Reviews

CALATHEA.. 'HOTEL LONELINESS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 6th November 2009

I must admit I belong to the Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) anti iPod club. I like to sit down with a cup of tea, the booklet on my lap, and listen to a CD on a decent system from start to finish. I don’t even own a MP3 player, and the band had to kindly send me a CD. However for the iPod savvy, this must be the bargain of the century, this wonderful up-tempo ultra melodic gothic rock album is available for free download from their website http://www.calathea.cz/. The delectable Marketa has a superb pure, emotive, powerful voice, and the properly rhyming lyrics are excellent. It starts with the piano driven ‘Over Real Days’, ‘Don’t’ has a haunting intro before building to a powerful chorus, ‘House of Glass’ gallops along like Amy Macdonald, and ‘Morning Star’ has a delicate acoustic guitar intro before turning into a rocker. ‘Pictures’ is heavier and riffier, ‘Sad Lines of Nowhere’ combines moody verses with a chorus that rattles along nicely, ‘Sin Number 7’ is a bit punkier, ‘and ‘One Last Night’ has a charming piano intro and super catchy chorus. The last two numbers are the wonderfully named ‘Chocolate, Blood and Tears’, which is an infectious rocker, and the lovely ballad ‘Wish I Could Fly’. This is a most enjoyable listening experience, so press that download button, give yourselves a treat, and buy a T shirt to support this highly promising young band from the Czech Republic. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ANA CALVI..S/T

(Domino Records) Reviewed 31st March 2011

Stunning Anna Calvi is hot news here in Britain, and was short-listed in the BBC's Sound of 2011 which highlights all the top new talent. If you're thinking Gaga Spears, you'd be very wrong, very very wrong, Anna is a Fender Telecaster toting femme fatale who is making waves in the quality press, not the tabloids. From the Ennio Morricone esque intro 'Rider to the Sea' featuring her signature Spanish flavoured Telecaster we are dealing with something different, very very different. Imagine if you will a super group featuring Ian McCulloch, Siouxsie Sioux, Hank Marvin, Frankie Laine, Madeleine Peyroux and Matthew Bellamy called 'The Banshee Bunnymen', who have been brought up on a diet of spaghetti westerns and chilli beans. Shifting from sparse Telecaster and tom toms to rousing soaring melodrama, Anna twangs, clangs and bangs her way through the most extraordinary music you will hear this year, or any year come to that. In tandem, her voice ranges from a Madeleine Peyroux jazzy lilt to a Sandie Shaw hush to a Siouxsie Sioux roar to an almost Frankie Laine'ish' tenor, indeed her first single was a version of his 'Jezebel'. Time for a quick ride on this ghost-train through Tombstone. 'No More Words' has a cool jazzy 60's groove, the terrific rousing 'Desire' is The Bunnymen meets Johnny Cash, and 'Suzanne and I' is Siouxsie Sioux backed by The Shadows and The Cure. 'First We Kiss' starts with a Madeleine Peyroux jazzy vibe before heading towards Muse, 'The Devil' takes it down to just Telecaster and voice before erupting into The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and lead single 'Blackout' (video on Female Voices blog) features the Banshee Bunnymen in all their glory. The cool 60's vibe returns for the seductive 'I'll Be Your Man', then the haunting gospel tinged Jeff Buckley esque 'Morning Light' and finally the building, soaring, widescreen High Noon epic 'Love Won't Be Leaving', you can almost smell Gary Cooper's sweat as he waits for the clock to strike 12. This a totally original album by a totally unique artist, her homestead lies a days ride due west across the high plains at annacalvi.com, an extraordinary 8.75/10 (Phil)

CAPITAL X..'POWER PACK' EP

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th November 2010

Capital X who has recently been a support act to Gary Numan, is a new one on me, but a short while ago, a very well put together and glossy promo pack arrived at Ravenheart Towers. I am not totally sure where this band is from, but Capital X is an all girl electro band fronted by Julz who also does all the synths and programming. The EP consists of 5 tracks of energetic electro rock n roll, encompassing mainly synth/drum machine compositions with the cool vocals of Julz. This is not metal and I doubt it will appeal to the metal crowd, but there is some great foot tapping stuff on offer here, with 'Showtime' being one of my faves. Indeed, I have seen a quote on their myspace site (www.myspace.com/capitalxuk).. "If Sid Vicious had a synth, this is what it would sound like". I agree and I quite like it..7.75/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

