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)

DAKRYA..'MONUMENTO'

(Another Sphere Records) Reviewed 30th August 2010

This album almost escaped the Ravenradar™ mounted on the south tower, but with a new CD imminent, it’s about time we caught up with these Greek theatrical atmospheric gothic symphonic metallers. The band features not one but three luscious luvlies for your delectation, Christina on semi operatic lead vocals, Thomais who does the more operatic vocals, and Sophia X on keys. Sophia is very much the leading lady music wise, their sound is like a more theatrical early Epica/lighter Therion, packed full of superb keyboards, with the rest of the lads also doing an excellent job. Joining the ladies is guest growler Dagwyn (Nethescerial) and judging on the evidence of this album and Dimlight, the Greeks seem to do growls better than anyone else, keeping them deep, menacing, clear and tuneful, adding to the drama, rather than detracting from the music. All the songs swirl back and forth between light and dark passages, with the three singers intertwining to mesmeric effect. Spoken passages also add to the theatrical drama of each track, and most of them segue into each other, creating an absorbing listening experience. To sum up, this album has top quality vocals, enthralling music, good production, great image and a special atmosphere. You should be able to get a copy from various retailers and EBay, and their Myspace is http://www.myspace.com/dakrya. Their new CD promises to be even more theatrical, with a hint of Diablo Swing Orchestra, I can’t wait! Returning to Monumento for a moment, this merits a momentous 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DAKRYA..'CRIME SCENE'

(Sensory Records) Reviewed 2nd December 2010)

A few months ago I caught up with these Greek lovelies' (and gentlemen's) début album Monumento which proved to be top quality gothic symphonic metal. This time they have pushed their theatrical side even further and it is fitting that the album is mixed by Pelle Saether who has worked with Diablo Swing Orchestra, although they are not as crazy as the Swedes, there is more than a touch of DSO on display here. Once again you get the dual vocal attack of Christina Kalantzi and Thomais Chatzigianni, this time more stage-musical/comic-opera, with main-woman, composer and keys player SophiaX conducting proceedings. There are some occasional clean male vocals, but none of the growling that featured on their last album. Although now labelled as avant-garde, it is because they are unusual and unique, not an unholy racket like most bands with that tag. The only way I can describe it is imagine if DSO and Delain were commissioned to create the music for a Cirque du Soleil metal production. Yes, it's metal Jim, but not as we know it. You get 8 proper gothic metal songs (plus an outro) but with a recurring circus theme and bursts of boogie, barminess, Barnum, Batman, and Broadway, all great fun (there's even some yakety sax!) without getting too silly. They even have a track called 'Phantasmagoria' which shares its name with the Damned's classic gothic rock album, one of my all-time top 10. The vocal performances are outstanding with fantastic vocal interplay, Sophia X's production is top notch, and it's all packed in striking themed artwork. If something whimsical and wacky, but not wild and weird, tickles your fancy, then this is just the ticket, and ringside seats are available at most decent box offices. Personally, I'm tickled pink! Their big-top is pitched at www.myspace.com/dakrya, a death defying high flying 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DAMAGE DONE..'STORIES NEVER TOLD'

(Pan-Vox) Reviewed 30th March 2010

This debut from the pen of Theodisis Chatzistergos and his band has had a long history, during the course of which they went from male to female fronted, so although most of the songs have the deep voice of Nick Rizikianos, it also has Georgia Konstantinou contributing lead and backing vocals, and if you saw the band today, L. Angel would be the front lady. The album has the feel of a ‘best of’ collection, cherry picking songs from a bands career representing different periods of their development. The first three songs see the band in gothic rock mode, influenced by The Mission, Fields of Nephilim, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Paradise Lost. After the instrumental ‘Grief’, they enter an alt rock phase for the next three tunes, inspired by bands like Kings of Leon and Nickelback, with Nick using a totally different higher voice, and Georgia coming to the fore. Iggy Pop then gets some Swiftcover, jumps into his car and smashes his way through the studio wall for the one off garage punk ‘Who Am I’ (it’s not really Mr. Osterberg, but you know what I mean). We then head into a Leonard Cohen style introspective period for the final two numbers with the gentle piano piece ‘All I Need is a Peace of Mind’ and the ‘All I Need is Some Time’ ballad. The unifying force is the superb production job, the whole album sounds like it was recorded in a cavernous concert hall, full of reverb, with a massive drum sound. This album is an outstanding collection of commercial rock songs, the sort of stuff that would go down a storm at Glastonbury, and with a settled line-up they really should go far. The digi-pak comes with three videos, and is available for just 12 euros from the band, check out their Myspace www.myspace.com/damagedonegr for more info. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

