Reviews

A MILLION MILES..'LEFT' EP

(Independent Release) Reviewed 27th November 2010

A Million Miles is a Hamburg based Rock/Metal Band fronted by Mona, who so kindly sent me this, their debut EP. And this band are no new kids on the block either, being formed in 2005 and whose CV includes supporting Biohazard in 2009. The album is heavy, with Mona's vocals suiting this style of music very well indeed. What you don't get is the operatic style that seems to be the feature of many female fronted acts these days. 'What's Left Behind' kicks this EP off and I can imagine this song kick starting their live shows too, maybe it does, but it steamrollers it's way out of the speakers like a turbo charged express train. 'Chameleon' features awesome gutiar solo, while 'My Voice' keeps the momentum going, as does closing duo of 'The Mask That Heals' and 'Walk All Night' (with another awesome guitar solo). To summarise, this is melodic, it is agressive and it features cool musicianship all round, and I bet they sound good live. Check them out at http://www.amillionmiles.de - 8.25/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

A NEW DAWN..'FALLING FROM GRACE'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 19th April 2009

Once started as a side-project in 2005, nowadays A New Dawn is solid band with their own view on how to make metal. Gothic is just a fragment of the music A New Dawn makes. They add a lot of heavy metal, some prog, a bit of thrash and a few drops of soul. The result is called: "Double Female Fronted Metal". Fronted by Sanne Kluiters and Jamila Ifzaren, the band combine classical with pop singing and there’s also deep grunts to add to the mix. And the band has shared the stage with bands like Delain, Battlelore, Autumn, After Forever, Epica, Headhunter and Holy Moses. So what about the music on 'Falling From Grace'?. It is a little gem and I continually remain gobsmacked at the quality of music that the Scandinavians and the Dutch throw at us. The CD was actually released in May 2008 but has only just entered Ravenheart Towers. This is what I call a good dose of metal, but never short of a spoonful of melody. Check out 'Darkness Falls' as an example. Other faves of mine are 'Kissed Goodbye' - heavy, melodic and awesome, and 'Victimless Tragedy'! Good stuff on offer here and it has to be said that the quality of music from the femme metal genre remains high, despite what some critical reviewers in one or two quarters may be saying. From my point of view, 'Falling From Grace' is well worth checking out...8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

A NEW DAWN..'FINALLY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 31st August 2010

The Netherlands has this habit of producing good bands and A New Dawn (www.myspace.com/anewdawnband) is one of those bands. With one full length release under their belt, the 2008 'Falling From Grace', the band finally returns with this three track EP. And good it is too. Fronted by two lovely ladies, Jamila Ifzaren and Alysia van Horik, with male grunts from Mike van den Heuvel, this release offers up a melodic feast of music coupled with some monstrous riffs. 'Desire' gets this little opus going and by the end of the track, I desire more. And it comes in the form of 'Masque of the Red Death' featuring Mike's growls as does closer 'Final Verdict'. 'Falling From Grace' was a good release and if this is a taster of what is to follow, bring it on :) 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ABACAY.. 'VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCES'

(Whiterock Records) Reviewed 30th January 2010

Abacay are a duo from Germany comprising keys maestro Miles D. Torrance and the angelic Melany Morganstern, with her delectable soft whispering voice that caresses your ears like a gentle kiss. In case you’re wondering, Abacay is a made up word, but I was in a band called Aborom, which secretly stood for ‘Another Bunch of Randy Old Men’, so who knows! This is ten slices of delightful, danceable, pop/electro/rock, the missing link between Natalie Imbruglia and the Pet Shop Boys, full of lovely keyboard and guitar flourishes, and a subtle undertone of electronica. It is hard to pick out favourites, all the songs would make excellent single choices, but to give you an idea, ‘Dry’ builds into a real dance floor filler, lead single ‘Guitar Girl’ is wonderfully singalong, and ‘Nothing’ is a moody rocker. If you love top class pop/rock, or a metalhead who fancies a change, then I cannot recommend this highly enough. Available from their Myspace site, www.myspace.com/abacay. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ABIGAIL'S MERCY..'SALVATION'

