tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23414778742807285322024-03-05T10:43:51.244+00:00The Carrock Metal: Reviews Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-56045668589713038282014-07-07T17:00:00.000+01:002014-07-07T17:00:00.475+01:00EnkElination "Tears of Lust" Review by Amelia <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNL8pICU9NTcMrGW9qzACZ1KmPDJig1vE0_xxESzL6oPmAe2UanX-bbXfCCKGzssHHCAjyKqLrkAFcEpUj-W6tJs5n1Ya2Qde0JOSkfJrf898NUHTs9lEe9SxTpg4s7Nqi83J9AKaop4/s1600/TEARS+OF+LUST+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNL8pICU9NTcMrGW9qzACZ1KmPDJig1vE0_xxESzL6oPmAe2UanX-bbXfCCKGzssHHCAjyKqLrkAFcEpUj-W6tJs5n1Ya2Qde0JOSkfJrf898NUHTs9lEe9SxTpg4s7Nqi83J9AKaop4/s1600/TEARS+OF+LUST+FRONT+COVER.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><b>Current Line-Up: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Elina - Vocals </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Shadow - Guitars </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Alasdair - Bass </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ben - Drums </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Tracklisting: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
01 Tears of Lust </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
02 Higher Ground </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
03 Never Ending </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
04 Lullaby </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
05 Insane </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
06 What Have You Become </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
07 Reborn </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
08 Chimeras </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
09 Changeling </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
10 Abyss </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
11 Last Time Together </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
EnkElination are a symphonic metal quartet based in
London. Founded by former opera singer Elina in 2011, the band will be releasing their debut album "Tears of Lust" on 21st July 2014. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I pressed the play button to listen to "Tears of
Lust" not knowing much about the band and, needless to say, I was very
impressed with the album especially considering that this is their debut album. I would say it's your generic symphonic metal in the sense that it's
got all the ingredients a symphonic metal fan could wish for in an album...
classical female vocals, heavy guitar riffs topped with soft keyboard notes but,
there's something about this album that I can't quite put my finger on. I mean, it took me a little longer to write this review when compared to other reviews I've written just because I couldn't find the right words to describe what I thought and felt about the album.<br />
<br />
There isn't a dud song on the album as they are all well written both musically and lyrically. EnkElination, I would say, are up there with Delain when discussing the essence of professionalism about the band. All that's left to say is, give "Tears of Lust" a go if symphonic metal is your thing. If it isn't, give it a go anyway. I think it would be a great album to start off with if you want to get into the genre but don't know where to begin. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
EnkElination - Tears of Lust </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-48747818115526520102014-06-18T14:30:00.000+01:002014-06-18T14:30:00.468+01:00Noisy Toyz Forever One Review by Amelia <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4pPaWMUYz214FdfD0ndtU_ePjZqvBIffYPofHoGapbVHqmyHad7m2Z3RAKJ22HVTpChhGi3vXsRZ8dZjay4IQOMfLEFkwF7L3-zo_RhnyIhDZ4H7j9PIRUvvUWv2D3VGAClJc1E1MIM/s1600/forever+one+album+artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4pPaWMUYz214FdfD0ndtU_ePjZqvBIffYPofHoGapbVHqmyHad7m2Z3RAKJ22HVTpChhGi3vXsRZ8dZjay4IQOMfLEFkwF7L3-zo_RhnyIhDZ4H7j9PIRUvvUWv2D3VGAClJc1E1MIM/s1600/forever+one+album+artwork.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Current Line-Up: </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lisa Axworthy - Vocals </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mars Marshall - Guitars, Keyboards, Orchestrations </span><br />
Dave Jenkins - Bass<br />
Steve Cartwright - Drums<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tracklisting: </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">01 Avalon </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">02 In Paradise </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">03 Forever One </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">04 Trail of Tears </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">05 April Rain </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">06 Salvation </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">07 Memories </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">08 Path of Eternity </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">09 Broken Dreams </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10 The Last Dance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First
and foremost, can we just take a moment to appreciate "The Phantom of the
Opera" esque artwork? I think it fits nicely with the lyrical themes
running throughout the album. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking
of the album, it was truly a pleasure to listen to. The opening track
"Avalon" stuck out to me the most for I felt as though it was like I
was listening to a musical. "In Paradise" will have you humming the
song long after you are done listening to the album. The title track
"Forever One" has a very Within Temptation feel to the song what with
Lisa presenting the listener with her higher notes. "Trail of Tears" is
one of my favourites on the album as I find it's one of the more darker songs
and it's very reminiscent to the sound of Leaves' Eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All