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)

DARKSKY..'WHERE ANGELS HIDE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 8th April 2010

It has taken 13 long years and many changes of style and line-up for Francesco and Max Diblasio (guitar and keyboards) to finally realise their dream and release this, their debut album. Loosely you can call this gothic metal, but you have to add prog, blues and soul into the mix. Imagine, if you will, Dream Theatre deciding make an album of Lacuna Coil songs, with Joss Stone on vocals and guest appearances by Eric Clapton and Gary Numan, then you might be somewhere close, but they are hard to pin down, this is one album you cannot say ‘it sounds like such and such’. The delectable Alis Bos has got an awesome set of tonsils, I just mentioned Joss Stone, but thankfully without all that wailing. It’s gets off to a powerful symphonic start with ‘Memento’, featuring some Numanesque fat synths and prog flavoured diminutive chords, then the delicacy and power blend of ‘The Door’, a very commercial song with an excellent guitar solo. ‘The Colour of Dreams’ starts off like Eric Clapton (in rock mode) jamming with Pink Floyd, a really clever vocoder part then leads into a more powerful rocked up passage, with Alis showing just how passionate and emotional she can be. ‘A Way Out For The Sinner’ begins with portentous minor chords leading into another soulful and mighty song, with guest male vocals (clean) by Andea ‘Vidar’ Stefanelli, who also does an excellent job of mixing the album. ‘Lightstorm’ is moodier and heavier, counterpoised with the gentle Spanish guitar instrumental, ‘Peaceful Place’, I love these interludes that give your ears a rest, and it also gives Francesco a chance to show off his lightning skills on the guitar. ‘Lex Aeterna’ starts off like a ‘house’ number before the prog metal cuts in, it’s then a battle between the two before they unite and blow the cones off me speakers. Relative calm is restored with the outstanding and highly touching power ballad ‘The Last Rose’, with emotive lyrics and gorgeous synths. The album ends with the prog metal workout ‘Fatal Frame’. Those 13 years have obviously been well spent, creating a band that is unique, highly skilled and fully formed. The voice of Alis takes the band onto another level where they can really compete with the big boys. I can see this doing very well in the USA, indeed, unless I had been told, I would have guessed that they are American, not Italian. If you like your music powerful, soulful and skilful then they await your pleasure at their Myspace site, www.myspace.com/darkskyitaly, and copies can be purchased by messaging the band. A highly recommended 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DAWN OF DESTINY..'HUMAN FRAGILITY'

