers indie rock sound mixed with some Shiny Toy Guns and Ting Tings, but there is also a yearning melancholic underbelly that sets them apart. Opener the guitar driven bright and breezy 'It's Hell' is as catchy as hell, 'Whatever Works' is more atmospheric with twinkling synths, 'Foolish Love' and 'You'll Be The Death of Me' shows their deeper more thoughtful side, and finally there's the dreamy profound 'We're No One'. They a highly promising band that combine the more intelligent with the more commercial, and I look forward to a full length début, their website is here, it's available from the usual download stores, a musically youthful 8.5/10 (Phil).
WHILE SUN ENDS..'THE EMPTINESS BEYOND' (Promo)
(Self Release) Reviewed 21st October 2011
Another goodie that Dave has sent my way. The blond I may be, but I like my metal black! While Sun Ends call themselves an Alternative/Death Metal Band, and that sums this 8 track record up rather nicely. I think you could add the word Progressive into that little mix as well, the progressive elements to my ears surfacing a little on opener 'Last Moments'. This is mainly mid paced to up tempo aggressive music from this Italian Band, with quiter, slower and rather more atmospheric interludes occasionally added to the pot. Most of the vocals, extreme and clean are done by their leading lady Serena, although others are involved throughout the course of the recording. For example, Jonathan from Sunpocrisy has made the clean vocal with Serena on the track 'The Stage', while Rubens from Hungry Like Rakovitz does the screams in some parts on 'Winter'. This style of music may make some listeners hide behind their sofas, but this brings out the bad girl in me :) For fans of this style of music, I would say to give this band a listen by checking out their myspace, as they are worth looking into! 8.25/10 (Rachel)
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS..'MARIA MAGDALENA'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 19th October 2011
Visions of Atlantis first embarked on their musical journey over 10 years ago, their latest album 'Delta' delivering an impressive mix of epic power and pure emotion. Their recent tour in support of this release couldn't have been more successful. Not only did the band members, including new vocalist Maxi Nil, win over countless new fans, but they also grew closer together, as is evident in the band's latest MCD, offering 5 brand-new songs, as well as one re-recording. The opener is an epic symphonic version of Sandra's 'Maria Magdalena', capturing the original spirit of the 80s hit. The vocal duet comprising Maxi Nil and Mario Plank giving the song a welcomed dynamic. 'Melancholia', 'Change of Tides', and 'Distant Shores' uncover the band's orchestrally appealing style that has won them so many fans, while the re-recording of 'Last Shut of Your Eyes' (from the album 'Cast Away') and 'Beyond Horizon' wind this work down with a soulful and dreamy edge. This is good and can be bought from the usual outlets from 21st October, 8.75/10 (Aimee)
WHISPERING WOODS..'FAIRY WOODS'
(Self Release) Reviewed 10th October 2011
Romanians Whispering Woods were founded by guitarist Doru Căilean in 2008 with the dream of creating a complete concept that would embrace their music, image and live shows. Since then is has taken many line-up changes and a great deal of dedication to finally realise their vision. So this is a concept album based upon their own fairytale, but this no ordinary story as you are the main protagonist. Awaking in a forest you believe you are in a dream, but after a terrifying encounter with a Leviathan you realise that this is a very real world beyond normal reality. The story then unfolds as you are taken on an amazing adventure deep into the Fairy Woods. I feel this mysterious and enigmatic tale is a subtle allegory for plight of our planet as it heads towards ecological disaster, and only if we become one again with nature can we save our beautiful world, but you may also have your own feelings and interpretations, it is certainly a story full of deep, profound and multiple meaning. They cultivate a hybrid of light symphonic gothic folk rock/metal that entwines around early Within Temptation, Weeping Silence, Dunwich, Lyriel and Materdea, with Alexandra Burcă's excellent authentic operatic voice that suits the music perfectly. The songs are very descriptive and evocative, taking you on a variety of twisting, turning paths, sometimes dramatic, sometimes gentle, sometimes rocking, sometimes soothing, perfectly personified by the epic 'Ode to the Leviathan' where they organically climb from the quiet stillness of a forest clearing through the crown canopy to soaring crescendos amongst the tree tops. This is music to light a scented candle to, sit back, and become one with the story and atmosphere, like on 'Black Wedding' where Cora Miron starts with a wedding march on her organ before it becomes a creepy funeral dirge, or the spooky vibe in the rocking 'Ghost in the Monastery'. The production is clear and precise with a live feel, it is a good job that they are all good