in all, I was very impressed with the quality of the album as a whole and I
look forward to hearing more from the band in the future. </span>If you are familiar with symphonic metal, don't hesitate to give these guys a listen. You won't be disappointed!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can purchase "Forever One" from their webshop: </span><a href="http://www.noisytoyz.co.uk/music.html" target="_blank">http://www.noisytoyz.co.uk/music.html<u> </u> </a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-1394178014993659612014-04-16T17:00:00.000+01:002014-04-16T17:36:00.598+01:00Delain The Human Contradiction Review by Amelia <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Score: 7.5/10 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Current Line-up: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Charlotte
Wessels - vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Martijn
Westerholt - keys <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sander
Zoer - drums <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Otto
Schimmelpenninck - bass <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Timo
Somers - guitars <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guest Musicians: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alissa
White-Gluz (Arch Enemy, ex-The Agonist) - vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Marco
Hietala (Nightwish) - vocals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">George
O<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">osthoek</span>
- vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Tracklisting:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">01
Here Come the Vultures <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">02 Your
Body Is A Battleground <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">03
Stardust <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">04 My
Masquerade <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">05
Tell Me, Mechanist <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">06
Sing To Me <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">07
Army Of Dolls <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">08
Lullaby <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">09
The Tragedy Of The Commons <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The
Human Contradiction" is the latest release from the Dutch band, Delain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I first listened to this album, I immediately noticed a change in musical
style. It was much heavier compared to their previous album, "We Are The
Others", and I felt as though it had an almost poppy feel here and there.
I also thought that it was very reminiscent to how they sound live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
band are known in the symphonic metal community for having guest musicians on
their albums, most notably, Marco Hietala (Nightwish), who has been
collaborating with the band since their debut album "Lucidity". On
"The Human Contradiction", he features on "Your Body Is A
Battleground", in which Napalm Recrods released a lyric video for and
"Sing to Me", where Charlotte and Marco sing a duet together. Amongst
this dreamlike host of guest musicians is Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy, ex-The
Agonist), who features on "The Tragedy of the Commons". She
contributes both clean vocals and grunts on this song which, I think, adds a
really nice touch to the song by making it even heavier than it already is. And last but not least, with </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the addition of George </span>O<span style="color: windowtext;">osthoek who, like Marco Hietala, has collaborated with the band since "Lucidity", the album is rounded off nicely as a whole. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><br />My favourite songs from the album are Here Come the Vultures, My Masquerade, Sing to Me and Lullaby. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />The
reason why I have given the album a 7.5/10 is because it was difficult for me
to get into at first because of the change in musical style. I will say that,
if you are familiar with Delain, it will take you a couple of listens to get
used to their new sound but after that, I'm sure you will love it just as I do! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-51185228529259169752014-04-12T17:00:00.000+01:002014-04-12T17:02:09.157+01:00La Ventura White Crow Review by Amelia <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Score: 8.0/10 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Current Line-Up:
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Carla
van Huizen - Vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sasha
Kondic - Guitars <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mike
Saffrie - Bass <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ranzo
van Poecke - Drums</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tracklisting:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">01
Falling Down <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">02
Human Vanity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">03
Close To You <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">04
Song For An Idiot <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">05
White Crow <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">06
Drowning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">07
Time And Time Again <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">08
Neverending Story <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">09
The Only One <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">10
Watch Me Go <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you're looking for heavy then look no further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
their formation in 2007, La Ventura have yet to stray from the path of success.