(Shark Records) Reviewed 6th December 2010

With no less that 3 albums under their belt since 2007, it is about time we caught up with the latest release from these German power metallers which weighs in at a whopping 66 minutes, they are most certainly productive. Their style hovers around early Nightwish, Lunatica, Sonata Arctica and Power Quest, performed with plenty of gusto, verging on the speedy at times. The keyboards incline towards the atmospheric rather than the bombastic, which together with the excellent production gives them a direct, straight for the jugular metal sound. Tanja Maul has a superb powerful semi-operatic voice that suits the music perfectly, ably assisted by a wide variety of excellent male voices (she has recently left, the mike taken over by Jeanette Scherff). They certainly have the knack for writing catchy songs with outstanding rousing choruses and super melodies, with plenty of subtle variation from full throttle double peddling to strutting to marching to bouncing to swaying. Remarkably, quality is maintained throughout the album, with particular faves including the more Sonata Arctica esque 'From a Heartless World' and title track 'Human Fragility'; the more Nightwish'ish 'Learning to Fly' and 'A Better Time to Come To Come'; the Therion like, suitably Middle Eastern flavoured, 'Ten Plagues of Egypt, and the groovy 'End of Pain'. There are two peculiarities, firstly many songs fade out, unusual for an European metal album, and secondly, despite having no gentler numbers, interest is maintained right to the end through the rich variety of music and sheer quality of song-writing. This is a band who will not win any awards for innovation, but this is an highly enjoyable and professional album that does exactly what it says on the tin. You want over an hours worth of top quality, subtly symphonic, power metal without any soppy ballads, you've got it, nuff said. Your destiny lies at http://www.dawnofdestiny.de/, a highly productive 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

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)

DEADMANSWAKE..'IT COMES TO THIS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th March 2010

Lock away your children and let's rock, to an awesome hard rock band from Chicago fronted by Kryssie Ridolfi. And this lass has such an awesome voice that is suited to this style of music, that I know we are onto a winner from track 1, that steamrollers it's way outta my speakers like a high speed train. This track 'Amy' is one of my faves, and we have barely got going, and this particular song being very personal to Kryssie. 'Back To Blood', keeps the pace up, this opening salvo being hard, heavy and they rock. Things slow down slightly for 'Far Be It From Me', a melodic number with a catchy chorus. 'Murder' picks it up again, and I am impressed with what I have heard so far. The album continues in a similar style, mainly hard rockers, with Kryssie's vocal performance awesome throughout. For further highlights check out 'Selfish' and the thundering 'Save Me'. This is Deadman's Wake's debut full length release, and I am very impressed. Worth checking out for anybody that likes their music hard, heavy and melodic. And I also wish to note that the band has also had a support slot with In This Moment ( a Ravenheart Music fave). I will now make a suggestion - surf your way to www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago and check out this offering of female fronted metal with balls. A good little release this....8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

DEATHLIKE SILENCE..'SATURDAY NIGHT EVIL'

(Spinefarm) Reviewed 7th April 2010

I’ve unearthed a treat for you that is no trick, gravedigger metal from the land of the long sleep, Finland. If you think that this is going to be death metal, then you are howling up the wrong tomb, this is Nightwish meets NWOBHM (Maiden, Priest, Witchfinder, Diamond Head, Saxon, et al). The highlights of this particular monument to metal are the deep golden voice of the radiant Ms Maya and the keys of the surprisingly lively Mr. Lethargy. They even have a hearse they drive around in, when they turn up at a gig, they must give people quite a shock! You can bury yourself in eleven bone rattling melodic rock-metal tales of death and decay. There’s only space here to give you a skeleton outline, but the picks of the crypt are the Magnum like ‘Trapped in the Night’, the Keith Emerson organ fuelled ‘And You Cry’, the chugging ‘Who’s Gonna Bury Me’ and ‘The Headsman’, the anthemic ‘Dagon’ and ‘Till Death Tears Us Apart’, and the haunting ‘They’ll Eat Us’. The fright in the night is that they have dug up Mike Oldfield’s ‘Moonlight Shadow’ and reincarnated it as a rollicking rocker, a real rave from the grave. It’s on Spinefarm so there is no need to dig around for a copy, you should be able to spirit it away from the normal bodies. To be deadly serious, this is a killer album that you will be dying to get your bony hands on. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

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)

DELIA..'SPOGAD (RECOLLECTION)