CARDAMON..'THE PRIMROSE PATH'

(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 19th August 2009

The debut full length album from Dutch rockers Cardamon 'The Primrose Path' has been recorded, mixed and mastered at Excess studios, Rotterdam. And although I reviewed this little opus back in August 2008, this has now picked up a release on Femme Metal Records here in the UK. And with an added bonus track too. As I said in my previous review, the album is chock full of awesome songs, with beautiful melodies, heavy riffs and powerful drumming, coupled with the enchanting and powerful voice of vocalist Floortje. I would put the music here into the alternative rock and metal genre, the songs grow on you and will not let go! And I like the additional track, an accoustic/electric offering - 'Bliss of Loneliness'. I said in last year's review that record labels had better start forming an organised queue here. Well they did and well done to Femme Metal Records for picking up on this. Lovely stuff!! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

CARMILLA MORTE..'MORTE DI VAMPIRIA'

(Area 51) Reviewed 20th September 2010

This is the second album by the Colombian outfit whose progressive gothic metal is almost totally unclassifiable, the closest I can get is early Epica with attention deficiency syndrome, with everything from jazz to Latin to folk to rock to classical to ecclesiastical to prog thrown into the mix. The mainman appears to be virtuoso drummer Juan Sebatián Tamayo as he has the biggest picture on their Myspace, proudly standing behind a kit the size of South America. The singer isn’t Carmilla, but the sultry Juliett Ocampo who has a light sweet pitch perfect classical voice, accompanied by Juan’s low melodic growls, which are more like a bass singer with a rough voice. The lyrics in Spanish and Latin tell the classic Victorian vampire story ‘Carmilla’ written by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu, in which the female vampire Carmilla is slain, hence the title of the album and where the band get their name. They throw more ideas into one song than many bands have in their entire careers. The centrepiece is the epic 22 minute, yes, you did read that right, 22 minute ‘Carmilla’ which contains not just the kitchen sink, but the whole kitchen. You name it, this album has it, Moog, piano, harpsichord, church organ, accordion, harp, choirs, strings, woodwind, brass, violin, bells, xylophone, percussion, a drumming tour de force, skilled bass playing, guitar solos, etc. etc. etc. Faves include ‘Millarca’ which starts out light and jazzy before becoming progressively heavier and more complex, and the slightly bonkers ‘Morte’. This is one for you more adventurous symphonic/prog metal fans who like their eclectic music to roam all over the place with never a dull moment. The album is available for download from iTunes and other sites, or through their Myspace www.myspace.com/mortecarmilla - a mind boggling 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

CASSANDRA SYNDROME..'OF PATRIOTS AND TYRANTS'

(Figmental Records) Reviewed 27th August 2010

Formed in 2005, Cassandra Syndrome is a USA based Operatic Metal Band, and although the USA are not really challenging the Scandinavia's and mainland Europe's in the world of Female Fronted Operatic Metal, Cassandra Syndrome is having a good old crack of the whip. Fronted by Irene Jericho this lass sure has cool vocals, that are perfectly done, but are not overdone :) I would also consider this album as a grower, and it is normally the albums that grow that stick around the longest. 'Phoenix' gets things going, and is a mid tempo track with a chorus that after two or three plays, gets stuck in your head. Next in 'None But Shadows' ups the ante, and this is a good track too. Some further good songs on this release, including 'What We Sow', 'Mirror Mirror', 'PTSD', 'Cassandra' and the rather organic sounding 'Wild'. This is a record that until now has passed me by, it is what I call thinking person's music, it is a good effort and it deserves an 8/10. (Reviewed by Dave)

CELLESTE..'READY TO FLY'

