Reviews

B.IMPATIENT..'INTENSITY'

(Locomotive Records) Reviewed 5th December 2006

B.Impatient are a German 5 piece fronted by the rather good looking Brigitte Berg. And this band rocks. 'In My Head' kicks the cd off with an infectious chorus. Actually, you can't get the damn thing outta your head!! In-fact, all the tracks on this cd are so infectious, the album should come with a government health warning. My faves are 'Surrender' (a hit if ever I heard one), 'Distance', 'Fortune and Fate' and 'Too Much', although all the tracks on offer here (14 of them too) are worthy of a jolly good mention. Not a filler in sight! Following a tip off from within the industry, I was then able to track this cd down via the Amazon website. Glad I did. May be you should too. Using my favourite two words..."great stuff"!! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BARE INFINITY..'ALWAYS FOREVER'

(Emotion Art Records). Reviewed 29th August 2009

Before I start the review I would like to get something off my chest. The following is taken from a typical review of symphonic metal, in this case Bare Infinity "….the ring is more full with players than a wrestling royal rumble match. Fundamentally, and thanks to plethora of bands, there's a redundant monotony to the music. Every new band thinks they're better and different than those before when actually they're only reinventing the well. The challenge for the reviewer (and listener) is to find what's novel or promising about the newcomer." How can you put everyone from Within Temptation to Trail of Tears in the same bag? It’s ridiculous, and yet reviewers still persists in lumping them together out of ignorance. Secondly, the number of male fronted metal bands outnumber female fronted ones at least a thousand to one, and yet no one says ‘yet another male fronted band’, it just shows prejudice. Now back to the review. Bare Instict sound like every other female fronted band….. only joking. This is the album Delain would have made if they had followed the more commercial and keyboard driven Lucidity. I am supprised that the guitarist Tomas wrote the songs, because they have more akin to bands like Delain, Nightwish and Lunatica where the keyboard player writes the music; the guitars provide the power, while the keyboards supply the riffs and melodies. The band has been going since 2003 started by Tomas. They have been through a lot of tribulations, but finally they got new lead singer Angel, a very beautiful lady with an equally beautiful voice, and were able to record this debut album. A suitably orchestral intro leads into 4 prime gothic symphonic metal cuts, before the heavier ‘The Crying Shore’, featuring some growling. By the way, anti growling fans don’t have to worry, they are used sparingly and effectively. This is counterpointed by the lovely ‘I Dream of You’. They pick up the pace again over the next 4 tracks, moving towards a more ‘April Rain’ type sound. The awesome ‘Thrill Neverending’ rounds the album off nicely. This album is readily available from various music stores listed on their Myspace site www.myspace.com/bareinfinity, but it is crying out for international distribution. This is a mature debut that can really take on the top European bands. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

BATTLELORE..'EVERNIGHT'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 9th January 2007

Battlelore's new offering (their 4th) 'Evernight' is a bombastic blast of epic fantasy metal. Featuring the gorgeous female vocals of Kaisa Jouhki, and the beasty vocals of Tomi Mykkanen, I would even say this cd is better than their previous release 'Third Age Of The Sun', which I at the time rated quite highly. 'Evernight' remains loyal to the heritage of J R R Tolkein, kicking off with the rather catchy 'House Of Heroes' which leads straight into the ultra heavy 'Oceans Elysium'. 'Summon The Wolves' carries on the excellent work which continues to album's end. Standout tracks are a plenty, while there is enough energy in this album to light up much of London. A good album it is too for all you metal freaks out there. It gets released in Europe on 23rd/26th February (depending where you are), so pre order it now! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BATTLELORE..'THE LAST ALLIANCE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 5th October 2008

I would go as far as to say that this latest record from Finland's Battlelore, must rank as one of their best. 'The Last Alliance' continues the JR Tolkien inspired fantasy metal, featuring their trademark beauty and the beast sound, combining angelic female vocals courtesy of Kaisa Jouhki and the gruff vox from Tomi Mykkanen. Every track here from the moment you hit the play button is a highlight, including the slower ballad type 'Guardians'. Yep, this is another winner from this band, and if you are quick, there is a limited edition featuring a live dvd too. This release is on one of the bigger labels in the genre, so there is no excuse - just buy 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BELLADONNA..'THE NOIR ALBUM'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 14th April 2009