(ЯОК Music) Reviewed 10th April 2010

1. Lumen (Sub ala angeli) 2. I Will Always Wait 3. Forgotten Land 4. Otrada 5. New Time 6. Dead City 7. Find Me 8. Ghost 9. Tired 10. Autumn Melody 11. Limit 12. Your Name 13. Memories 14. Illusion (Bonus Track) 15. Melodia Otonala (Bonus Track)
Delia were formed in Kiev in 2005 and are proud to use their own native Ukrainian language and Cyrillic alphabet, so I had to put the song titles through Google translate so that I could read them. I hope it’s done a good job, I apologise in advance if I’ve got something slightly wrong. This album is packed with colossal, Within Temptationesque, symphonic metal songs, full of their very own choir, orchestral keys and soaring melodies, all with a huge production sound that still manages to give everything space to breathe. The adorable Anastasia has a staggeringly massive, deep rich voice, and when it’s mixed with their dramatic language, it makes each song a truly awesome experience. Every song is a humdinger, after the impressive choral intro comes the swaying ‘I Will Always Wait’ with lovely choir, the Eastern European flavoured ‘Forgotten Land’ which made me jump out of my seat, the orchestral and dramatic ‘Otrada’, ‘New Time’ with it’s spine tingling vocals, the gorgeous and emotionally charged power ballad ‘Find Me’, the rip roaring duo ‘Ghost’ and ‘Tired’, the spellbinding, syncopated ‘Autumn Melody’, the rampaging, synth laced ‘Limit’, the delicate ballad ‘Your Name’ with gentle piano arpeggios and plaintive violin, and finally the mighty ‘Memories’. There are a couple of bonus tracks, the thumping ‘Illusion’, and ‘Melodia Otonala’ which is an alternative version of ‘Autumn Melody’. ‘Dead City’ is dedicated to the memory of the city of Pripyat, its ex-citizens, and all people who suffered as a result of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986; you can see an English language video on their Myspace site, www.myspace.com/265243721 . It begins with the sound of children playing, broken by the chilling sound of sirens wailing, it really brought back the terror of that time. I found this whole album incredibly moving, one of the most beautiful listening experiences I have enjoyed since Silent Force. This is a must buy for all fans of the genre, and is available by contacting the band on delia@delia.kiev.ua , details are on their website, http://www.delia.com.ua/en/news.html 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

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).

DELUSION SQUARED..S/T

(Self Release) Reviewed 8th September 2010

This is at concept piece by this awesome band, fronted by a lass called Lorraine Young, and feat Steve Francis on guitars, drums & keys, and Emmanuel de Saint Meen on bass & keys. Briefly, in the distant future, after the great wars, most of mankind is shut up in biospheres where everything is controlled by artificial intelligences, the AI’s. The rest of the people survive outside in the polluted and desolate wastelands. Inside these ‘hives’ everything is created artificially, so when a young girl decides to have a child, she is charged and found guilty of breaking the strict genetic laws, and left beaten, drugged and abandoned on a lake shore. She is rescued by the outsiders who look after her, and over time she becomes a mother to all these disparate groups, bringing them together and forging a new future. This is very Porcupine Tree, with a hint of Ayreon (especially the concept), the band settling into a steady groove with subtle variations of tones, textures & colours, and flourishes & embellishments rather than soloing. Lorraine's unique slightly deadpan vocals melt into the music, at times they appear to be subtly treated to obtain an unusual tone, or it could be the singer’s natural voice, it is difficult to tell. Nothing is allowed to disturb the smooth, almost hypnotic, flow of the music. Although divided up into easily digested bite sized songs, it is best treated as a continuous piece of music, all beautifully recorded and performed. Puzzlingly, ‘What We Will Be’ starts with the Bakuba creationist theory done in the voice and style of Prof Stephen Hawking. I found this a mesmerising listening experience, aural hypnotherapy, the trance only broken when the last track finished. The album is easily available from their website, http://www.delusionsquared.com/ and CD Baby. This has the makings of a prog classic, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil, and edited by Aimee).

