Reviews

KIMBERLEY DAHME..'CAN'T A GIRL CHANGE HER MIND'

(Escape Music) Reviewed 29th November 2009

Here we have an artist that I am particularly interested in. I am a big fan of the US Rock Band Boston, and Kimberley Dahme was featured on their 2002 'Corporate America' album. She even had a song she wrote featured on that very album, 'With You', and that song re appears on this solo record. 'Can't a Girl Change Her Mind' is one for fans of Country/Rock/AOR and is a very safe and inoffensive recording that I have particularly enjoyed. So sit back, chill out and enjoy the country sounding title track, the beautiful, 'Rock You Like A Baby', the Gospel sounding 'No Question', the rockier 'Love Don't Leave Me Now' or the bluesy 'It Takes Two To Fall'. Yep, this is good and I have enjoyed it....8./10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DAMSEL FLY...'WHAT LIES BENEATH'

(Independent release) Reviewed 15th September 2006

This album I would class as modern alternative rock. And this album does just that.. it rocks! In musical terms, if you mention Canada, the names Bryan Adams, Nickelback and Avril Lavigne would perhaps spring to mind. Now add Damsel Fly to the list. And I will challenge anyone not to tap their feet while listening to this cd. The album kicks off with the triple onslaught of 'I Stay', 'Nowhere' and ' Let You Go'. Catchy rock songs that will be banging around in your head long after the cd has left the player. That's if you can get it of the player! The awesome 'Buried Alive' slows thing down, a heavy but rather more atmospheric song, while 'Anyway' restores the momentum, which the following tracks continue til the end. The cd actually finishes with what I think must be a bonus track (track 11..not listed), being an accoustic version of one of my favourite songs on the cd, 'Let You Go'. This album by Lisa and her band is a very fine effort indeed. I did read a review on a Scandinavian site, questioning the production here. Let us at Ravenheart Music state, that if you don't have a Bon Jovi production budget, which most rock/metal bands (independent or otherwise) don't have, then those sometimes too ultra critical reviewers cannot and must not expect a Bon Jovi style production! The production on this cd by Tim Neuhaus is I think top notch, bearing in mind this is an independent release. Great stuff - get it from cdbaby.com 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DARK PRINCESS..'STOP MY HEART'/WITHOUT YOU'

(MachXX/SPV) Reviewed 10th February 2008

A cd that has come at me out of nowhere. Dark Princess hail from Russia, and are centred around front lass Olga Romanova. And if this is the sort of music Russia is producing (and I am not talking TATU here), then I want more. There are 12 tracks on 'Stop My Heart' that can best be described as Melodic Gothic Pop/Rock/Metal, not too disimilar I suppose to Evanescence and Within Temptation. Every track here is a good 'un, just listen to 'One Last Goodbye' as an example on an album chockful of singalong anthems. Even the last two tracks that are sung in Russian are superb, even though I cannot understand what Olga is singing about - obviously! . And furthermore, there is also a limited edition double cd (which I have here) that in addition, features their debut album 'Without You'. Indeed, the English versions of the aforementioned Russian tracks are featured on 'Without You', which in itself is a bloomin' good album too. The double cd package is an awesome 23 track effort, and double cd or single cd, I know will appeal to fans of the genre, that like their music heavy, but not too heavy, and very catchy. This cd has to be bought. Great stuff!! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DARK PRINCESS/OLGA ROMANOVA..'ZHESTOKYA IGRA'

(Metal Agen/Soyuz Music) Reviewed 20th August 2008

Some months ago (10th Feb 2008), I reviewed a double cd by the Russian band Dark Princess, fronted by Olga Romanova. The cd was a double whammy of their albums 'Stop My Heart' and 'Without You'. And to my ears, these recordings are awesome. I have now just stumbled across the Russian equivalent of some of the music featured on that earlier review. Why review the Russian version with Russian lyrics? Because on this Russian record, there are actually two English songs that do not appear elsewhere on any Dark Princess album. Those tracks are 'The Key' and 'Not Of This World'. Totally mind blowing and awesome mid paced catchy tunes, that makes it worthwhile having 'Zhestokya Igra' in your collection, just for those two tracks alone. And it seems this album is very very difficult to find. But, it is not what you know, it is who you know - say no more :) I like Dark Princess (the band sure have the image) and I also like the lass Olga a lot. I understand that the Dark Princess herself is now with a band called t.h.e. Sacrament. From what I have heard, they sound ok too. Watch this space! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DEAD END TRACK..'S/T'