musicians and singers because there is no wall of sound or studio trickery to hide behind, every nuance of what they play is exactly what you hear. This is a band that shows that less can be more, like Cora's aching piano on the plaintive 'Sleeping Angel', and at times you can even hear the rustle of the snare or the hum of the strings as they drop to just guitar and drums, their woods really can whisper. Radu uses a variety of acoustic and electric sounds to complement the music, and Cătălina Popa, who has played with Haggard, provides loads of folky flute to the sound, exemplified by the beautiful folk rock 'The Call of the Trees' and the lively title track 'Fairy Woods'. This is a work of huge imagination and atmosphere so take the path to their Whispering Wood here, and it's available at a variety of download branches, an enchanted 8.75/10 (Phil)
WHITE WILLOW..'TERMINAL TWILIGHT'
(Termo Records) Reviewed 2nd October 2011
Norwegians White Willow have been important players in the prog scene since their 1995 début, now they are now back after a five year hiatus with their strongest line-up to date, including the return of the voice of White Willow, Sylvia Skjellestad. They are rooted in the great British tradition of melodic prog, Gentle Giant, Caravan, Camel, Jon Anderson, early pre AOR Genesis and early pre weird King Crimson, but with added art pop-rock and a touch of alternative, folk and gothic rock, plus an occasional smidgeon of avant garde. However, although they use vintage equipment, this sounds a very modern record, its retro prog, but brought bang up to date. White Willow weave their magic through seven polymorphic lengthy excursions, plus the reflective closer 'A Rumour of Twilight'. They are full of beautiful vocal melodies, superb instrumental parts, great sounds, glorious tunes, loads of fascinating diversions, enchanting acoustic forays, and bursts of powerful rocking. This is one of those albums that has the “ooh I like that bit” factor by the shovel load, I'm particularly taken with the catchy climax to 'Natasha Of The Burning Woods', if they did a dance mix it would be smash in the clubs, and it is all content, not noodling. It is all capped with Sylvia's wonderful warm voice, she could be Jon Anderson's daughter, and propelled along by Mattias Olsson's mighty shed building drums and Ellen Andrea Wang's Jon Camp/Chris Squire esque grunting bass. Lars Fredrik Frøislie's avalanche of keyboards take me back to the days when Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz had a mountain of equipment the size of Everest, the likes of Moog, Arp, Mellotron, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond, etc. etc., oh what names to conjure with. Ketil Einarsen's flute is a key ingredient, but more classical and pure than Ian Anderson's huff and puff, and guitarist and songwriter Jacob Holm-Lupouses uses a diverse palette of sounds and styles, from gentle acoustic picking to soaring leads. Although his haunting lyrics were written before the terrible terrorist attacks in his homeland, they have now take on a fresh poignancy and perspective, and although he has had misgivings, he said there “something cathartic and therapeutic in the music”. Steve Wilson for once is nowhere to be seen, he must be on holiday, but you can't totally escape his clutches as his chum from No-Man, Tim Bowness, contributes vocals and lyrics to the more pastoral 'Kansas Regrets'. This is the return of the an important band and a must for all aficionados of all things prog of whatever hue, their forest is here, a tremendous 9/10 (Phil)
WEREWORLD..'WEREWORLD'
(Avispa Music) Reviewed 20th Sept 2011
I was chatting with Guillermo the guitarist about how few Spanish bands of any description, let alone metal, become known outside their own borders, ask most people and they will be left scratching their heads, a very strange phenomenon for such a massive country, well, Wereworld are determined to put this right. At the core of their songs is top rate Sonata Arctica/Nightwish type powerful melodic symphonic metal, but what sets them apart from the crowd is the twists, turns and musical hooks they inject, anything from full blown orchestral to bluesy guitar solos to massed choirs to bursts of power metal to musical theatre to Ennio Morricone style film score to bouts of aggressive venom to Tijuana Brass to Mexican Mariachi to Celtic folk. There's even a touch of French accordion on one of my faves, 'Autumn Song', which transports you to the banks of the Seine on a rainy September's day. So many bands follow a predictable verse chorus pattern, once you've heard the first minute, you know what's coming next, Wereworld on the other hand keep you glued to the edge of your edge of your seat to the very last note. Not only does it take a highly talented, versatile and skilful band to carry this off, but also the song-writing/arrangements/band have to be dead tight to stop it becoming chaotic or ending up sounding like a pastiche, it all has to make sense in the context of the song. Out front adorable Ana Rochas has a dual faceted voice, deep powerful rock with