DENIA..'NO LIFE AFTER LOVE'

(Hardleywood Records) Reviewed 22nd August 2010

Denia is a side project to the band No Life After Love (not to be confused with the album title) formed by Spanish multi-instrumentalist Joey Denia, with Maria Jose Erena and Mario Infantes on vocals. You get 18 songs and 80 minutes of music shoehorned into this album, so it’s time for a run through …….. only joking, I’d still be here at Xmas. Suffice to say, most of it is highly melodic, rather catchy, gothic rock, a sort of lighter, more poppy, Delain/Sirenia/Lacuna Coil with a keyboard virtuoso, a touch of prog, and Bananarama on vocals. However, a few tracks are marred by dreadful, tuneless, inappropriate and painful growls by Mario; it is totally out of place, like having Dani Filth bellowing on a Spice Girls record. The drum machine snare sound used throughout is also an acquired taste. This is something of a flawed gem, without Mario (or with a decent growler) and with a skilled drummer, this could be something very special indeed. Even as it is, there is so much to enjoy, there are lots of great tunes on here, and Joey is a highly talented songwriter and musician, especially on keyboards. It is available for download from their Myspace, www.myspace.com/denianolifeafterlove, which means you can cherry pick your favourite dozen or so tracks, giving 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DESDEMON..'THE AWAKENING' Five track EP

(Independent Release) Reviewed 13th January 2011

Hailing from the seemingly dormant NYC metal scene is the female fronted symphonic metal band DesDemon, featuring Mistress Tina on Vocals and the mysteriously named Lord Metadox on Guitar. The group is based upon a dark and twisted tale of a woman’s fall from grace, and her evolution to a darker side of life. Musically these tales are expressed through a darkly splendid array of metal elements. Indeed, you’ll hear elements of traditional metal with a modern approach on this 35 minute plus EP, with the blend of the band's collective influences creating a beautifully devious sound, that is heavier than most of the female fronted acts out there today. The opener 'The Aquiescence of Illusion' for example is a great Melodic Power Metal track showcasing Mistress Tina's vocal style very well. 'A Soul In Exile' slows things down a touch being a track that starts slow and builds into an awesome crescendo. 'Lago' ups the tempo again whilst the epic 11 minute plus and very powerful 'In The Absence Of Light', closes what to me is a totally excellent slab of symphonic melodic metal, with great musicianship and great vocals that range from classic opera soprano, to a more mid ranged rock vocal style! Meanwhile, the band are preparing for their first full length release this year, which will include guest musicians Sander Gommans (After Forever, HDK), Amanda Somerville (Kiske/ Somerville, Epica, Kamelot), Mike Vescera (Loudness, Obsession, Yngwie Malmsteen), Joe Stump (Holy Hell, Reign of Terror, MVP). This EP is sure worth checking out and after having had a sneak preview of some of their forthcoming album tracks (pre production), they suggest to me that there is something pretty awesome in the pipeline. Check out www.myspace.com/desdemon, while this is a worthy 8.75/10 (Dave)

DEVA.. 'BETWEEN LIFE AND DREAMS'