Personally invited by alt-rock producer supreme Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down) to record their sophomore album in her awesome all-analog studio in California, USA, in a few weeks of incendiary sessions, Belladonna had commited on tape 11 astounding rock noir Luana (vox)/Dani (guitar)-penned songs, that erupt from the speakers with sheer energy. This record is an awesome slab of tuneful, catchy alternative rock songs, with the sensual vocals of Luana making an impression right from the start. The 11 tracks on 'The Noir Album' will have you screaming for more and hitting the repeat button at the end. Personal faves...well erm.. let's suggest for starters 'Alchemical Romance', 'Love Me Til I Die' and Phoenix Rising', and they are just the first three tracks! Oh, let's not forget forth track out, that's the single, 'Til Death Do Us Part'. Indeed, they are all good on this record and I am impressed with the quality on offer here. Just take a trip to cdbaby.com or iTunes and buy it. It is not metal, but it's cool and you will not be disappointed! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BEL O KAN..'BIRTH OF A QUEEN'

(Brennus Music) Reviewed 25th January 2010

I was saying in my review of Wildpath that France is leading the World in the production of metal bands, well, guess where Bel O Kan come from? This symphonic metal septet were founded back in 2001 and after various line-up changes, trials and tribulations, they have now unleashed their debut CD on Brennus, who are doing a fantastic job in promoting French metal (e.g. Yotangor & Wildpath, etc.). Here you get two alluring blondes for the price of one, lead singer Sarah Liodenot with her pure folkish semi-operatic voice, and Marion Gibello on backing vocals. They get their name from the anthill (no, not the mob in Wacky Races) in Bernard Werber’s Les Fourmis trilogy about a colony of ants, hence the ant motif on the superb cover art (look closely, it is very clever), and no, don’t panic, Adam and his dandy highwaymen are nowhere to be seen. I love the way many French bands of all types introduce a folk element into their music, perhaps it is the strong Celtic link with Brittany, it certainly gives them a unique and distinctive sound and style, that lightness of touch that is so opposite of the Wagnerian Germanic bands. After the suitable grand orchestral ‘ant’ro ‘Birth of a Queen’ there follows a series of up-tempo symphonic semi-power-metalish ‘ant’hems, my favourites include the f’ant’astic ‘Utopia’, which reminds me of early melodic Epica, the fr’ant’ic rocker ‘Runaway’, and the jolly sea sh’ant’y ‘Blowing the Wind’. Vocally, Sarah is at her best when she uses vibrato and does not strain, and more backing vocals would have helped her and the music. That aside, and I do not want to make a mountain out of an anthill, this is a mighty fine first effort, full of great songs and musicianship, with an excellent contribution from Nico Diplanche on keys. Fans of the lighter side of symphonic power and rock metal should scuttle along to http://www.brennus-music.com/boutique/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=5248 and gather up a copy. 8.5/10. (Reviewed by Phil)

THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE..'WALKING WITH STRANGERS'

(Repo Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

I love The Birthday Massacre. I have all their previous releases, and for anybody like me that likes this band, this cd will not disappoint. If it ain't broken, why fix it - that's what I say!! 'Walking With Strangers' is this Canadian band's third release. It is classy catchy gothy electro pop/rock with hooks galore. The band are fronted by the gorgeous Chibi. Other band members include Rainbow on Guitar and programming, and Mike Falcore on Guitar, synths and percussion. The tracks on 'Walking With Strangers' merge into one another quite nicely. All the tracks here are of standout material, and I think I can honestly say that I have yet to hear a duff track from this band on this or any of their earlier cds! Indeed, closing track on this album, 'Movie' is one of the most beautiful you will hear this year! 'Walking With Strangers' is another awesome release by a very good band that has not really made any inroads here in the UK. No justice - shame! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

BLACK KNIGHT SYMFONIA..'HEAVENLY CHAOS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 13th November 2009

It’s time to don my armour, mount my trust warhorse Bayard, and ride into the Emerald Kingdom to do battle with the Chevalier Noir and the legions of the Lord of Chaos. This is the brainchild of Michael Fiori, ‘Saga’, a multi talented neo classical guitarist and keyboard player who also supplies a variety of suitably evil voices. He is joined by two enchanting damsels, the operatic Adelaide Allard de Stave, ‘Arya’, and Anais Chevallier, ‘Nymphadora’, on powerful melodic vocals. This is for fans of Rhapsody and Fairyland, but it is far more orchestral, atmospheric and dramatic. This is true story telling music; ‘Dragonland’ has wonderfully evocative lyrics about the Black Knight’s beloved, ‘She comes preceded by a rotten smell, monstrous of her splendour. Her beauty is torture. The atrocity of her golden eyes corrupts soul and heart’. Sounds like a nice girl! The songs are split between the more power metalish ‘Dark Era’, ‘Dragonland’ and ‘Hell on Earth’, and the full blown operatics of ‘Chevalier Noir’ and ‘Voyage Initiatique’, denoted by the use of English and French. The Middle Eastern flavoured ‘Eternal Life’ and ‘Akasha’ remind me of Therion. The stand out track is ‘Emerald Kingdom’ which shows all their facets, orchestral drama, superb guitar work, and the interplay between the three very different voices. There is so much packed into each song it really does repay repeat plays. Michael is looking for label to release this wonderful epic, coming from Monaco, it must be worth a gamble, to hear more go to www.myspace.com/bksymfonia. I’m off to get the blood out of my tunic; do you think Persil will do it? 9/10. (Reviewed by Phil)