(Mighty Music) Reviewed 14th March 2011

Celleste is a hot new Canadian singer songwriter whose music is so classic rock you can almost smell the patchouli oil, wet Afghan coats and fresh vinyl, right down to the retro styling and vintage microphones. A blend of rock, blues, country and gospel, tipping her hat to Led Zep, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Plant/Krauss, The Beatles, early Heart, Sheryl Crow, etc. etc. Vocally she is the product of an illicit liaison between Robert Plant and Janice Joplin in some sleazy sweaty blues club dressing room, good grief this girl can sing as well as look gorgeous, and judging from her video for 'Real Love' on (Female Voices blog), she can also really throw those shapes. This is a collection of the most familiar songs you have never heard, they are all Celleste originals but they all sound like cherished classics. Deep down and dirty blues rockers like 'Real Live' and 'Yer Goin' Down', the more rootsy numbers 'Best I Can' and 'Drive', the Beatles esque piano ballads 'Falling' and 'Beyond Words', and the simply superb title track 'Ready to Fly' are just some of the highlights. The album is like a breath of fresh air, blowing away the stench of Ga Ga Britney synthetic pop pap. This is an album that deserves a trip to the record store, those Aladdin caves of musical treasures, but sadly they've nearly all gone, so instead put on your freshly ironed flares and tie die shirt and mosey on down to her Facebook, a classic 8.75/10 (Phil)

CELL DIVISION..'CHYMEIA'

(Thunderdome Records) Reviewed 5th August 2008

Cell Division are from Swizerland. There are not too many female fronted bands coming out of Switzerland. I am a lover of Swiss band Gotthard, and the vocals of Steve Lee are awesome. But Gotthard is not female fronted. Unless Steve knows something that he isn't telling me. Seriously, Cell Division on this, their latest album dish up a guitar-dominated sound, with the music that stays and floats around in your head for ages. All this topped off with outstanding female vocals courtesy of Gelgia C. Listen to 'White Pain', the Siouxsie and the Banshees sounding 'Waste Land' (interesting lyrics), 'Dirge For The Doomed' and 'Shut Up' for confirmation of all this. I quite like the track 'Shut Up'..the lyrics "Shut up, shut up, shut up right now". A great catchy track! This album is worth checking out and it can be purchased from cdbaby.com. A good effort.. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

CENTRAL PARK..'REFLECTED'

(Rockville) Reviewed 27th December 2010

They were founded back in 1981 and split in 1989, but reformed in 2006 inspired by a Yes concert and at long last released their début album. The singer bailed out and so they recruited Jannine Pusch who has an incredibly versatile voice, it's like listening to a compendium of famous singers. The band is therefore reborn for this brand new release. Opener 'Guns R Us' with it's groovy Mars like motif is like a heavier cross between ELP and Marillion with Jannine sounding like a female Fish. The funky 'Free Fall' is like Grace Jones gone prog, then onto the lovely 'White Princess' where Jannine turns into Kate Bush backed by Marillion with ELP making an appearance. On the next one, 'Another Part' with it's delightful piano, she sounds like Carly Simon, with a touch of The Carpenters and Pink Floyd. By this time I'm thoroughly impressed and really enjoying the music, but then things take a turn for the weird with the 3 part 'Vision of Cassandra', fair enough they are a prog band after all, but it stays weird for the full 12 minutes of 'Vision' and for the following couple of numbers, it's like Barbara Streisand and Bette Midler being lost in a surreal nightmare, it's so far out it's sideways. I'm really scratching my head, what's going on? 'Path of Mercy' is far more like it, a Marillion/Pink Floyd/ELP type dramatic number that could have come off The Wall. 'The Last Tear' start like a gentle torch song with Jannine as a whispering Marlene Dietrich over gentle piano and Pink Floyd, the song then blows up, and it ends up in the West End. The other baffling thing is the cover art which must be one of the most boring covers of all time, what were they thinking? If you enjoy top quality classic melodic prog then this is a real treat, but unless you like the avant garde you might want to skip the Cassandra tracks. Should be readily available from most decent stores from the 28th of January, on reflection I will give it 8.25/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