(RNC Music / Orion’s Belt Records ) Reviewed 8th May 2010

Beautiful Beatrice Palumbo, a bona fide, classically trained opera diva, and guitarist/composer Federico Salerno created the concept behind Deva, to forge a unique union between classical music and progressive metal, which would appeal to fans of artists as diverse as Nightwish (metal), Dream Theatre (prog), and Katherine Jenkins (female opera). The multifaceted songs swirl between soft and heavy, light and shade, with their influences coming from other bands that also have a classical element in their music. At their most gentle, Renaissance springs to mind, especially with the lovely Myriam Stallone’s John Camp like grunting bass, together with a touch of Kate Bush, while at their heaviest bands like Therion and Epica are reference points, but with more emphasis on the four musicians rather than orchestral bombast. Their more prog moments recall a heavier Yes, Focus and Genesis, with excellent soloing from Federico and synthesist Marco Castiglione, but thankfully no noodling. They also remind me at times of Streams of Passion, Edenbridge and in particular Diablo Swing Orchestra, but without the craziness and Beatrice’s voice is a lot softer and easier on the ear than Annlouice’s, who can get a bit shrill. They are not as heavy and technical as Dream Theatre, but that is the beauty of female fronted metal, the triumph of melody over muscle. It is unfair to pick out faves, all the songs have so much to commend them, but I will mention the sublime chorus of ‘Your Voice’, the Renaissance-esque opening and awesome climax of ‘Out in Fog’, the dreamy delicate ‘Fading From Here’ that gradually grows in power, I love it when a band gets into a groove and takes flight, and the incredible four part ‘Karma’ suite that is simply breathtaking. That the musicianship is top drawer is a given, I must also mention Thomas D’Alba’s skilled drumming, and the production by the band is equally impressive, everything superbly recorded and mixed with crystal clarity. There is so much packed into each song that this is a real grower, every listen revealing a fresh nuance. If you love your prog then I risk being trampled underfoot in the rush to get to http://www.self.it/ita/details.php?nb=8019991871577 to grab a copy, but I also recommend that everyone should head to www.myspace.com/infodeva to experience Deva for themselves. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

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).

DIABULUS IN MUSICA..'SECRETS'

(Metal Blade) Reviewed 6th June 2010

This debut album from Diabulus has had a long two year gestation, it was originally recorded by top studio guru Inaki Llarena back in 2008, but they felt that the sound was too heavy, with the top classical talent they had enlisted buried in the mix. So they asked Epica’s former guitarist Ad Sluijter for his help, and he duly volunteered to remix the CD himself, and a jolly good job he has done I must say. Ad had jumped the Epica ship as it headed into extreme waters, so it is perhaps no surprise that the closest parallel here is early Epica. This is a game of two halves (it is the World Cup after all). After a brief intro comes the five best tunes – catchy, commercial, melodic and groovy, but with heavier passages and a bit of growling to remind you that they are a metal band. Key features are the wonderful choir and Zuberoa Aznarez’s glorious semi operatic voice, a softer version of Simone Simons. Epica had Tony Blair, Diabulus have trumped this with an appearance by Barack Obama on ‘New Era’, I didn’t know that one of the most powerful men on the planet is a metalhead. The half time entertainment is provided by the beautiful piano and voice ballad ‘Lonely Soul’ and the brief plaintive violin instrumental ‘The Seventh Gate’, it is lovely to have these interludes to stop you ears getting metal fatigue, an example other bands should follow. The second half is a different beast, or should I say beauty and the beast as it has a couple of growlers. The songs are darker and heavier, the notable exception being the melodic ‘Under the Shadow of a Butterfly’, and it ends with the everything including the kitchen sink ‘St. Michael’s Nightmare’. The first half is a worthy follow up to Epica’s ‘Consign to Oblivion’, however some songs in the second half will divide opinion, for heavy fans these will be their favourite tunes, while light fans will be reaching for the skip button on a couple of occasions. Their Myspace is www.myspace.com/diabulusinmusicaband and the secret is out at all good stockists. Ignoring the three heavier, more controversial numbers, there are still 8 cracking tunes, so it’s well worth 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DIARY OF DESTRUCTION..'OUTSIDE THE SHADE' EP

(Self Release) Reviewed 2nd February 2011

Diary of Destruction is a melodic metal band from Lille in France, formed at the end of 2007 with the meeting of 4 friends coming from different musical horizons. Fronted by Audrey Ebrotie, the rather haunting intro, the title track 'Outside The Shade' gets the cd underway, being followed by 'Without Beauty'. An awesome Gothic Metal track showcasing Audrey's angelic but not overly operatic vocal style. 'Men Blunder' was featured on a demo that was released in January 2009. The track here is a new edit, and is quite a catchy offering subtle grunts in the process, as do some of the other numbers here. 'Storm' is a heavy offering with a progressive undercurrent, but still with the band's distinctive catchy style, that I am finding rather infectious. 'Unbreakable' is next up, possibly one of the least commercial sounding tracks on the EP but damn good nonetheless. Closer, the pulsating 'The Other Side' finishes this rather impressive record. The EP allies powerful and intoxicating singing to incisive riffs sublimated by gothic tones, and from what I understand, has been well received in their native country. Check the band out at Diary of Destruction and I would not hesitate in recommending this to fans of the genre...8.5/10 (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 SO FLUID..'THE WORLD IS TOO BIG FOR ONE LIFETIME'