occasional higher semi-operatic, with a delicious Spanish twang (all lyrics in excellent English, again unusual for a Spanish band), sometimes accentuated by a rather sexy rasp that sends a shiver down my spine, and she ably supported by Guillermo who does rock, tenor and aggressive but clean vocals. In fact, the variety of voices, duetting, storytelling, theatrical drama and musical diversions gives the album a feeling of a metal opera like Aina or Roswell Six. Keys player Jaime Sanz supplies many of the magical ingredients, the wonderfully named Danny Growl is allowed to show off his skills with the four stringer instead of the normal backing boom, and it is all powered along by Rubén Fernandez's drums, showing his flair around the toms. You get 9 mini epics and a couple of classic powerful ballads centred around the awesome 'Requiem for the World' and led by the catchy lead single 'I F.L.Y.' (video on Female Voices blog) with its tasty Moog motif, all professionally recorded. Their penchant for throwing all sorts into the mix is a two edged sword, it may confuse some people, but if like me you like the unpredictable, albeit kept under under strict control, then you will be in heaven, there is certainly something for everyone, whether you're into traditional, melodic, power or symphonic metal. It's down to your principles, do you either sell out and try to pander to a particular market, or you follow your own heart. Let us hope that people throughout Europe take Wereworld to their hearts, they certainly deserve it, their Facebook is here, a highly enterprising 9/10 (Phil)
VIOLET FURY..'SWEETNESS and LIES'
(Self Release) Reviewed 17th Sept 2011
Enter the world of atmospheric Gothic Rock with Violet Fury. Formerly called Violet Vortex, this British Band I think deserves more recognition than they are actually getting. 'Sweetness and Lies' is their debut and I was put onto them by Rachel, who is the quiet shy one here at Ravenheart Towers, but she sure knows her music. 'Beautiful Nightmare' kicks things off, with vocalist Laura 'FUF' Jones sounding a little like Amy Lee. Maybe this is what Evanescence would sound like if they was a more Gothy and Atmospheric Band. The Amy Lee comparisons do continue at times through this release, with Violet Fury's overall sound maybe akin more to a female fronted Depeche Mode or perhaps even Nine Inch Nails. 'Opium' is a dark and broody number, while 'Not This Time' is a more synth driven up tempo track. 'Call Me' is a Blondie cover that remains true to the original to an extent with subtle touches of electronica. The album ends with the epic 6+ minute 'Dancing On Your Grave'. To summarise, this is 10 tracks of guitar/synth driven Gothic Rock and is worth checking out. The album can be downloaded from CdBaby and iTunes to name just two. 8.25/10 (Dave)
LINDSAY ULLMANN..'BLOODSUCKER' (3 Track Single)
(Self Released) Reviewed 6th Sept 2011
A mini opus here featuring three tracks of music that is going to inspire me to check out this lass from Surrey further. Basically, this is a single release, with lead off track 'Bloodsucker' setting the pace here rather nicely. However, Lindsay hardly looks the Vampire type as she cuts through this rather catchy blood sucking number. 'No Good Perfection' is a subtle slower but yet another great tune, but I much prefer closer 'Cry Alone' that in itself could be a single too. The tunes here I would put into the rock category but with pop sensibilities. It is difficult to score just three tracks, but if any future full length album by this lass has songs that are the quality of this little epic, it could prove to be an interesting release. Check her out here. (Dave)
VARIOUS ARTISTS..'MELODY and MALICE'
(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 10th August 2011
I always find compilations hard to review and I am one of these people that in many cases only listens to a compilation cd once, only going back to the album to listen to a particular track or two. But having said that, I have been introduced to many a band's music through a compilation cd, so they do have their valuable plus points. Femme Metal is one of the leaders in Female Fronted Music, and this double whammy offers up 32 tracks of music to blow the mind of any metal fan, whether you are a lover of Female Fronted Music or not. Many of the bands on here I am familiar with, but one or two have escaped under the Ravenheart radar, Deadlock who opens cd 1 as one example. Other prime offerings on the first cd include tracks by Regardless of Me, In This Moment, Katra and local band Winter Storm. Cd 2 kicks off proceedings with 'Wait For Me' by Magica, a song that should be familiar to many of those into the genre. The second cd's highlights include tracks by Edenbridge, The Mariana Hollow, Achilla, Lacuna Coil and Ravenheart's very own Evil's Desire. There is some good music on here, and not only will fans of Female Fronted Metal lap this up, this double album is a good introduction to people who are just a little curious into what the genre has to offer. Offering criticism though, but on a constructive note, I feel there is more malice here than melody, but that is just my personal taste. It gets released on 26th September with proceeds going to the NSPCC. Good stuff Carrie! 8.75/10 (Dave)