CHAPTER II FEATURING NATALIE CHANDRA..'ANGELFACE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 25th November 2009

Don’t panic, this is not a hip hop act, but a new rock band from Switzerland, Natalie Chandra is also an artiste in her own right. Founders guitarist James Ender and drummer Fred Wiederkehr met in a rock covers band called ‘Time Bandits’, and the music they produce is a big melting pot of classic rock, bits of Purple, Metallica, Queen, G&R, Lizzy, The Runaways, Lacuna, Nightwish, Paramore, Banshees, and goodness knows what else, all brought bang up to date. The songs career along like a runaway train, and are catchier than the bout of flu I’ve just had, but a damn site more fun. If this doesn’t get you dancing, then check your pulse. They also put lots of fun and interesting bits in the songs, folk singing, new age, bagpipes, guitar solos, electronica, orchestra, all sorts, which really bring a smile to your face, there’s always a surprise around the corner. There’s also plenty of variety, the hip beat of ‘Scorned’ , the strut of ‘Stupefy Myself’, and the Purplish boogie of ‘Synchronicity’ complete with a rollicking ‘Jon Lord’ organ solo. Two songs really stand out, the truly epic symphonic stomping metal of ‘Sukhmet’s Summoning’, and the jaw dropping final cut, ‘Slumber With the Bogeyman’ which I am struggling to describe, I’ll have a bash at symphonic, hip hop, rock, metal. In Natalie they have a major talent, she could sing the telephone directory and make it sound good. Her passion, power, lyrics and sheer presence leap out of the speakers, forget the X Factor, this lady has it by the bucket load. This is a truly outstanding debut, available at CD Baby (just search for Angelface), and well worthy of 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

CHRISTOPHER LEE..'CHARLEMAGNE'

(Cadiz Music) Reviewed 19th March 2010

We all know Sir Christopher for his work with Rhapsody, and the older ones amongst us will remember The King of Elflands Daughter, so this is the logical next step, to make a full blown rock opera with him in the starring role as Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, a part he can really sink his teeth into with his big rich baritone. By coincidence, Sir Christopher is a real descendent of the great king, making this doubly appropriate. Charlemagne was born around 742, and went on to create an empire that covered most of Western Europe. This massive project, with 100 piece orchestra, choir and metal band, is the brainchild of Marco Sabiu, who has worked with Kylie Minogue, Take That, and one of my great heroes, Ennio Morricone (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?). This is grandiose orchestral rock on a massive scale, a soundtrack to an aural film of epic proportions. It is divided up into 5 acts in two parts; the first part of each is an orated introduction, narrated by Sir Christopher’s daughter Christina, so you skip it and move onto the music if you so wish. We start with Charlemagne on his deathbed at the age of 72, an incredible age for those days, surrounded by the great and the good, as he begins to recount the story of his life. ‘King of the Franks’ tells of his rise to power, with his father, Pippin (or Pepin) the Short (his great grandfather was Pepin the Middle, honestly!), played by Phil S.P. We then move on to the wars fought on behalf of Pope Hadrian, portrayed by Mauro Conti, against ‘The Iron Crown of Lombardy’, with Christi Ebenhock as the singing storyteller. Charlemagne then meets his younger self, performed by Vincent Ricciardo, in the attempt to reconcile his actions in the long wars against the Saxons, in particular the most notorious episode in his long reign, ‘The Bloody Verdict of Verden’, when Charlemagne ordered the decapitation of 4000 Saxons who refused to give up their culture (world first headbangers?). ‘The Age of Oneness out of Diversity’ covers the growth of his empire, and finally we meet his wife in ‘Starlight’, the nubile Swabian Princess Hildegard, starring Lydia Salnikova. There is a bonus track about the wars in ‘Iberia’, but strangely we are left just as his army is about to be attacked by the treacherous Gascons, but no outcome. In case you’re wondering, the baggage train was raided, and Roland, the famous chivalric knight, was killed. Although not as metal as Rhapsody, this is mighty powerful, stirring stuff, and will appeal to all lovers of symphonic rock and metal, as well as musical theatre. A project of this scale and ambition does not come along very often, making it a rare and precious treasure, yet it is available for less than a king’s ransom from most merry merchants of musical merchandise. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