BLACKTHORN.. 'GOSSAMER WITCHCRAFT'

(Ravenheart Music Records/Code7) Reviewed 2nd December 2009

This was first reviewed on our website 1st March 2009, and since then, Ravenheart Music has signed the band for distribution of this album via Code7. Blackthorn also has a new line-up, and we thought we should review the cd again. Take it away Phil:- This is the intoxicating debut of five enchanting witches from the spirit realms of Russia, an elixir for the mind, body and soul. They blend in their diabolical cauldron a haunting alchemy of symphonic, power and gothic metal, with a devilish infusion of the black arts. Aina’s siren’s call has a pure phantom operatic essence, which will draw you onto the rocks of delirium. It starts with the beguiling ‘Immortelle for a Hollow Grave’, leading you into the Nightwish nightmare of ‘Edenbeast’. An unearthly roar calls you to the demonic dance of ‘Necromance’, howling winds summon the twilight power of ‘The Moon Emerged From Behind The Clouds’, bells toll for the rapture of ‘Saturnia’, followed by the storm lashed roaring thunder of ‘Blackthorn Winter’. The creeping melancholy of ‘The Blackness I Prowl’, then the supernatural allure of ‘Gossamer Witchcraft’, the hypnotic trance of the ethereal ‘Will-o-the-Wisp, and the curtain falls with the macabre piano of ‘The Cobweb Veils Fall Down With Grace’. Let these entrancing sorceresses cast you under their spell, haste ye to the spider’s web http://www.ravenheartmusicrecords.com/products.html , and imbibe in their incandescent incantations. I am drawn by an irresistible force beyond human comprehension, drawn from the depths of Hades, to bestow upon them a 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

BLOODFLOWERZ..'DARK LOVE POEMS'

(Silverdust Records) Reviewed 25th Sept 2006

This is Bloodflowerz third release, and a good album it is too. However, I feel 'Dark Love Poems' is perhaps not as immediate as their previous releases. I am not even sure that there is a track on this album that actually jumps out and grabs you like their other two releases. It is I would say an album that grows on you. Nonetheless, you will find on this cd a fine collection of melodic gothic rock/metal songs, with 'Anthem For A Stranger' being a particular fave of mine. It seems that this German band are going to see this album released in the States together with their previous releases. It is a great pity the UK doesn't wake up to this type of music! A good effort! 7/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

BRAVE..'LOST IN RETROSPECT'

(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 5th February 2009

The roots of Washington DC based Brave began in 1997 (they was then called Arise From Thorns), when brother and sister duo Scott and Michelle Loose, began writing diverse, acoustic-based dark progressive music, with their childhood friend and drummer, Trevor Schrotz. Indeed, I have known about Brave for a while, but for some reason my radar has ignored them. This album is a compilation of Brave's material dating back to their roots in 1997. The record has come my way compliments of Femme Metal Records. And I am now seriously questioning whether I need a new radar system as some of the music on offer here is truly awesome. So much so that I think I am going to have to check out their back catalogue. The cd kicks off with material from their latest 'Monuments' album, and works backwards in time through to their earlier stuff, and some pretty good music on offer here too. The openers, 'Something To This' and 'Driven' could be classed as top drawer melodic rockers, while 'Hold On', I am sure I have heard before. 'Candle In The Dark' is a lovely piano led ballad, and 'To Dream Again' is a Pink Floyd style instrumental, while I must say there is lot more where those tracks come from - rockers and ballads, and featuring violins too. Check the album out as for many fans of the genre, it'll be worth it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BREATHING SPACE..'UNDER THE RADAR'