(Vision Metal Records) Reviewed 20th November 2007

An interesting release here by Italians Dead End Track, that will appeal to fans of Lacuna Coil, Evanescence and The Gathering to name just three! Fronted by the vocally gifted Luisa Quaglia, I can even hear The Cure influences on a couple of the tracks. No surprise as they actually do a re-make of 'Love Song' on this album! This self titled release is a mix of gothic metal/rock/dark pop, with even touches of progressive rock in places. So you get your money's worth crammed into the 40+ minutes. No real individual highlights here, although I do like last track 'Orchid', which is an awesome ballad. It is all pretty decent stuff however, and yet another good release from an indie label. Get it at Sonic Cathedral or cdbaby.com. I like it! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DECADENCE..'THE 3rd STAGE OF DECAY'

(Massacre Records) Reviewed 25th November 2008

Decadence was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2003. Fronted by their founder member, Kitty (Metallic Kitty) Saric, their music has evolved into what can be called Melodic Thrash Metal. And Decadence don’t just follow the known paths of the big names in the genre, but impress with melodic, old-school hooks and riffs, combined with bonechrushing growls from their front lady. And in my more aggressive moments, I like it! Absolutely worth checking out, this band is agressive and all I can say is, Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy) had better be looking over her shoulder, as Decadence are looking for world domination, and listening to this, they could well get it. Get those beers in, get those air guitars out, turn up the volume, and p**s off the neighbours! Lovely!! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DECEMBERS FALL..'AWAKENING'

(Independent Release) Reviewed January 9th 2009

December's Fall fronted by Francesca Scivetti, hail from New York and they seek to reanimate the supposed MTV generation, with lush cinematic melody, classical and ambient electronica, and edgy female driven vocals. And to an extent they suceed with this release. Kicking off with the title track, this will instantly give the listener the sort of direction they are a heading. '62606' follows, which is a short piano intro leading us into the heavy and catchy 'Falling Away'. Further catchy and mid paced/up tempo songs follow, including 'In Giving In' and the dance floor sounding 'Absence Of Yourself'. I also like the slower accoustic based stuff including 'Solitude'. The album is available from cdbaby.com so get it. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DELAIN..'LUCIDITY'

(Roadrunner Records-Netherlands) Reviewed 24th November 2006

This gothic metal opus is a project involving what can best be described as a who's who of Gothic metal! The project centres around former Within Temptation keyboard player Martjin Westerholt and relatively unknown vocalist Charlotte Wessells (pictured above right). There are also guest appearances (amongst others) by Liv Kristine (Leaves' Eyes), Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation), Marco (Nightwish) and Ad of Epica. 'Lucidity' is an awesome slice of Gothic Metal, with keyboards a vital part of this band's structure. A very pompous album too, with 12 stunning tracks (including a bonus). Track 7, 'The Gathering' is ultra catchy, and is possibly the most accessible track on an album that is sure gonna be a winner with you gothic metalheads out there. Unfortunately, 'Lucidity' at present is only available in Holland and Belgium, and I must thank Steve at ST Records for getting this for me. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DELAIN..'APRIL RAIN'

(Roadrunner NL) Reviewed 27th April 2009

Delain’s second album, and the first to a proper band effort, the first being more of a solo project of ex Within Temptation keyboarder Martijn Westerholt. Vocalist Charlotte Wessels has really gained confidence as a singer and performer, and Nightwish bassplayer/singer Marco Heitala returns as guest vocalist on a couple of songs. The album kicks off with the title song, and this is premier league, gothic symphonic metal. After that, there is less light and shade than on the first album, the sound is a lot heavier and guitar led (the band themselves said they wanted to create a more metal album than the commercial sound of Lucidity). For me, the other stand out track is the very catchy ‘On the Other Side’, which was written by by Guus Eikens (ex Orphanage) who also wrote the superb ‘The Gathering’ on the first album. Strangely, one of the best songs, ‘Come Closer’, is only available as a bonus track on the digi-pack (normally bonus tracks are rather dodgy!). This is a quality album, and anyone who enjoys gothic metal bands like Sirenia and Epica should like this. Make sure you get the Digi-Pack for the bonus track! 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