CICCADA..'A CHILD IN THE MIRROR'

(Fading Records) Reviewed 31st October 2010

These Greek prog folksters have come highly recommended by regular Ravenheart reader Glen, so I was more than eager to give it them a whirl. Opening instrumental ‘Ciccada’ (with 3 C’s) reveals a band inspired by the likes of Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull, Gryphon, Caravan, Steelye Span, and Focus. Lovely Evangelia Kozoni and her Annie Haslam esque voice adds an element of Renaissance to their mix of melodic prog, rock, folk, jazz and baroque classical, with loads of flute, woodwinds, analogue synths, piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Mellotron, electric and acoustic guitars and all sorts of other vintage tranklements. In the grand tradition of Gentle Giant and Jethro Tull, they playfully hop, on one leg of course, from one theme to another so you never know where they are going. Gentle passages are counterpointed by rockier moments, giving a delightfully varied listening experience. If you are a fan of early 70’ folky prog rock then this beautifully recorded and lovingly crafted album is a must buy, but if you have never experienced this branch of music that has been almost extinct for over 30 years, then I heartily recommend you give it a listen at their Myspace www.myspace.com/ciccada, where you can also find info on how to purchase the CD. Today everything, including music, seems to be getting louder and louder, faster and faster, heavier and heavier, and more and more intense, it is rather nice to return for a while to a simpler, pleasanter, and gentler time. This is a little piece of sepia tinged old England all the way from Greece, an idyllic, bucolic 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

CINEMUERTE..'AURORA CORE'

(Raging Planet Records) Reviewed 20th July 2009

What a little gem we have here. CineMuerte (formed in 2002) is a band based in Lisbon, and I would say that this act is one of the most promising hard rock acts on the Portugese Rock/Metal Scene. This is backed up by the fact that they have opened for HIM and My Chemical Romance amongst others. 'Aurora Core' is the follow up to their 2006 album 'Born from Ashes', and I must say now that 'Aurora Core' is a totally awesome release, with mixing and mastering by Waldemar Sorychta (Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Moonspell etc). The music is totally riveting throughout. Getting underway with 'A Tapper Light', the band then up the ante with 'Up For A Fight', a hideously catchy tune that I am sure sounds awesome live, and showcases the excellent vocals of Sophia Vieira. No operatics here, just plain good old female fronted melodic hard rock, that has been brought dragging and screaming into the 21st century. 'Air' keeps up the thundering pace, while the excellent 'I Am A Fool But I Love You' (great title) carries on the high standard of musicianship. Highlights are a plenty on this record, to numerous to mention, but I would go as far as to say that every track here is a thundering winner. There is even a cool track called 'Dave', while final track 'The Call' I just love - great vocals too! On that note...This is a good un so BUY, BUY, BUY!!! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

CITIZEN CHARLIE..'UP YOURS'

(Rock Sector/Drugstore Records) Reviewed 12th January 2011

This CD landed at Ravenheart Music a couple of days ago, and it makes a change to be served something different to your normal Gothic Metal Fare, that appears on the menu quite regularly these days. In-fact, I have known about Citizen Charlie for a while, but until now, they have kinda avoided my radar screens. Then a young lass from Rock Sector Records contacted me, and now here is a review of the band's second album. Fronted by Charlie Forsberg, here is a woman who is heavily influenced by Joan Jett and Courtney Love, and these influences appear regularly on this recording. The opening salvo of 'Until The Day' and 'All in All' set the scene, and a hard rocking start to the record it is too. 'So What To Do' lowers the pace a bit, but what is beginning to shine through is that Charlie has some serious rock n roll attitude, and I love it. This shines through on several of the compositions, including 'Watch You Die' - "Now I am going to watch you die and it won't mean a thing". I wouldn 't upset this lass if I were you! Other faves include the near bluesy vibe of 'Out Of This World' with it's catchy chorus, the pounding title track, the AC/DC 'ish 'Don't Tell Me' and the catchy 'So You Think'. Indeed, there is some serious rock n roll on this record, and it is well worth checking out for fans of the genre. Recommended, 8.5/10 (Dave)