With the release of "Trefoil", followed the release of their debut
album "A New Beginning" and later in 2013, a record deal with
Ravenheart Music Records and Valkyrie Rising. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
bands' biography describes their sound as "a great blend of melody mixed
with metal, topped with groove and powerful rock vocals". Their latest
release, and the album in which I am going to review, "White Crow",
clearly demonstrates the bands' musical talent as a whole. Upon listening to
this album, the listener is instantly drawn in by heavy guitar riffs as well as powerful female vocals flawlessly delivered by singer Carla van
Huizen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
band have often been compared to Evanescence and Lacuna Coil but, I think that
they are very different as they have their own sound which is almost like
you're listening to a live album when really, you're listening to an album that
was recorded in a studio setting.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having
recently been announced to play at Metal Female Voices Fest this year, the band
only continues to move along the path of success. If you're into symphonic
metal, I highly recommend giving La Ventura a listen or two, especially if it's
heavy you're after! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-75045148970745086802014-03-15T17:00:00.000+00:002014-04-13T17:05:31.956+01:00Van Canto Dawn Of The Brave Review by Amelia <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Score: 8.5/10</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Formed
in 2006, Van Canto are a unique quintet singing what they call "hero metal
a capella". The band consists of two lead singers with the rest of the
members mimicking guitars, bass and keys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Current Line-up: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dennis
Schunke - lead vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inga
Scharf - lead vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ross
Thompson - higher guitar vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stefan
Schmidt - lower guitar vocals, solo guitar vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingo
Sterzinger - bass vocals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bastian
Emig - drums <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tracklisting: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">01
Dawn of the Brave <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">02
Fight For Your Life <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">03
To The Mountains <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">04
Badaboom <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">05
The Final Countdown <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">06
Steel Breaker <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">07
The Awakening <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">08
The Other Ones <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">09
Holding Out For A Hero <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10
Unholy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">11
My Utopia <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">12
Into The West <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">13
Paranoid <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dawn
of the Brave opens with an intro, quickly questioning the listener asking
"what's to come next". It also proposes their genre to those who are
new to the band. This then proceeds onto the first song of the album called
"Fight For Your Life" which delves into inspirational lyrical themes.
In particular, the second song on the album "To The Mountains" is one
of my favourites as it tells a story about a warrior who was called to go into
battle with an old friend. While I admire bands such as Rhapsody Of Fire who
compose songs with similar lyrical themes, this song was right up my street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Badaboom"
is the next song on the album. The band recorded a video for this song where
they dressed up as iconic metal musicians. The message I gathered having
watched the video is that, the music business is changing. The music business
needs instruments to be able to continue successfully, however, it has been
proven that music can be created without instruments. The video then goes on to suggest that, if all
instruments suddenly vanished, musicians would become lost and the music business would
collapse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The
Final Countdown" by Europe is the first cover song listeners come to on
the album. When I read that the band were to cover this song, I was curious as
to how it would sound. It's a cover song so it's different when comparing it to
the original version. The band have added their own touches to the song and all
in all, I really like the way it turned out.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
would be impossible for me to review "Dawn of the Brave" without
talking about "Into The West". As some of you already know, I'm a fan
of J.R.R Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Peter Jackson. Whilst
I love the original song (sung by Annie Lennox of The Eurythmics), Van Canto have
again, added their own touches to the song and have forever embedded a smile
upon my face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
previous releases, Van Canto have had guest musicians sing on their cover and original songs. Some of the names included are Chris Boltendahl (Grave Digger), Tony
Kakko (Sonata Arctica) and Jokaim Broden (Sabaton). On this album, there aren't
any guest musicians. A part from "Dawn of the Brave", "A Storm