DELIGHT..'BREAKING GROUND'

(Roadrunner Import/Metal Mind) Reviewed 8th Sept 2007

DELIGHT are a fave band of mine, and I have all their English language releases. They are a well establised Polish melodic metal band fronted by Paula Maslanka. 'Breaking Ground' is their 5th English language release produced by Rhys Fulber (famous for his work with FEAR FACTORY, PARADISE LOST and FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY). This cd by Delight is their first to be released solely in English. Previous cds being released in Polish aswell. Now, what about the music. 'Breaking Ground' is a very very good melodic metal release with subtle touches of electronica, offering both ballads and heavier material. There are also re workings of tracks that appeared on 'ANEW', a previous and somewhat awesome Delight album release from 2004 (worth tracking down if you can). Every track on 'Breaking Ground' is a highlight - I quite like the re working of 'EMOTUNE', this first appeared on the aforementioned 'ANEW' album. This cd is a very strong effort indeed from a band that always comes up with the goods on a consistent basis. It is just a shame that it cannot be picked up in the UK very easily. I must thank Steve at ST Records for his efforts at getting this for me. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DEVILS GIFT..S/T

(Tiefdruck-Musik Hamburg) Reviewed 29th August 2009

The European version of this cd was in-fact reviewed in October last year, but I have posted the review again, as I understand it is to become readily available on October 6th in the USA. Anyway, I have been a fan of New York born Lennon Murphy from the very start (her debut '5.30 Saturday Morning' being released in 2001 on Arista), and I have most if not all of her releases. So I was rather keen to get my grubby paws on this release by Devil's Gift, a band project fronted by this talented young lass. And indeed, if you are looking for aggressive guitars and one rather hot femme vocalist, then look no further. Devil's Gift quite simply kick ass, so if your expecting Evanescence, then you are reading the wrong review and I suggest you move on. This album is awesome metal of the highest calibre, with some totally mind blowing tunes on offer..check out the intense and catchy 'Shadow Never Ending', the melodic 'Damned Angels', 'Sacrifice', 'All That Is Left' and 'Nobody'. Lennon Murphy even giving Angela Gossow a run for her money on the odd occasion - check out 'Final Words' for such proof. This album is intense, it's hard and it's melodic, with a powerful production by Jason Suecof (Trivium, Daath, Black Dahlia Murder etc.- he also plays many of the instruments on this cd). Totally mind blowing stuff! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DHYAMARA..'GOVANATH'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 20th January 2010

I love it when something shows up in the mail, knowing that the music on offer is going to be...shall we say rather awesome. Dhyamara hail from Italy, which is proving to be a hotbed of rock and metal music at the moment. 'Govanath' I would put into the gothic/electronica/ambient mold, and a damn fine effort it is too. Ninfa provides the vocals, a kinda laid back and at times operatic style, while Luca deals with synths, samples and programming. All four tracks on this little ep strike a chord with me, with the title track being a fave - a rather awesome and very atmospheric offering. The band are planning a full length 10 track album in due course, and I am sure the album will be well worth looking out for in the future. Check Dhyamara out at www.myspace.com/dhyamara and then buy the EP! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA..'THE BUTCHER's BALLROOM'

(Candlelight Records) Reviewed 13th Oct 2007

Here is something a little unusual! The Diablo Swing Orchestra are a six piece from Sweden, with main vocal duties delegated to Annlouice Loeglund, and occasional male vocal duties by Daniel Hakansson. Not perhaps your conventional metal, but this release sure is original. Just listen to opener 'Balrog Boogie' for confirmation. And if that wetted your appetite, then 'Heroines' continues the excellent start. And with track titles like 'Poetic Pitbull Revelations', 'Ragdoll Psychics', 'Gunpowder Chant' and 'Wedding March For A Bullet', 'The Butcher's Ballroom' should hold your interest throughout. I was a Sparks fan in their 70's heyday, and I tell you what, some of the music on offer here reminds me of the sort of thing Sparks may have released. The Diablo Swing Orchestra sure are original, no doubting that, with styles ranging from Swing and Jazz through to Mexican Mariachi-style, and taking in about everything in between, including Middle Eastern and classical elements. They effortlessly meld these influences, with a hard biting melodic metal sensibility. Oh, I like the operatic vocals too. Perhaps for the more open minded of you out there, but variety is the spice of life I say, so I highly recommend it. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA..'SING ALONG SONGS FOR THE DAMNED & DELIRIOUS'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 21st August 2009