VAMPYRE HEART..DEMO EP
(Self Released) Reviewed 31st July 2011
Vampyre Heart is a Gothic/Vampire Rock band from Bournemouth on the south coast of England. They are fronted by a lovely lass called Summer, and they have been jolly good friends of mine for a while now. They won many over when they appeared at the Ravenheart Rock night on July 9th. Their live performance was awesome, as was their recent performance in Barnstaple, Devon, despite some apparent sound issues. They have released this six track demo cd, that is a good showcase for the material that they offer the discerning listener, and a taster for a forthcoming album. We have here 6 tracks of Electro/Vampyre Rock, each track a great foot tapper in their own right. 'Lost Within The Shadows' kicks this litte platter off, and this is an ideal start to the cd, and gives a good indication as to what to expect from the remainder of this demo. Indeed, this material would go down well in the Gothic clubs. Vampyre Heart is a good example of a band that work really hard with limited resources and they should be supported all the way. Take a trip to their reverbnation site to hear for yourself. To finalise, this is for fans of Gothic/Electro/Vampyre Rock, and going by this, the band has nailed it, and confirmation of that can be found if you google them. You see numerous sites within the genre that support them and their music, and if you wanna know more, contact me here. This is cool...8.5/10 (Dave)
WILDPATH..'UNDERNEATH'
(Brennus Music) Reviewed 24th July 2011
I was totally enchanted by their last album Non Omnis Moriar (review in the Ravenheart Archives) so I am very excited about this new release, the third from this French band founded in 2001 by school friends Alexis Garsault (keyboards) and Olivier Caron (guitar). Wildpath are the epitome of the unique French brand of symphonic speedy power metal that is no way as frantic as Dragonforce or as physical as Helloween or as bombastic as Nightwish, their music is lighter, more playful, more diverse and more romantic.'Seeds of a Dream' introduces the wonderful orchestral and choral arrangements used throughout the album, and you also get a second bonus CD of orchestral versions of all the songs that takes you into the realms of a Danny Elfman soundtrack. There is a vitality, vibrancy, enthusiasm and sheer sense of fun about their music that is so infectious, if it doesn't get you moving, call an undertaker, this is music to bring a smile to your face and a spring into your step. Songs like 'Unearthed' and 'Dive' are mighty multidimensional mini epics with deep thoughtful lyrics and ebullient refrains. 'Reviver' is an almost Diablo Swing Orchestra like boogie, 'Anchored' would get Jack Sparrow slicing his mainbrace, 'X' is invaded by the Tasmanian Devil, the ballad 'Dreaming Doll' is simply sublime, and 'The Craft' gets seriously groovy, time to shake a leg. The songs are packed with magical musical moments and loads of delightful surprises, during the absolutely awesome 'Crystallized' even Deep Purple burst through door (featuring bassist Nicolas Lopes's excellent voice). Adding to the richness is the diversity of the instrumentation used by Alexis, for example the clever use of xylophone, which takes them far beyond the standard string dominated symphonic sound. Belle Marjolaine Bernard does a splendid job with her lovely semi operatic voice, at times she has to cope with some real tongue twisters, the performances from all the lads are totally professional, I'm surprised guitarists Olivier and Matthias Bouyssou don't tie their fingers in knots, and it's all been superbly recorded by Alexis and Oliver in their own studio. Pierre Mahier is a phenomenal drummer who shows real versatility, and his double peddling is kept to fleeting flutters that are so quick it's a wonder he doesn't vanish in a puff of smoke. This is an album of incredible imagination and joie de vivre that anyone who loves symphonic metal will adore, from Within Temptation to Rhapsody, there's something for everyone. Tread the path that is wild to their portal here, a magnifique 9.5/10 (Phil)
ULTIMATE FATE..'BEYOND THE HORIZON'
(Self Release) Reviewed 13th July 2011
Ultimate Fate come from Sweden, a country not noted for symphonic metal compared with their neighbours Finland, a fact which I have always found most curious. They also feature a keyboard player Andreas Bergqvist which is again also unusual for a Swedish band. Fronted by enchanting Jennie Nord they present here a taster of what is to come with a diverse sample of their wares. 'Horizon' is a superb powerful anthemic symphonic metal song full of rippling piano. The hugely melodic 'Beyond Fear' sways and flows and glides reminding me of Winter in Eden and Hanging Doll before taking off towards a more powerful sound. Last track 'Retribution' heads over the border towards mighty Nightwish. You may expect this to be of demo quality but the production is exemplary. This 3 track sampler certainly wets the appetite for what is to come, available to download from various purveyors, their website holds more info http://www.ultimatefate.se/, a very exciting new band to look out for. (Phil)