(Crooked House Productions) Reviewed 11th November 2007

Hailing from Staffordshire here in the UK, Abigail's Mercy seem to mix old gothy standards, almost with a 70's vibe, together with modern trends. I suppose you could call their style of music Dark Melodic Metal. Melodic most certainly as there is enough here to keep your feet tapping. They mix male (clean) and female vocals courtesy of Steve and Lindsey, coupled with a twin guitar attack. If one could imagine I suppose The Sisters Of Mercy mixed with perhaps Lacuna Coil...well that sums it up quite nicely. Some good stuff here notably the attention grabbing opener 'To Hell With Angels', 'Meaningless', 'Cloud Dancer' and 'The Truth'. Live with this cd as it may not grab you first listen, but after successive plays, it will! This may be a late review, the cd first appeared in September 2005, but my original copy was loaned to someone who is now in Australia and the cd was not given back. So the band sent me a new copy CD/DVD combo (Thanks Terry). The DVD features 'To Hell With Angels' and 'Cloud Dancer', and is pretty cool in it's own right. A good overall effort 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

ABOVE THE SKYLINE..'OCEAN POETRY' EP

(Record Union) Reviewed 18th February 2011

Headbangers and Metal Merchants, run for cover, because if you are expecting Angela Gossow to come screaming out of your speakers, then think again, as this will not be for you :) Above The Skyline is the Side-Project of Bruno Duarte, also from his Ghost Ambient Project music known as "Immundus", although Bruno has also had his feet dipped into the Black Metal Scene in the past. Above The Skyline also has the haunting vocals of Kris Tilbury, a now fundamental and very important member of the equation. Kris adding beautiful choirs and additional instruments such as Harp and other acoustic elements to the music. This is music that encompasses New Age, Darkwave, Gothic, Ethereal and Electronic, being for fans of Enigma, Enya, Delerium, Amethystium, Brian Eno, Era, Conjure One among many others. The kinda music to chill out too after a hard day at the office. The haunting choir like vocals of Kris appear throughout the album, and I must take my hat off to Kris and Bruno for what they have produced here, which is far away from your normal Gothic Metal Fayre. The last album I reviewed that fell into this kind of musical category was 'Dusk And Void Became Alive' by Die Verbannten Kinder Evas back in November 2006 and this is equally as good! I pride myself on the fact that I am very open minded to the music I listen too - I can listen and appreciate a lot of styles. Again I must stress, this is not for the headbangers, but if you like to snuggle up to your partner on the couch while listening to some ambient chill out music at times, then this will suit the occasion. Chill along to Above The Skyline to find out more... 8.25/10 (Dave)

ABSINTHE.. 'CHAPTER ONE: URBAN FAIRYTALES'

(Alkemist Fanatix, UK Division, Code 7) Reviewed 13th October 2009

Absinthe (great name) are a young new wave/indie/alt rock band from Milan, Italy very much in the mould of Paramore and Hey Monday. They are fronted by Sara Frusciante who has a strong pop voice. Sadly, she has just left the band, so if anyone fancies a job? This is a collection of 13 very commercial power pop/rock songs. Favourites include ‘Something’, ‘Blind the Sun’, both of which are very catchy and feature cheesy Farfisa organ, and the ballad ‘Say’. The bonus track, the semi acoustic ‘Limpido’, has an atmospheric vibe, and I would love to see the band explore this side more. All in all a really good listen for power pop fans. Signed copies are available on their Myspace site, www.myspace.com/absinthemilan 8/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ACELDAMA..'SEDUCE, DECEIVE AND LEAD ASTRAY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 6th March 2009