(DR2 Records) Reviewed 2nd July 2010

Die So Fluid, a threesome fronted by the deliciously named Grog (she is also the bassist by the way) is from London, and can best be described as an alternative rock band, offering a mix of goth, mainstream rock and grunge, all added with a kinda punk attitude. This I understand is their third release, and is another good offering from this band. 'Figurine' opens this record and is blaster of a track. 'Mercury' is another powerful offering with a catchy chorus to boot. However, the album I fear does lose it's way on the odd occasion, but having said that, it seems to get better on subsequent listens - always the sign of a good album I think. Other tracks worth checking out are 'Storm', the awesome title track, 'Raven' and 'What a Heart Is For'. This record should be fairly easy to obtain from the normal retail outlets or the internet. Cool!! 8/10 (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)

DIMANSION..'ROOM ONE'

(Emotion Art Music) Reviewed 23rd August 2010

Greek band Dimansion (note the ‘a’ rather than an ‘e’) started life in 2006 doing covers of Nightwish and other symphonic metal bands, so you know where we are going musically with this one. However, they have developed a highly distinctive style that is certainly not as heavy and bombastic as Nightwish. The charming Chrissa Sidiropoulou has a delightful and very versatile clear voice that changes from pop to folk to semi operatic. Drummer Alex Makatselos is obviously a fan of Carl Palmer, giving the songs a proggy, jazzy nuance. The album originally came out in Greece at the end of 2008, gaining an international release by Twilight Distribution a year later. You certainly get plenty of variety for your money; ‘Precious Image’, the outstanding groovy ‘Alive’ (video on Female Voices Blog) and ‘Inner Hopes’ are romping Nightwish esque numbers; ‘Room One’ and ‘Ghost Story’ have most unusual musical changes; ‘Beautiful Heavens Whisper’ is a lovely ballad; while ‘Far From Home’ and the most excellent ‘Wolf’s Eyes’ with it’s urgent riff are folkish, proggish, with a hint of Fleetwood Mac. The final number ‘Wholesome Arrival’ finds us in the kasbah, there’s even time for a quick puff of the hubble-bubble while Alex Makatselos does his stuff (sadly he has left the band). The production is generally good, perhaps the guitars could do with some more oomph, but that is a minor quibble and it might destroy their sound. This album is a real grower, it takes a few spins to get used to their eclectic approach and unusual sound and style. If you like symphonic metal then you can certainly find room for one in your collection, their Myspace is www.myspace.com/dimansiongr and it is available at various stores, e.g. the Twilight mail order shop, http://www.twilight-mailorder.com. A most intriguing and surprising listen, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DIMLIGHT..'OBTENEBRATION'

(Emotion Art) Reviewed 2nd June 2010

Let me shed some light on this debut from the Greek symphonic gothic metallers Dimlight and their art of darkness. After the terrifying intro that sent me scurrying behind the couch, there follows gripping, atmospheric, theatrical soundtracks to an aural vampire thriller (Obtenebration is a vampire supernatural power), with Darien’s dramatic keyboard motifs, Invoker’s spiralling guitar solos, and Sanna’s innocent voice juxtaposed with Invoker’s occasional evil growls, blood curdling screams and menacing whispers to terrific effect. Musically a mix of Hanging Doll (Sanna’s vocals remind me of Sally), early Epica, and a touch of Within Temptation/modern Nightwish mixed with gothic era Damned, I love the way that this has been constructed as a total listening experience with each track leading onto the next, the music, lyrics and artwork combining to create a complete package that will defy iPod downloaders. Highlights include their signature tune ‘Dimlight’, the mystical ‘Absence of Light’, the melodramatic ‘RID’ (you can see the video on the blog http://thefemalevoices.blogspot.com/) and the epic ‘Death Premonition’. The way this has been put together, with excellent production and sound, demonstrates remarkable ambition and imagination. To paraphrase the lustrous Sanna, in the absence of light only darkness prevails, follow me through this now to www.myspace.com/dimlightband (available at Metal Fighters, Nuclear Blast and other beacons of light), and never suffer again, a highly illuminating 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