(Self Release) Reviewed 18th October 2009

This is the second album (3rd if you include his solo effort) by the man who was one third of Mostly Autumn’s creative team, keyboarder Iain Jennings. It also features two of the band’s supporting cast who have a chance to step into the limelight, guitarist Liam Davidson, and singer Olivia Sparnenn, who is not only drop dead gorgeous, but also has a superb voice that reminds me of Andrea Corr. Why they don’t use her visual charms in the sleeve art is a mystery to me, if you’ve got it, flaunt it I say. The first album was quite experimental; Iain seemed to want to move as far away from Mostly Autumn as possible. This one sees them move into more conventional melodic rock territory. The album opens with a brace of catchy, ultra commercial, melodic rock songs. ‘Lantern for a Smile’ is the best song The Corrs have never recorded. ‘The Night Takes You’ home sounds like Sandie Shaw brought up to date. The 60’s vibe continues on the groovy ‘Run From Yourself’, complete with rollicking Hammond. The piano ballad ‘Dusk’ is the most Mostly Autumnish, then the Corrs like ‘Behind Closed Doors’. The album closes with two ballads, ‘Drowning’ is similar to a modern day Carpenters, and ‘Questioning Eyes’ is the closing epic, with special mention to Liam’s superb guitar work, and Barry Caswell’s drums. This CD is a must for fans of Fleetwood Mac, The Corrs, Mostly Autumn, Karnataka, and The Reasoning. Ken Bruce really should make this his album of the week. Available on their merchandise page, http://www.breathingspaceband.info/merchandise.htm, and other reputable dealers. Superb stuff, 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

SARAH BRIGHTMAN..'SYMPHONY'

(EMI/Manhattan) Reviewed 17th August 2008

Please do not skip this review!! Anyway, "what" I hear you cry. "Has Dave gone totally barmy by reviewing a Sarah Brightman record on his rock and metal website". Okay, let me explain..I admit to not knowing much about this 48 year old lass, except she is a classical singer who was once a dancer and musical theatre performer, who was married (now divorced) to Andrew Lloyd Webber, the highly successful British composer of musical theatre. No doubt that is how the two first met. Sarah even released some disco singles in the 70's! I was attracted to this cd by the gothy cover, which I find very cool. Anyway, what about the music inside the gothy cover, and why am I reviewing this? Because this album is good. Okay, it is NOT rock and it is NOT metal, but as I have just said, it is good and will appeal to the more open minded music fan that visits this site. Just check out the opening salvo of 'Gothica' and 'Fleurs Du Mal', and you would be forgiven into thinking that this is actually a gothic metal record. Comparisons to Within Temptation spring to mind. Totally awesome stuff! Title track 'Symphony' brings us back down to earth, with it's orchestral arrangements, although with a definite pop crossover appeal. I am beginning to like this already! I have an admission - I like Andrea Bocelli, the Italian operatic tenor, and 'Canto Della Terra' is a duet with this awesome singer. This guy can sing, and I mean sing! If I was to detail every track on 'Symphony', this review would go on for ever, but other highlights on this cd include the AOR sounding 'I will Be With You (Where The Lost Ones Go)', a duet with Mr Paul Stanley, that's right, the Kiss man himself, plus the track 'Let It Rain', that screams hit single at me. And furthermore, listen to 'Running'...yep, it may sound a little familiar at the start, but what a corker of a tune! 'Symphony' no doubt has been targeted at the classical music audience, but there is huge crossover potential here. This is a surprisingly good record. Not one to headbang too by any stretch of the imagination, but if you wanna chill and relax with a bottle of something with your loved one during a romantic night in, take my advice..buy it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

BY BLOOD ALONE..'SEAS OF BLOOD'

(Jericho Hill Records) Reviewed 10th February 2009

By Blood Alone hail from Portland with vocal duties handled by none other than the awesomely named Cruella. They play a brand of progressive symphonic metal, despite the name of the band implying some kinda death/doom act. Okay, this record isn't bad, although on their next release (and going by this one, there should be a next one), I would like to see the production beefed up a bit. That alone should then carry the band into the premier league, as By Blood Alone has real potential. Kicking off with the 7+ minute 'Serpentarius', this song gives us a pretty good idea what alleyway By Blood Alone are going down. Next track in 'Wants Me Dead' continues the good work of the opener, with the keys carrying the song along quite nicely. Listening to this album, I get a sorta 70's vibe on some tracks, and that is not a bad thing. There is a lot happening on this cd, with other favourite tracks including 'Nidhogg', 'Lovely Lies', the slower 'Seas of Blood' and the quirky 'Little Lady Lillit. Overall, the record is not a bad offering, and I especially love the keyboard work by Jenny Williamson giving that aforementioned 70s feel. There is a lot of promise here, and there is no reason why this band should not be up there with the big guns in the future! Worth checking out! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)