The Diablo Swing Orchestra dates back to 1501 (it's true - a few line up changes along the way I hasten to add!!) where Swedish history tells the tale of an orchestra that played like no other. And I reviewed their debut cd, 'The Butcher's Ballroom' back in October 2007, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the music on offer on that record, like a band that played like no other I had heard before:) Now we fast forward nearly two years, and yay, here is their second release, with the zany title 'Sing Along Songs for the Damned and Delirious'. Again, vocal duties are shared between Annlouice Wolgers and Daniel Håkansson. And like their previous release, this is not a record for the all out metal fan, but some of the tracks here do rock - 'Lucy Fears The Morning Star' and 'New World Widows' as great examples. I just love the way this band combine rock/metal/opera/swing and jazz (to name just five genres!!) to create some awesome and hideously catchy music. I stated in my review of 'The Butcher's Ballroom', that certain parts of their music reminded me of the pop/rock band Sparks. This applies to this release aswell. Totally and absolutely zany, and I love it. Other tracks that I adore and that made me smile at the same time include 'Bedlam Sticks' and 'Siberian Love Affairs'. I would also just add that final track 'Stratosphere Serenade' is possibly one of my faves on the album - great stuff. Buy this cd when it gets released on the 21st September, tap your feet and enjoy. It is refreshingly different and I love it!...9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DIE SO FLUID..'NOT EVERYBODY GETS A HAPPY ENDING'

(Parole Records/Renaissance Records) Reviewed 22nd June 2008

Die So Fluid are British and if I had my way will domimate the world! 'Not Everybody Gets A Happy Ending' is their second release and it fuses together pop sensibilities, hard hitting metal, mixed up with a real punk attitude, which in turn creates an awesome commercial sound. 'Gang Of One' and 'Test Confessional' kick the cd off, being heavy, melodic and showing loadsa attitude. 'Existential Baby' has a real rocking vibe, with Grogs vocals top notch for this style of music, while 'The Kiss And The Kick' carries on the high standard of musicianship on this cd. I have listened to the album a few times now, and I am having trouble finding anything to fault. Production is top notch, while further fave tracks have to be 'Vorvolaka' - a great catchy song, the punk/metal track 'Something To Say', 'Throw You Away' and the title track.! 'Not Everybody Gets A Happy Ending' is a great metal record with a punk attitude. Buy it! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS..'DUSK AND VOID BECOME ALIVE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 3rd November 2006

I will hold my hands up and say that I have not heard of this band and I had no idea what to expect. Aimee had heard of this band, knew what to expect and got me to review it, not letting on what sort of sounds would grace my ears. If you want to listen to a cd with crunching guitars and soaring keyboards, then this won't be for you. However 'Dusk and Void Became Alive' is a cd for chilling out with your partner with a bottle of wine or six, while forgetting about life's problems. The promo blurb with this cd invites one to dream, while enjoying intelligent, romantic and touching darkwave. How true, and when in the mood, I indeed do like this type of relaxing and atmospheric music..orchestral arrangements, and keyboard passages will grace your ears. All this coupled with the excellent and at times operatic vocals of Christina Kroustali. Great stuff. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DISTRIBUTOR..'DEPTH OF PERCEPTION'