Wow...this band is from Birmingham here in the UK, just a stones throw from Ravenheart Towers. Fronted by the cool sounding Leanne, Aceldama simply rock and they set out from the start to create songs that incorporate atmospheric harmonies and infectious hooks. Opener 'Dinosaurs' bludgeons it's way into your head like a heard of Dinosaurs, while 'Do It Again' keeps up the tempo! Other faves to my ears on this record include, 'Fable' , the slower paced 'Forgotten' the atmospheric 'Weak' and the catchy 'The Last Time' which starts off with a nice accoustic intro. This record is hard rocking, so don't expect gothic operatics here. Anyway, Aceldama have set their sights on the whole of the UK, and introduce the nation to their infectious grooves! At this rate, I think that perhaps the world should sit up and take notice of these infectious grooves. Check out www.myspace.com/aceldamabham and make a purchase! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ACELSIA..'QUIETUDE' EP

(Self Released) Reviewed 10th February 2011

This four track EP arrived at Ravenheart Towers at the start of the week, and observing a Norwegian postmark, I instantly became rather curious, as Scandinavia is the breeding ground for some pretty decent bands. And we have a band here that look set to contribute some awesome music to our fine genre in the future - and this EP offers a good start. Acelsia basically deliver a brand of Melodic Metal focusing on strong and memorable melodies, and featuring Malene Markussen on vocals who has a kind of unique pop/rock style, this style indeed suits the music very well. Opener 'All These Years' pounds along with progressive tendencies , while 'Happiness Prevails' is a more straight forward Melodic Metal song that bangs around in your head well after the song has finished. 'Unbroken' slows things down, an almost doom feel actually but maintaining Malene's pop vocal style. Closer 'Still Undone' is a Melodic Monster that leaves me wanting more. Check the band out at Acelsia ....8.25/10 (Dave)

ACHILLA..3 Track cd feat the single 'Arashi'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 21st August 2010

How the hell are Achilla unsigned. I think there are one or two labels that should stop signing X Factor style rubbish and start signing real music. The band comprises members from various European nations, and is fronted by Martamaria, whose amazing vocal range has got her a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The three tracks here including the catchy single 'Arashi' are heavy and very melodic, and this offers a perfect taster as to what is to come on their forthcoming album 'Timeless'. Check this awesome band out at www.myspace.com/achillamusic. This cd single gets released digitally on the 1st Sept and in cd format on the 16th Sept....8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ACT 3..'PRINCESS TRAGEDY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 18th March 2009

What a great little release we have here. ACT 3 are from Sweden, which still begs the question..."what do the Scandinavians put in their water?" This is a super little gothic metal release by a band that has taken us here at Ravenheart Towers by storm. Even my partner in crime Aimee is gobsmacked! We absolutely love the five tracks on offer here on this EP, from the opener 'Princess Tragedy' (love the brief string intro) to the closing track 'Memories', which is a bonus track so it says on the sleeve. The music is heavy, catchy and totally awesome and it plods along at a decent pace. Also, the vocals of Lina are really cool - no operatic warblings here I hasten to add? All I want to say really is take a trip to www.myspace.com/act3sweden and BUY IT! It is not expensive and you will be helping a band that we at Ravenheart Music totally support! Great stuff - totally, and we cannot wait for a full release as and when!! ...9/10 (Reviewed by Dave and Aimee)

A.D.D..'ELEMENTS OF EMPTINESS'

(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 4th February 2009

On the 27th Sept 2006, I reviewed an EP by this band. The EP was called 'Elements Of Emptiness', and Margaret Young's vocals blew me away! That release from 2006 has kinda been re released with four new cuts making it a full blown album. And the music on offer remains totally awesome, and those vocals! I said in my review from 2006 that this band deserved to be signed. Well it seems someone may have been listening, as the new Femme Metal Record label here in the UK has done just that. As a consequence, the record will hit the stores on the 10th Feb. Every cut on this release including the unreleased tracks, 'Vacant', 'Too Late', 'Don't Say' and 'Letting Go' have what it takes to make a good record. Heaviness, melody and awesome vocals. This is a good record so take a trip to www.femmemetalstore.net and BUY! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

A D D..'ELEMENTS OF EMPTINESS'