WITCHCRAFT..'ASH'
(Ravenheart Music - Digital Release)
The Russian metal-band Witchcraft began to exist in 2005. It was initially just a gothic band, but some time later, Witchcraft started to mix different music styles and created a new experimental style, that they now call Dark Progressive Metal. Indeed, to be fair that would sum the music of Witchcraft up quite nicely. Fronted by Angel with clean male vocals by a guy called B. Golik, this their second release is an impressive record with liberal use of keys throughout the album. The keys kinda giving the record that Progressive feel. Some awesome songs here including the title track, the haunting ballad 'Frail Rime' (showcasing Frontlady Angel's impressive and angelic vocal style), the epic near 7 minute long 'Alive' and the beautiful 'Eternity'. Overall, this record is very consistent throughout it's 12 tracks, excellent all round musicianship and is well worth checking out, with a Worldwide release expected digitally via the Ravenheart label very soon. The band's myspace site is here. Great stuff..8.75/10 (Dave)
XOANON..'MIDDAY'
(Self Release) Reviewed 5th June 2011
Xoanon are a mysterious Polish group who are so unknown even the band have never heard of themselves. Added to that on singer Ula's own Myspace site she calls herself 'Secretly'. All I can tell you is that the other two members are Waldy, guitar and bass and Kriss on synth, and, urmmm, that's it really. But they really do exist, their CD sits proudly on display amongst the Monets and Manets in the Tour du Roi's Chambre de Chevaliers here at Ravenheart Towers. By now you are probably expecting this to sound like it was recorded on a cheap mobile phone in someone's bathroom, but they are far above your average amateur back bedroom band, and the production is surprisingly professionally good. They have a distinctive brand of thoughtful engrossing melodic gothic metal with strong leanings towards symphonic and prog rock, sort of somewhere between Delain and Anathema. The songs swirl and sweep from lighter to powerful heavier passages with loads of surprising twists and turns, unpredictable without being disjointed. The gentler sections are sublime, and have an almost ethereal tranquillity, 'Slipping' being a perfect example, and when they take off like on the soaring 'Scorching' the results are quite stunning. To compliment this Waldy uses a wide variety of guitar sounds, and Kriss's keyboards are excellent, for a three piece band they make one hell of a massive sound. Ula has a delightful strong semi-operatic voice, my only complaint is that she should be higher in the mix, especially during heavier parts. I presume a drum machine was used as there is no drummer credited, if it is then it is very well done, you will struggle to tell the difference, which again separates them from many other small projects that use tiresome clattering drum machines. Added to that the quality of their own songs such as the superb 'How Much Longer' is shown by the fact that their version of 'Only For The Weak' by In Flames fits seamlessly into the track list, and it is done their way, not as a replica. All in all a most surprising début from a most surprising band, as to obtain a copy, all I can suggest is writing to the band at xoanonband@gmail.com and their Myspace is here, a most surprising 8.5/10 (Phil)
WEEPING SILENCE..'THEATRE OF LIFE'
(Ravenheart Music) Reviewed 25th May 2011
Malta's Weeping Silence have been on the metal scene since the mid 90's and are the very definition of a band who have paid their dues and deserve success. I along with a host of other reviewers were mightily impressed with their last release, 2008's 'End of an Era', but this album sees them take it to the next level as they look to break out and take on the might of European gothic metal. There is a massive void left by Within Temptation's move into 80's melodic metal, so the time is certainly ripe. I do not mean to suggest that Weeping Silence are copying Within Temptation, quite the opposite, they have an equally long history (founded a year before in fact), the same roots in 90's doom, and have undergone a similar natural metamorphosis into symphonic gothic metal. However there they diverge as Weeping Silence have chosen to develop the 'Mother Earth' style which I have sadly missed, it is curious that very few bands have explored this distinctive branch of metal despite its original success. There are eight multifaceted epics containing that unique mix of symphonic, gothic and prog rock/metal with the doom turned into a melancholic atmosphere as they swirl and sweep effortlessly between heavier and lighter, slower and livelier passages, but always with a anthemic chorus at their heart. The biggest difference is that the lighter elements are more melodic rock rather than folk and indeed the whole album is almost as much rock as metal orientated. The