(Self Release) Reviewed 26th February 2010

I haven’t come across a prog band from Ireland since the mighty Horslips (Book of Invasions is a great fave of mine), doubtless some of you are screaming names at me, and no, you can’t count U2, I’m talking about bands with bass players who can actually play their instruments, not go dum dum dum dum for 3 minutes (I can hear you bassists shouting, ‘go Phil go!’). I digress, back to Distributor, a band that combines Dream Theatre loving musicians with fans of Lacuna Coil on vocals, courtesy of Peter Brooke-Tyrell and Caroline Flanagan. Ferocious riffage is counterpointed with gothic melodies, mixed with thrash and classic prog such as IQ, a combination that takes a few spins to get you ears around before it clicks into place. The guitarist, the aptly named Ian Rockett, can really shred that fretboard, I just wish he would give his mate David Halpin on keys more of a look in, on his showcase ‘Solace’ he shows he can really tickle those ivories. The stand out track is ‘Aesthetics’, where the entire band can stretch their legs with a variety of soft/loud sections and their finest melodies. Whilst on the subject of aesthetics, all I will say is that they have a lady singer who is a darn sight more attractive than an empty warehouse, nuff said. This is a highly promising debut from the young Irishmen, made all the more remarkable since it was done on a shoestring budget, and I dearly hope that this gets them the interest from the big companies that their talent deserves. If you like your metal prog, then thrash your way to www.myspace.com/distributorband. And before I go, James Dunne knocks Adam Clayton into a cocked hat. 8/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DOL THEETA..'THE UNIVERSE EXPANDS'

(Electronic Art Metal Records) Reviewed 27th March 2009

Here is a very interesting release we have here. Dol Theeta is the second project of the "Electronica Art Metal" vision of composer Thanasis Lightbridge, and includes the lovely Kortessa on vocals. This is an innovative album, deep with emotions and meditative melodies. Thanasis focused on dreamy and improvisational performances for the recordings in order to capture a more instant and artful expression from the participants. Dol Theeta also feature a lot of ethnic elements and instrumentation, something new and exciting for Thanasis, who apart from the various sounds and synthesizers, also performed the drums on the album. This is what I call thinking persons rock and it is cool, being similar I suppose to Factory Of Dreams/Project Creation cds by Hugo Flores - may be also a nod towards Pink Floyd on occasion. No huge hooks here folks, just some real cool music from Greece. I am not overly sure how easy it will be to get this album, but anybody into this type of music will do no harm in checking it out. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DOMINA NOCTIS..'SECOND ROSE'

(Black Fading Records) Reviewed 26th March 2009

An outstanding record we have here from Italian rockers Domina Noctis fronted by the angelic sounding Edera. This I understand is their second release (their second rose), and if you was to look at the artwork, and check out the pictures of the band, you may be mistaken into thinking that this is a death/doom metal outfit. Wrong, completely!!! If you enjoy bands like Dark Princess from Russia, Forever Slave from Spain and the latest output from Norwegian rockers Sirenia, then this album will be right up your alleyway. We have songs on this record that are as catchy as the most virulent form of the flu. Great stuff from beginning to end, with awesome covers of 'Because The Night' (Patty Smith) and the bonus cut, 'Bang Bang' (written by Sonny Bono for Cher), making the purchase price worthwhile on these two covers alone. Indeed, all the tracks here are by and large up tempo and hideously catchy rockers...so pop to www.femmemetalstore.net/ and place your order. Awesome...9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DOWNCAST ART..'DOWNLIGHT'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 20th July 2009

Downcast Art is a Croatian Symphonic Metal Band fronted by Iva Grdic, the band being formed in 2006. I have full admiration for independent musicians that work very hard in getting their product out to the masses, normally at great expense, bearing in mind there is a global economic downturn aswell (so the UK Government keep telling us!). So what about the music on offer here on this little 3 track EP. 'Whisper of a Dying Rose' kicks things off, and obvious comparisons are Tarja era Nightwish - and a catchy song this is too. Okay, this may have all been done before, but you will not hear me complain! 'Miris Proslosti' follows, presumably sung in their native tongue, and this is another song I enjoyed, and again a catchy little number that should appeal to the masses. 'Chants From The Deep' rounds things off. An instrumental, which although good, could do with the added benefit of the vocals. A good little effort here, and I would like to hear more from this band in due course. Check them out at www.myspace.com/downcastart 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DRACONIAN..'TURNING SEASON WITHIN'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 18th February 2008