(Independent release) Reviewed 27th Sept 2006

Another bunch of musicians which should be signed but ain't!! This is a seven track MCD from this American band (their second recording), and it rocks BIG time. Kicking off with 'The Path', and being followed by the hard rocking anthem 'Maybe'. The cd doesn't let up as it steamrollers it's way through nearly half an hour of melodic hard rock mayhem. I love Margaret Young's vocal style, reminds me a bit of the Guano Apes. Fine effort..get it from cdbaby.com...8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ADASTREIA..'THAT WHICH LIES WITHIN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th December 2007

I have seen Adastreia live on a few occasions, the last being at The Underworld in London, which was also keyboard player Hilary Towsey's last gig with the band. 'That Which Lies Within' is not the sort of album to chill out too with your wife or girlfriend, while enjoying a romantic evening in with a bottle of wine! However, this cd is a metallic feast that has left me totally bewildered as to why this band is NOT signed. Adastreia with the right backing could very easily challenge their European mainland counterparts. After a short instrumental intro, 'In Stillness' explodes from the speakers like a turbo charged express train. And the album does not let up until the very end, when the train decides to stop. Then you wanna take the journey again! And by the way, what a track it is to end the album.'A New Light' kicks in with a techno style intro that would not be out of place in a dance club. Then the heavy guitars arrive, and away we go. In-fact the track 'A New Light' is one of the best 7+ minutes of music committed to cd this year, and I defy anybody to disagree with me on that. Alexandra Martin's vocals may well be compared to the awesome Tarja (ex Nightwish), but when the music is this good, to be perfectly honest, I don't give a toss! This is great stuff, very heavy and melodic..enough said!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ADYTA..'ROSE OF MELACHOLY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 3rd June 2009

I interviewed Joakim from Adyta a while back. A very hard working musician so it seems, and I have full admiration for guys and gals like him that work really hard, in a business that sometimes must seem cruel. Anyway, here is an EP that the guy has recorded, and the female vocalist for this EP is none other than Melissa Ferlaak, former Visions of Atlantis and Aesma Daeva singer. Kicking off with the impressive short instrumental 'Ab Exilio (Prologue)', the cd moves swiftly onto 'The Ophidian's Tongue', which is an untempo, symphonic and heavy song featuring the awesome vocals of Melissa, together Joakim's brutal growls, that by the way compliment the music well. Next one up is 'Rose of Melancholy' starting rather serenely with a piano and guitar solo, before Melissa's vox get the song going, again accompanied with Joakim's growls. The quieter and more sedate 'Gjennom Tiden' moves this little opus along quite nicely, while the cd closes with 'Of A Captive Mind', which again features the dual vocal attack. This is an awesome offering, and deserves your support. Check out www.myspace.com/adyta 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AESMA DAEVA..'DAWN OF THE NEW ATHENS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 12th November 2008

After enlisting the help of Grammy award-winning producer Neil Kernon, (Hall and Oats, Queensryche, Nevermore), Aesma Daeva (a symphonic metal band from Minnesota, United States) have released their fourth album, titled 'Dawn of the New Athens'. From the opening salvo of 'Tisza's Child' and 'The Bluish Shade' to closing track 'The Loon', this album is so so captivating, using world instruments such as the bawu (a Chinese flute-like instrument), blending this with a symphonic rock backdrop, bringing a wealth of musical cultures together. Couple this with the amazing operatic vocals of Lori Lewis and the intricate harmonies by members of Rose Ensemble and Vocal Essence, both professional choral groups from Minneapolis, and boy, does this record sound good. Okay, do not expect a wealth of hooks here, but what we have is a lyrically sophisticated album. Aesma Daeva have toured with Therion amongst others, and it belies belief that they are unsigned. But do take a trip to www.myspace.com/aesmadaeva and check them out. If I was asked for a fave track, maybe I would go for 'Since The Machine'. However, all the tracks here are good, and my favourite track will no doubt change on subsequent listens. This is a very good release and I must recommend our readers to check it out! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave) - I just want to add a footnote here: Their EP, 'The Thalassa Mixes' is a haunting release featuring three re mixed tracks from 'Dawn of the New Athens', and well worth checking out too!