other main difference is the highly varied lead guitar work by Mario and Manuel which punctuate Alison's orchestral keyboard soundscapes, and Sean's use of fretless bass is most unusual for a metal band, when combined with Angelo's skilled drumming it allows them to glide rather than pound. Perfectly matching and enhancing the music is lovely Rachel Grech's gorgeous pitch perfect voice that echoes Sharon den Adel's semi operatic post banshee/pre rock 'Silent Force' style, ably supported by four opera singers who have been magically transformed into a massed choir, and the band has thankfully and wisely ditched all traces of growling. It's all been professionally produced at the high-tech Temple Studios on Malta's sun-kissed Mistra Bay. We get off to a stately start with 'Of Light and Shadow', 'Dark Waters' then picks up the pace with it's catchy refrain, and 'Within White Walls' slows it down before it too gathers momentum. The inspiring title track 'Theatre of Life' comes next before the sublime 'Season’s Journey'. There is a lovely balance in the running order as they launch into awesome dynamic 'Promises Broken', followed by the reflective moody almost Camel'ish' instrumental 'Monuments' showcasing Sean's fretless, and we end with the rousing 'Innocent Cries'. Theatre of Life is a very apt title for this work, it has everything a good play should have, drama, poignancy, emotion, romance, thoughtfulness, darkness, lightness and Rachel's lyrical poetry. This is an album that grows with every listen, gradually enveloping you in its warm embrace. You can find their stage here, a theatrical 9.5/10 (Phil)
WOODSCREAM..'PENDRAMA'
(Self Release) Reviewed 25th May 2011
Fronted by Valentina Tsyganova, Woodscream is one of the brightest young bands on the underground scene of Saint Petersburg. The music performed by Woodscream is a harmonic composition of the various genres of modern metal, which includes the elements of European folk traditions and the atmosphere of the dark middle-age tales on which the lyrics of majority band’s songs are based. This five track EP is very representative of what I have said above. Sung in their native Russian, the tracks here are rather quirky and terribly cathcy from the opener Равновесие (Equilibrium) to the closer Аконит (Aconite). Pop to their Myspace here, whilst I can whole heartedly recommend Woodscream as a band to be watched. Very good! 8.5/10 (Dave)
Xe-NONE..'DANCEFLOORATION'
(RefLEXYa Records) Reviewed 1st April 2011
During my dafter moments I like to tease friends that Katy Perry has joined Cradle of Filth or Shakira is making an album with Fear Factory, but sadly they never believe me. Well, if you want to know what such a concoction might sound like, look no further, Russians Xe-NONE with their raving dance metal. Grooving dance synths and beats courtesy of Newman and Push, F****r's (it rhymes with tucker’s) raging riffing metal guitars (yep F****r is the name of the guitarist!), Lexy Dance yelling his head off during the ve_blankrses and ravishing Lady EvilAnn belting out ridiculously catchy choruses like a suped up Lulu, what a mixture. Two things are for sure, this will blow your mind and it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on (unless you're a contortionist!). They were formed by Lexy and Newman in Kirov back in 2004 to create a fusion between 90's dance music and modern metal, releasing their appropriately titled début album 'Dance Metal [Rave]olution' that was recorded in 2007 and released in 2008. 'Heartcore' sets out their manifesto of mayhem, turn it up until the needles turn red and watch the neighbours run screaming into the street. Tunes like 'Summertime' and 'Cyber Girl' will have you dancing around the room like your pants (or knickers) are on fire, and 'VHS' reminds me of The Buggles gone metal. However, this is no joke band, they are all excellent musicians, the immense production is totally professional, EvilAnn has an amazing voice, and the songwriting is superb, for examples of their more serious side just listen to 'Dreamcity' and 'Blackhole Time', while 'Blood, Fire, Snow' is one of the most colossal, ferocious and terrifying symphonic metal songs I have ever heard, the neighbours will be begging for mercy. This is a wild tango into uncharted territory, music for the feet and head that will bring a smile to your face and spring in your step, so strut you_blankr funky stuff to their dance-floor here, a mind bending body popping 8.5/10 (Phil)
WINDFALL..'CRUSH' EP
(Self Release) Reviewed 22nd March 2011
Italy seems to be bubbling under with female fronted metal talent at the moment, and now we have Melodic Metal Band Windfall fronted by Francesca Tedeschi, to wet our appetites. Kicking off with 'Dad Show', this is an intense and powerful number that will knock you backwards, before 'Life is a Challenge' hits you while you are still recovering from the opener. 'Revenge' starts with an 80's AOR keys type sound, before the band kick in to produce yet another powerful number, with the EP finishing with the dynamic title track. The vocals of Francesca Tedeschi are damn cool on this release, with the other band members throwing in good performances too. This is worth checking out - their myspace is here...8.25/10 (Dave)