DISDAINED..'LONGING FOR SERENITY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th November 2010

Disdained fronted by Therése Thomsson is one of the hottest fresh bands on the Swedish female fronted melodic metal genre, and 'Longing For Serenity' offers 5 tracks of pumping Melodic Gothic Metal in the vein of Nightwish, Within Temptation, Delain and the like. Heavy it is, melodic it is, and right up my alleyway it is too. Every track on this little gem is a winner, and based on this EP, I cannot wait for a full album. This is damn good and can be downloaded from iTunes amongst others. 9/10 (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)

DISTRICT 97..'HYBRID CHILD'

(Lasers Edge) Reviewed 18th January 2011

Led by drummer and mastermind Jonathan Schang, District 97 are a young prog band from the windy city Chicago (District 97 is the City's Oak Park area) that features an American Idol finalist and a cellist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Strangely finalists of the X Factor, the British equivalent of American Idol (both run by oily Simon Cowell), have all the musical credibility of Britney Spears, no self respecting rock or metal band would touch them with a barge pole, unless they want to become a laughing stock, but in America it is the total opposite, We Are The Fallen being a perfect example, and of course Spanish X Factor contestant Ailyn is singer with the mighty Sirenia, so no problem there, it must be the standard of contestants in Britain. Gorgeous Leslie Hunt doesn't wail and scream like most American Idol/X Factor singers, in fact she reminds me variously of Lily Allen, Heather Findlay and Ann Wilson. She has her own solo pop career as well, releasing a couple of albums. The first four multifaceted tracks set out their sound, a hybrid of Yes, Rush, Julian Lloyd Webber and Mostly Autumn; powerful, melodic, and ornate, with a touch of pop, classical, jazz and metal. Opener 'I Don't Want to Wait Another Day' and the catchy 'I Can't Take You With Me' (on the Female Voices Blog) are more accessible, while 'The Man Who Knows Your Name' and 'Termites' are heavier and proggier, the latter even has a death metal scream which comes as quite a shock. Then we get to the real meat and 2 veg, the 10 part 'Mindscan'. This runs through a veritable gamut of styles, flowing smoothly from ambient to reflective piano to jazz prog to Jon Anderson (Welcome) to avant-garde to gentle ballad (title track Hybrid Child) to prog metal to grand rock (When I Awake) and ending with a prog conclusion. The standard of musicianship is outstanding, they are all virtuosos on their chosen instrument, and the production is also top class. This is classic prog of the highest order that's available from all the usual districts, their website is http://district97.net/, a top notch 8.75/10 (Phil)

DIVA SUICIDE..'SCARS'.

(Battered Vinyl Records) Reviewed 24th April 2010

Imagine Madonna, grab her by the short and curlies if you will, turn her into a metal maiden, and then you have Diva Suicide. Yep that's right, but also add adequate doses of electro rock and industrial metal into the mix. This London based outfit fronted by a lass who simply calls herself XS, are sure causing a stir with this, their 7 track debut cd. And I have not stopped playing it since it turned up at Ravenheart Towers. Their sound being inspired by The Birthday Massacre, HIM and 30 Seconds to Mars amongst others, and I must say this record has totally blown me away. This little release is so hideously catchy and is laden with hooks galore. Check them out at http://www.divasuicide.net. I am very impressed indeed! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)