To Come" is the only other Van Canto album to not include a guest singer. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-45414056379489698562013-06-24T17:00:00.000+01:002013-06-24T17:01:14.452+01:00Amberian Dawn Re-Evolution Review by Amelia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WqOFCbudb23U4UBSbmw4fh40zdCMm832yFFraaNOb5cRf1Jj96EltKrCJgeFBEJjAhKkl5mbWYZXjijLAAG95qTNof66g6wdtHgS6C3ZJUG_l84f6PMVzfwyRUaSwJTlF7MLONWT9o4/s1600/amberiandawncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WqOFCbudb23U4UBSbmw4fh40zdCMm832yFFraaNOb5cRf1Jj96EltKrCJgeFBEJjAhKkl5mbWYZXjijLAAG95qTNof66g6wdtHgS6C3ZJUG_l84f6PMVzfwyRUaSwJTlF7MLONWT9o4/s320/amberiandawncover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amberian Dawn is one of those bands where I'll listen to their music every now and then but, I can't say I love them. However, this all changed when they released "Circus Black" last year. I even bought "End of Eden" and "Re-Evolution". I've found it difficult to find physical copies of their older albums here in the UK without running into an imported version or buying from their webshop which, it looks like I'll be doing soon!<br />
Albums which I've bought recently from other bands, have either been a hit or miss when it comes to the overall quality of the album. With "Re-Evolution", it's more than a hit, it's a gem. I hear all the time from bands that "our new album is heavier than our previous album" so you end up getting the album and it's no different from their last. I'm not that well educated in music when it comes to describing how a band has changed their sound but, if you've listened to Amberian Dawn's older albums with Heidi on vocals, you'll notice straight away that "Re-Evolution" is heavier. For this album, the band has re-recorded all eleven songs and has added new arrangements here and there so it's all fresh and new.<br />
I'd also like to make a comment about the artwork. It's the most beautiful artwork I've seen for a metal album! I consider this album a staple in my CD collection as it's an all round well-done album.<br />
It's definitely an album worth checking out if you're new to symphonic metal or are looking for a new band to listen to though, I would recommend listening to "Re-Evolution" first before diving into their older albums.<br />
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<b>Highlights:</b> Valkyries, Incubus, Come Now Follow, Circus Black<br />
<b>Rating:</b> 8.5/10Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-21885528552203805612013-03-25T12:56:00.000+00:002013-03-25T12:56:08.096+00:00Nightland In Solemn Rise Review by Amelia <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tracklist: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">01 In Solemn Rise </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">02 Soulprison of Pain </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">03 Diamond Siren </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">04 Knights of the Dark Empire </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">05 Nightland </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IJ6nQTcHXKwQR9vRSZ-EEULyNNWQabDloxqbbpuwSQGHHaJgtBjNiHQS9qN68HmxrlRAmj98PaoQ9Yat3T_FR1b7XAGSH2OeI9TEZ4Pq6__oF94ajRz-d5u0D-CQ-TUyFJu3f7WlFd0/s1600/promo-hi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IJ6nQTcHXKwQR9vRSZ-EEULyNNWQabDloxqbbpuwSQGHHaJgtBjNiHQS9qN68HmxrlRAmj98PaoQ9Yat3T_FR1b7XAGSH2OeI9TEZ4Pq6__oF94ajRz-d5u0D-CQ-TUyFJu3f7WlFd0/s400/promo-hi.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I first heard of Nightland when they followed me on Twitter. I decided to check out their music and I really liked what I heard! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">At first listen, you would think they're from Finland or Sweden so I was surprised to read that they were, in fact, from Italy. Italy appears as somewhat of a "home" for power metal (Rhapsody of Fire, Vision Divine, Secret Sphere, Ancient Bards etc) nevertheless, Nightland are deserving of a spot amongst such names. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Their first release "Knights of the Dark Empire" sets a musical base for the band, demonstrating their grandeur which proceeds onto their latest release, "In Solemn Rise". What continues to draw me to the band is the quality of their songs. I have been put off many bands due to their vocals being mixed too low or their drums too high etc but what I like about this band is how well their songs are blended together. I took the time to listen to everything they've put online so far and I don't have anything bad to say about what I've heard. I've found myself going back and listening to them every now and then! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The band have also recorded a music video for "Diamond Siren" which is taken from "In Solemn Rise". When I watched the video for the first time, it reminded me of "Dio Meets Ensiferum" but, of course, in a good way! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">All in all, Nightland is definitely a band worth checking out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Highlights:</b> Soulprison of Pain, Knights of the Dark Empire, Diamond Siren </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rating:</b> 8/10 </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-29825189906524309772013-03-23T15:42:00.000+00:002013-03-23T16:19:08.440+00:00The Answer Apocalypse 666 Review by Marcus<span style="font-size: small;">Review of „The Mystery“ - Apocalypse 666