CLANDESTINE..'THE INVALID'

(Independent Label Release) Reviewed 6th January 2011

The debut album by this Los Angeles progressive metal band was originally reviewed by us here on the 25th Oct 2009, but will now get a proper label release on the 15th Feb 2011. Mixed by Sylvia Massy, famous for her production work with such luminaries as Tool, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Belladonna, we know we are onto a winner here. The lovely June was born in South Korea, but moved to the USA to further her musical career. The songs alternate between thunderous, technical riffage, and mellower synth passages. Silent Sin, Pretend and Phantom Pain start out more chilled before growing in power, giving the album a nice balance. The last song is outstanding, the funky, syncopated Comatose. The musicianship is superb, thankfully the noodling is limited, the powerful vocals of June given priority. The drumming by Sammy J Watson (ex Apex Theory) is sensational; the guy must need an oxygen tent at the end of a gig. This is a challenging and highly absorbing listen, perfect for fans of Dream Theatre and Tool, but with a melodic sensibility that will appeal to a wide range of metal fans. Available from www.myspace.com/clandestineband 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil/re-posted by Dave)

KELLY CLARKSON..'MY DECEMBER'

(RCA) Reviewed 26th June 2007

Kelly Clarkson has done what Avril Lavigne failed to do with her latest effort. And that is go forward. Whereas our Avril decided to take a backwards step (in my opinion anyway) with 'The Best Damn Thing', Kelly has taken a giant stride foreward, and has turned it up a notch too. Ok, Kelly Clarkson's latest effort may not appeal to the metalheads amongst you, but anybody who is into female fronted modern rock, or the rockier end of the pop spectrum, should check 'My December' out. Mixed by Andy Wallace, with Ms Clarkson involved in the songwriting process throughout, the album is chock full of catchy little numbers that swim around in your head for ages afterwards. And when it comes to ballads, does this girl pull it off. Check out 'Sober' for confirmation of that! And what a voice. Kelly Clarkson is not selling out, she has not gone pop or R&B, she rocks, and when she does slow it down, it is a real pleasure! A certain supermarket chain in the UK has this cd for £7. At this price, it cannot be ignored. So you know what to do...BUY IT!! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

CLEOPATRA ID..'DESOLATE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 25th February 2011

Cleopatra ID are a very unusual Indonesian band for three reasons. Firstly their name, they started as an all female group, but eventually composer, singer and keys player Ryzha Cleopatra (who first joined the band as the drummer) was the only one left, and so she united with the band ID, short for imodium as in medium, not the tummy tablets. Secondly American poet Tc McKinney found the band in 2010, was intrigued by their sound, and sent them some poetry which Ryzha turned into music. This started a partnership with Tc as lyricist, manager, producer and graphic designer, including the cover art for this début album. The third reason is that sound, Ryzha has experimented with many types of metal over the years, the result is that this album is a mix of just about every form of metal and singing style you can think of producing what they describe as nu metal gothic, you can certainly see why Tc was interested. If you start with Lacuna Coil and add in some Delain, Sirenia, Stream of Passion and Evanescence, with brief bursts of anything from death to black to prog to screamo to hardcore, making each song action packed. This is an album that repays repeat listens with fresh nuances bubbling up to the surface. Ryzha certainly has a belting voice, moving from pop to rock to semi operatic to screams, ranging from deep down to siren esque. Highlights include 'Illusion' (on Female Voices blog) with it's tubular bells motif (the instrument not Mike Oldfield), one of two songs in their native language, the soaring anthemic 'Terricolous', 'Who Am I' which starts as a gentle emotional piano ballad before really taking off and the final track, the powerful dynamic 'Rekindled Fire'. It's all well produced with a terrific drum sound allowing Shendy to thrash those skins to within a inch of their lives. At 31 minutes it's a bit on the short size, but it would be churlish to complain. So set sail to the Queen of the Nile by clicking here, whilst I am beguiled to endow her an 8.25/10 (Phil)