AFTER FOREVER..'AFTER FOREVER'

(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 16th March 2007

If you are an After Forever fan, this cd will leave you wanting more. If you are not an After Forever fan, but are reading this review, may we suggest you become one. This self titled opus rocks from start to finish in that familiar After Forever fasion, with FloorJansen's recognisable vocals, and the harsh male vocals of Sander Gommans. Kicking off with 'Discord', the album starts the way it means to go on.The cd is hard, it's heavy, mixing metal, progressive, operatics, orchestral and touches of Industrial too. 'Energize Me' is a catchy poppy 3 min + ditty (the shortest track on the cd), a possible hit single if ever I heard one. 'Equally Destructive' follows, a heavier track but still a foot tapper. 'Cry With A Smile' and album closer and rather excellent 'Empty Memories' are the album's ballads, while track 11 provides us with the 11 minute + 'Dreamflight'. To summarise, the cd is heavy and gothy, well what more do you want. Theband have been 10 years in the business, they have a new label and new producation team, but it's typical After Forever. Go and buy on April 23rd. You will not be disappointed! 8/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

AGATE..'BLACK SOUL'

(Agate Music) Reviewed 25th February 2010

Norwegian band Agate was formed in 2004 by Mira Birkelid (vocals/keyboard) and Rune Torgersen (vocals/bass), as a pop-rock project. The band has continually been developing their music in order not to fall into a certain genre. As Agate has worked on their sound, they have been mixing up different musical genres, like classic, folk and oriental music, prog, gothic, hard rock and metal. In doing so, they have managed to create a unique piece of work, 'Black Soul' that they can truly call their own. There are some great songs on this six track cd, that runs at around 42 minutes. Despite the lengthy tracks, my interest was maintained until the very end by the sheer variation of music on offer. An orcestral/synth/guitar intro kicks off the great opener 'Gone', Mira offering a kinda pop/rock vocal style, with none of the operatics that can be associated with some female fronted bands. Great keys and guitars throughout, with the lass proving that she is not just an able singer, she can tickle those ivories too. Next up 'Losing My Faith' features vocal interplay (as other tracks do) between Mira and Rune and continues a very melodic and slightly progressive theme - a superb and touching song in-fact. 'Angel Of Mercy' keeps up the good work featuring Rune this time on vocals, but again we see awesome keyboard work from Mira on this quirky tune! 'Is It Right' is a slower number, while 'Time' maintains the rather cool musicianship that is apparent throughout 'Black Soul' - great guitar and synths on 'Time' as well. The final track, and the title track at that kicks off with chiming bells, keys, synths and crunching guitars, I am in heaven! This track powers along, and when the cd ends, you wanna play it again - well I did! Go to www.myspace.com/agatetheband 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AGHONYA..'OXYGEN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th July 2008

AghonyA fronted by Cati Victoria Torrealba hail from Chile, and 'Oxygen' is an amazingly strong release considering there is no real label support here. Melodic Gothic Metal with subtle touches of Electronica is how I would describe this record, and anybody that likes After Forever, Evanescence or Within Temptation will do no wrong here when it comes to parting with your hard earnt cash. I mentioned After Forever, and I must say I find stunning similarities between 'Lead Me Into You' from 'Oxygen' and 'Energize Me' from After Forever's self titled album from 2007. However, by and large, 'Oxygen' is an awesome album that has some very catchy songs including 'How Can I', a ballad 'One Last Lullaby' and crunching rockers including 'Finding Eternity'. Choruses here that you find will be swimming around inside your head for ages. Occasionally a release comes along that not only surprises me, it takes the wind out of my sails aswell. This is one such record - excellent production too. Take a trip to www.myspace.com/aghonya and find out for yourselves. Then get it! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AGNES..'WHEN THE NIGHT FALLS'