WITHIN TEMPTATION..'THE UNFORGIVING'
(Roadrunner Records) Reviewed 18th March 2011
WIthin Temptation...need I say anymore. A fave band of mine without a doubt, and a new direction? Maybe, but it works, although some will argue with that assumption no doubt. Certainly to my ears it does anyway. The brief 34 second intro 'Why Not Me' takes us onto the totally cool 'Shot In The Dark' showcasing the band's new Rock direction. And as catchy as hell I might add too. And you have no time to catch your breath when 'In The Middle of the Night' hits ya! Great guitar intro, and this track almost flirts with Power Metal Territory, certainly a high tempo number and with a great catchy chorus! Next track up 'Faster' is certainly well publicised now and needs no intro - a great track and now becoming one of my fave WT tracks. 'Fire and Ice' is a gothy super cool 4 minute ballad, possibly dipping their toes into more familiar Within Temptation territory, great piano and strings throughout. 'Iron' ups the ante, and the band sure pump some with this track, super cool! 'Where is the Edge' will be familiar to fans, and a rather typically sounding Within Temptation tune to boot, while 'Sinead' is a cool and very catchy sounding rock number, a highlight of the album. 'Lost' is another awesome sounding power ballad together with great guitar solo. The closing trio of 'Murder', 'A Demon's Fate' and the ballad 'Stairway To The Skies' are three totally dynamic rock numbers to finish on. To summarise, real fans don't have to like the new direction of WT's music, but real fans should also have the decency not to bitch about it. The band are on top form, Sharon has never sounded better, and to my ears this record is cool, has a rock edge for sure, but it is still unmistakebly Within Temptation. This is a sure fire winner and will get a 10/10 (Dave)
WORLD OF GLASS PROMOTIONS...WORLD OF GLASS COMPILATION VOLUME 1
(Download Only Release) Reviewed 13th March 2011
Compilations can be difficult to review, especially as most of the tracks on a compilation, one normally is familiar with, like greatest hits, best ofs etc. But this little cookie is something just a little different. It features 60 tracks of music by relatively unknown underground female fronted bands. So you will not find Evanescence, Delain, Within Temptation or the like on here, but what you will discover is 60 tracks of awesome music by bands/artists that are not household names as such. To go through and review every track one by one and I will still be here next Christmas, but there can be found here such symphonic masterpieces as 'Revolution Has Begun' by Analgesia, flirtations with the Industrial/Electro being the rather catchy 'Energy Vampire' by Dharma, and some hard rock from Solsikk by way of the track 'Freefall' from their forthcoming S/T album. And we are still on CD1 of this amazing 3 CD set. Other highlights (and there are loads of them too) across the compilation include tracks by Lovelorn, Narwhal Tusk, Syrens Call, Khaelys, Bare Infinity, Wedingoth, Medan Agan, Djerv, Exoterik and Pythia. Although I have highlighted these artists, do not let that mislead you, every track by every artist across this compilation is a sheer gem. This so happens to be a totally awesome compilation from Raquel and Alexis at World of Glass. It can be downloaded from WorldofGlass, and as it's free, go on, download it!!!!....9.5/10 (Dave)
VITRUVIUS..S/T
(Dust on the Tracks) Reviewed 7th March 2011
Vitruvius are quite a rarity, a new prog metal band from Mexico, a country not noted for this genre (apart from Elfonia of course), fronted by by the gorgeous Dulce Robles, with all lyrics in English. Vitruvius was a Roman architect, engineer and general boffin so it makes an appropriate name for a prog band. On their German record company website they are likened to Within Temptation and Nightwish, why on earth do some people say everything female fronted is like these bands, it's like saying everything male fronted is like Guns N' Roses, it's about as useful as a chocolate fire-guard, and it does not do Dulce and the guys any justice. I suppose the company hopes fans of these bands will go out and buy the record blindly. Vitruvius are far more like a mix of the melodic gothic tinged Reasoning, the heavier proggier jazzier To-Mera, and the space metal of Ayreon. Dulce has a rich pure voice with a touch of jazz and soul that fits the music like a glove. This is top notch professionally produced melodic prog metal that displays all the technical skill that you would expect, but they never get too complex at the expense of the songs which are fairly concise by prog standards, the guitar and synth solos by mainman Oskar Villarreal are a reasonable length and don't outstay their welcome. He also gets a good wig out on the suitably titled instrumental 'Alchemist' while Dulce goes for a cuppa. Highlights include Armando Thame's incredible bass work on 'Stealing A Tear From the Rain', 'Inner Space' which has a whiff of Wish You Were Here, Dulce's belting performance on 'Somewhere' which also features guest keyboardist Lucas Espinoza, and the terrific two part 'Black Sphere'. Perhaps the couple of tracks after 'Alchemist' could do with a bit more work in the song writing department, or something different like a ballad or an acoustic number. It's easily available, just head to their Facebook here for more info, a well engineered 8.5/10 (Phil)