Musically, 'Turning Season Within' sees DRACONIAN speed up the tempo and heaviness a bit, but without leaving their roots or the doomish aspect aside. It is both tragic and beautiful, being filled with songs of longing and drama. This is great doomy gothic metal, and this is where the term 'gothic' in my book certainly does apply. And yet, there is a melodic under current never too far away throughout the album. Featuring the angelic female arrangements of Lisa Johansson, the harsh and at times near violent vocals of lyricist Anders Jacobsson, and with tuned down walls of darkish riffs, these Swedes have certainly delivered with this release. 'Turning Season Within' is certainly not a release for you Avril fans out there (LOL), but any punters who would enjoy a heavy fusion of doomy gothic metal coupled with occasional dreamy melodies to die for...well all I can say is go and buy it! The European release will appear on the 3rd March. Great stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DRAMA..'NEMESIS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 2nd May 2008

Drama fronted by Bet Soler are from Barcelona, and started out back in 1999. Fast forward to 2008, and we are fortunate enough here to be given the chance to review their latest 5 track (30 minute) EP 'Nemesis', that the band have been so kind to send to us. I like it, and it is obvious this band are trying hard to make an impression in the Symphonic Metal Genre. 'Nemesis' has five tracks of Power Symphonic Metal, and it is a shame that a label will not get behind this outfit. A label one day will wake up no doubt. For fans of Nightwish and the like 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

THE DREAMSIDE..'THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER'

(Dancing Ferret Discs) Reviewed 24th November 2007

Dutch gothic band The Dreamside is yet another fave band of mine, and have been for somewhile now. This disc celebrates them being together for 13 years. It is basically a strong album of re-mixes (done by various bods), most of which would not be out of place on the dance floor. Some good stuff on offer here, with some great re mixed versions of songs that The Dreamside have committed to disc in the past. However, what has interested me on this specific album are the two new studio tracks..'In Longing' and 'Sticks and Stones'. If these two songs are going to be anything like what The Dreamside may be considering for their next studio effort, then that album will be totally mind blowing. I can't wait! This cd meanwhile, is a must for fans of gothic and electro rock and most certainly one for fans of The Dreamside. Excellent!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

The DREAMSIDE..'LUNAR NATURE'

(Lion Music) Reviewed 2nd November 2009

The Dreamside has been on the Gothic Rock scene for 15 years. Blending elements of Electro, Gothic and Metal music, with female vocals and lyrics commonly centred on themes like the supernatural, The Dreamside have built a strong fan base thanks to their four previous albums, and in 2009 they signed with Lion Music for their 5th studio album 'Lunar Nature', which will be released on December 4th. The music on 'Lunar Nature' can be described as real atmospherical Gothic Rock with a good mixture of heavy guitars, electronic elements and a proper shot of alternative rock, all with a good helping of that aforementioned atmosphere. All this interwoven with Kemi Vita’s remarkable voice and her unique way to express emotions in very personal lyrics. And I must say that this band rank as another of my fave acts (the list gets longer!), I actually having all their previous releases. Some brilliant tracks on this record including 'Everlasting', the totally cool 'Silently Awake', 'Sticks and Stones' , 'Carry On', 'In Longing' , 'Sternenkind' and the rocky 'Seeds Of Pain' (a collaboration with the US act “Information Society” ). But to be frank, every track to my ears is a winner including 'Hush', when I thought for a moment that the angels had taken me away, this track even reminding me a little of Pink Floyd! This is a totally mind blowing release that will please fans of the band and indeed, fans of the Electro Gothic genre as a whole. As previously mentioned, it gets released on the 4th December. 15 tracks and 64 mins of music - great stuff and will make someone a great Christmas pressie. And a vital addition to one's cd collection. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DYONIS..'S/T'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 31st August 2007

Sheffield based DYONISIS are fronted by Nel Cave and Lou Welsby. This cd by Dyonisis is cool atmospheric rock, and I love it!. This is not really a cd to headbang too, but you could find yourself chilling out to it. The cd has 9 tracks to take the listener on a journey throughout it's atmospheric soundscapes. The cool 'Hunter' kicks things off, followed by second one in, the equally cool 'Reaching'. 'Xact' carries on the good start. Just listen to track 5..'Pretty At A Distance', the girls singing on their own..no instruments. Awesome stuff! The cd continues in fine form, ending with the 10 minute epic 'Rainy Day'. This cd is yet further proof to me anyway, that there is some fine independent female fronted stuff out there, and they are British too. Fine keyboard atmospherics, with some decent guitar work aswell. The band can be found at http://www.myspace.com/dyonisis . I am going to give this an 8/10, a cracking self released effort! (Reviewed by Dave).