(Sony/BMG) Reviewed 25th January 2007

Agnes is another product from Finland. What is it they put in their water?. This cd is prime time modern melodic rock/aor, which includes amongst others, songwriting contributions from Joey Tempest (Europe) and Luke Morley (Thunder). 'When The Night Falls' consists of 11 catchy tracks, with a couple of ballads thrown in for good measure. Sony/BMG seem to be signing some good bands from Scandinavia at the moment, with the awesome Finnish all male band Carmen Gray also on their rosta. Actually combined, Carmen Gray and Agnes make the UK music scene seem very average indeed I am afraid to say, even rather pathetic. Anyway, go order 'When The Night Falls' from ST Records in Dudley (see links page). 8/10 (Reviewed by Laura)

AGNES Pihlava..'REDEMPTION'

(Scandal Music Company) Reviewed 1st November 2009

Finnish rock sensation Agnes released the awesome 'When The Night Falls' in 2007, and I believe that this was one of the years best sellers within the melodic rock genre. Now towards the end of 2009, Agnes Pihlava delivers us her new opus 'Redemption'. And this I must say carries on exactly where the previous release left off, and is a totally awesome slab of melodic hard rock that has brightened up a typically English November day. The opening salvo of 'Own Two Feet' and 'For Your Redemption' will give you an idea the direction this album is going. And all the tracks on 'Redemption' offer up some real cool tunes with great anthemic choruses, and I love the variety here too. Check out 'Wasn't It Enough' with it's awesome chorus, that is then followed by 'Maybe I was Wrong (Our Sweet Placebo)' which offers some real heavy riffs but still with a typically catchy chorus. 'In My Dreams' is a ballad with cool lyrics, and I am sure if it picked up airplay on UK radio, it would be a smash hit. 'You Believe Her' follows 'In My Dreams' and gets proceedings rocking again with yet another totally catchy chorus. 'Ready To Fall' is another catchy rocker that makes me aware what got me into this genre in the first place. I love it! Agnes is a Melodic Hard Rock Princess that demands your attention, and what she and her band have given us here is top drawer stuff. Another top seller? - it has to be, surely! Great stuff so BUY it!! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

AKENTRA..'IV IV IV'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 31st May 2009

This EP is another slice of femme fronted rock/metal that has taken me by surprise. I am not even sure how I come across French band Akentra (www.myspace.com/akentra), fronted by the lovely and conventional sounding Lucia Ferreira, although I assume it was via myspace. Onto the music itself, and there are five gems on this release that spans 27 mins or so. By the way, there is a hidden accoustic track at the end, effectively giving us six tracks for our money. Kicking of with 'Do My Best', this song is as catchy as hell, and will appeal to the more melodic minded people amongst our throng, as will the whole EP in-fact. 'Daddy' follows, and although the title may suggest some soft ballad, this tune rocks, again with a catchy chorus and a crunch in the guitars dept. This cd has it all, songs with commercial appeal, cool musicianship particularly in the previously mentioned guitar department, with my fave song being 'Gimme Your Gun'. This EP is a taster for a full album due next year...I myself cannot wait. An excellent record worthy of 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AKENTRA..'ASLEEP'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 14th October 2010

There is no reason why 2011 (if not the end of this year) will see French Band Akentra making their mark in the genre of female fronted rock and metal. Last year, they released an EP that was a taster for this, their debut full length release. And all I am going to say is that 'Asleep' is one helluva release, and one of the best debuts I have heard in a while. The band are driven by the bass of Stephane Rayot and drummer Steve Tilmant, while fronted by the haunting and impressive vocals of Lucia Ferreira. And we must not forget the twin guitar assault of Habib Mas and Thomas Boileux. 'Opener 'Alive' hammers it's way into your head, while 'Do My Best' keeps the momentum going. One of my fave tracks 'Gimme Your Gun' follows, with it's powerhouse of a chorus, while I must say that the pace throughout the record never slips, with 'Just Close Your Eyes' being one of several melodic masterpieces on this record. This is a must buy and by a band that I am sure is going to make it's mark on the female fronted Metal scene. You read it here first...great stuff, while they can be checked out at www.myspace.com/akentra. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)