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS..'DELTA'
(Napalm Records) Reviewed 27th February 2011
The last VofA album 'Trinity' was reviewed on this site in April 2007, and since then, the band has undergone line up changes including a change of female singer (twice!). Indeed, new singer Maxi Nil (ex-Elysium) is able to prove her talents as a first-class vocalist on this album, whilst the supporting role of Mario Plank's aggressive vocal accents places a finishing and unique touch to the tracks on offer. The change of female vocals which so happens to be their fourth since the band's debut did kind of leave a question in my mind as to whether this would affect the quality of the output from the band, but first track out 'Black River Delta' did put my mind at rest, this being a strong opening symphonic track to what is a strong and stable Symphonic Metal record. The ballads are there also, second track in, the rather dramatic and powerful 'Memento' being one such number, while the gentle 'Reflection' is another. One of my fave tracks however is 'New Dawn' a fairly short but still a powerful and catchy song, and they do have a video to this posted on our femalevoices blogspot. Another fave here being the Nightwish sounding 'Twist of Fate'. This is overall a very good release and certainly fans of the Symphonic Metal Genre will lap this up. One more thing I would like to add and as mentioned on my review of 'Trinity', I used to find Mario Plank's clean and at times nasally vocal style just a little annoying and distracting (that's possibly just me), but even they have improved over time. Great stuff..8.75/10 (Dave)
WHISPERS OF FATE..'EMBRACE MY WINTER'
(Self Release) Reviewed 23rd January 2011
Whispers Of Fate is an Italian Symphonic Gothic Metal project brought to life by the near operatic vocal style of Betty, together with Kaos on guitars. The musical compositions from this duo began in early 2007, and after many attempts to form a proper band they start working on their first full-length album. Even if the band's core still consists of the two founding members, in 2009 Alexander joins the project as drummer and Venom (cool name eh?) as keyboard player, and in the latter part of 2010 this album is released. Although classed as an album, I would call this more an EP, the work featuring seven tracks offering just slightly more than 30 minutes of symphonic wintry melodies melted with female vocals, in a powerful metal attitude. What I do notice on this release is the orchestration that is brought to life by the keys and synths, and accompanied elsewhere by some competent musicanship too. 'Forgotten Prayer' is an awesome orchestral atmospheric intro, whilst 'Sphere' is quite a catchy track. 'Preludio D'Inverno' is a quieter number sung in Betty's native tongue (presumably), that merges into the final track, the more upbeat 'Frozen Heart'. This is a very interesting release, and proving that there is a helluva lot of pretty decent unsigned stuff out there. Check them out at www.myspace.com/whispersoffate. Not bad, not bad at all...8.5/10 (Dave)
UNRULY CHILD..'WORLDS COLLIDE'
(Frontiers Records) Reviewed 4th January 2011
The 1992 self titled debut from Unruly Child is quite rightly an AOR/Melodic Rock masterpiece, with the vocals of Mark Free spearheading an album of melodic but hard hitting rock. And I am proud to have that debut album in my collection. Mark Free left the band after that release, only to return in 2010 to complete the original line up for this, Unruly Childs's fifth offering. But there is one difference this time. After having gone through a helluva lot of personal problems, Mark Free has now returned as Marcie Michelle Free, and therefore, I now have the honour of reviewing this release for the Ravenheart Music site. And there is no doubt that Marcie's vocals are still as stong as ever, being backed up by a sterling performance from the remaining members of her band. 'Show Me The Money' is a powerful up tempo opener, while 'When We Were Young' is a great melodic and catchy song. 'Tell Another Lie' is an awesome power ballad, while the awesomely catchy 'Love is Blind' ups the tempo again. The second half of the album is as good as the first half, a mix of ballads ('Talk To Me' and 'You Don't Understand') and melodic rockers ('Neverland' and 'Very First Time'). To summarise, this is a very strong melodic rock/AOR release, and I myself have nothing full of admiration for Marcie and the band as a whole. As a consequence, I have to say that this is a strong record and well worthy of 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Dave).
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