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<span style="font-size: small;">„The Mystery“ from Germany, have been active since 1996 and have recently released their 5th album „Apocalypse 666“. After a few lineup changes, they recorded „Apocalypse 666“ with Iris Boanta as their new vocalist. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">When you listen to „Apocalypse 666“, it's like you're listening to female fronted metal from the 80s and you're forced to tap your foot to the music. The second track on the album starts with a spoken intro which transitions into heavy riffs and double bass drum fire. Iris' voice sounds similar to other well known female vocalists active in the 80s, just rough hoarse vocals. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The songs are catchy and are well arranged. Riffs and solos of the two guitars are well placed and are sourrounded by a versatile bass player. Drums are not running on double bass through all the songs but are supporting the bass player on a varied way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The only ballad on the album „In Heaven or Hell“ seems to be a bit of a must have and isn't that powerful as it has the potential to be. On the other hand, one of the title tracks „Nailed to the Cross“ is an uptempo track on which you can hear the power of Iris' voice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Unsure if The Mystery are fitting to your musical expecations? Just visit their site and have a look on their Youtube-Channel. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">[http://www.the-mystery.de/index.php?id=3&L=1]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">[http://www.youtube.com/user/themysterymetal?feature=watch]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tracklist: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">01. Doomsday Prophecy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">02. Apocalypse 666</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">03. Outlaw</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">04. Blackened Ivory</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">05. Nailed to the Cross</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">06. Death's Lullaby</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">07. War Cry</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">08. Ride On</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">09. Ca$hgame</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">10. In Heaven or Hell</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">11. Assaulted Minds</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">12. The Great Escape </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341477874280728532.post-60907537534411662232013-03-07T10:15:00.000+00:002013-03-07T10:15:03.648+00:00Dimlight Psychosynthesis Review by Vera Luz <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xhp47ttXqq5gCZypQqv9TKMaHFYwJd4OkJ0QS_OlPkJRMRgo18WcIVatK3pkSdjWwbOGmKzDOeDbdfB_8HeWO4Z4iuAQJnaBRGiYSeLssa2D7clrDMmrBqF6iVFOnSWFhU-mv_nrpM0/s1600/dl_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xhp47ttXqq5gCZypQqv9TKMaHFYwJd4OkJ0QS_OlPkJRMRgo18WcIVatK3pkSdjWwbOGmKzDOeDbdfB_8HeWO4Z4iuAQJnaBRGiYSeLssa2D7clrDMmrBqF6iVFOnSWFhU-mv_nrpM0/s1600/dl_cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The first time I heard about Dimlight was before Metal Female Voices Fest X. To prepare myself for the festival, I started listening to some of the bands that were going to be playing there. I had never heard of most of them and I have to say that Dimlight was<span style="font-size: small;"> a </span>most pleasant surprise! <br /> At the time they hadn't released their latest album, so I started with Obtenebration and it just sent me to a time and place that I'd almost forgotten. Since they were releasing their new album, Psychosynthesis on 20th October 2012, the second MFVF X day, I had the chance to listen some of their new material live for the first time, and as I was expecting, they didn't let me down! <br /><br />Psychosynthesis is a strong, dark album. Dark lyrics, powerful guitars and drums with the addition of a beautiful touch of keyboards<span style="font-size: small;"> that </span>remind you of the old days of Within Temptation, only with a darker atmosphere. Furthermore, it isn't an easy album for the ones who were used to Obetenebration since Sanna's voice is more powerful and raw so you have to learn to enjoy her new approach on vocals. <br /> Psychosynthesis is delivered in almost the same way as their previous album: it has a great start with a strong and powerful song called "Agonize" but somehow, that sense of power fades away a little bit and the songs that follow begin to feel the same as the last. And then, when you feel like giving up on them, they bring you Cardinal Sins! This song brings everything you can expect from a great gothic metal band: powerful vocals, strong guitars and great growls! I have to say that Invoker is delivering them MUCH BETTER now... not only on the album but live as well. From now on you just get hooked and can't stop listening to it because all the songs which follow give you that sense of a dark embracing atmosphere where you just want to close your eyes and feel it in your skin. Master of <span style="font-size: small;">O</span>ur Fate, Sanna's favorite song, closes the album with a lesson: that only we are responsible for what we are to become in this life. <br />Overall, this is a well delivered gothic metal album that has that "je ne sais quoi" which most bands don't deliver anymore, and that is what makes Psychosynthesis special.<br /><br /> <b>Highlights:</b> Cardinal Sins, Mind's Game and Master of <span style="font-size: small;">O</span>ur Fate. <span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><b><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Website:</b> <a href="http://www.dimlightband.net/" target="_blank">http://www.dimlightband.net/</a> </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0