Reviews

EBONY ARK..'WHEN THE CITY IS QUIET'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 20th April 2008

Ebony Ark on this their second release, serve up a menu of melodic power metal, with the vocals of Beatriz Albert a sheer delight. I must admit to not knowing anything about this Spanish band's debut ('Decoder'), but it may well be worth checking out after this. This album is for anyone who enjoys our beloved genre, especially if you are into the gothic, progressive and the operatic side of things. 'When The City Is Quiet' is a consistent affair, and l enjoyed the cd throughout, although to my ears anyway, the best came towards the end. The title track (track 12) and the bonus track 13, 'A Merceed de la Lluvia' being very good efforts. However let's not allow this to detract from the rest of the album that is good, with great guitar and keyboards, without overdoing the solos. The UK label Ascendance Records have hit on a winner here....more please! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

EBONY TOWER..'DEAD PLANETS NEW STARS'

(Red Chord Records) Reviewed 26th July 2009

A four track EP here by UK prog rock ensemble EBONY TOWER. The brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Wilson McQueen, the EP features clasically trained violinist Skye Sheridan and vocalist Rebecca Everitt amongst other reknown musicians. 'Dead Planets New Stars' is a pre curser to a full length album that will be released later in the year. I like this little release...kicking off with 'White Rabbit' a song about environmental meltdown, this track starts with a violin intro that then gives way to powerhouse riffage. 'Ebony Tower' and 'Celebrity Squares' follow and these are impressive tracks in their own right. Finally 'Looking Glass War' harks back to the heady days of LA sleaze. Indeed, in places, the vocal style on this album reminding me a little of my vocalist friend Zennor McGuire who fronts local rock band LYCK. A good little release this one and it is worth trekking to their myspace site for more info www.myspace.com/ebonytowerrocks. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ECHOES OF ETERNITY..'AS SHADOWS BURN'

(Massacre Records) Reviewed 27th August 2009

Fronted by Francine Boucher, 'As Shadows Burn' is Echoes of Eternity's second record, following on from their 2007 debut 'The Forgotten Goddess'. This is true Melodic Progressive Power Metal, offering the listener a mix of pure technique, catchy metal melodies and the dynamics of a female voice. Kicking off with the up tempo 'Ten of Swords' - superb musicianship with guitar solos to boot courtesy Brandon patton. The opener is then followed by the slower but equally cool and somewhat catchy 'Veiled Horizon'. 'Memories of Blood and Gold' ups the tempo a little but at the same time showcasing this band's awesome talent. With the remaining tracks following a similar formula, including the final track ('Funeral In The Sky') which is an instrumental, all the music on offer should be enough to satisfy the metal fan. To summarise, 'As Shadows Burn' is a logical step forward from their debut 'The Forgotten Goddess', and as a consequence, should take Echoes of Eternity into the premier league. It's release date is scheduled for the 25th September, so place your pre orders now. 8/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

ECHOTERRA..'THE LAW OF ONE'

(Blinding Force) Reviewed 11th October 2009

Echoterra is a new project, started in 2007, by American power metallers Jonah W, keys, of Pyramaze and Yan Leviathan, guitar, of Avian. The duo enlisted soprano Suvi Virtanen of Finland, who was part of Therion’s choir for many years. Joining them are John Gensmer from Epicurean on drums and fellow Avian Brian Hollenbeck on bass and vocals. So this is band with a real top quality pedigree. After the orchestral intro are three Nightwishesque songs, but with two big differences. Firstly, Yan is more of a rhythm guitarist (the only real solo being supplied by guest Bill Hudson on ‘The Will of Life), so this is a real tour de force for keyboarder Jonah. If you like keyboards, you will love this album. The second big difference is the extraordinary multi part vocals, created by Suvi. She has really used her experience singing in a choir, we are all so used to the lead and backing singers singing the same line and notes, that this is a really refreshing change and gives the band a unique sound and style. ‘The Wind Surrounds You’ is an excellent piano ballad (nice to hear a proper classical piano accompaniment, rather that the normal plonking chords), followed by the atmospheric orchestral ‘To Live Again’. Next up is the album’s best song, the wonderfully named ‘Say, Try, Lie, Die’, which features superb male (clean) and female vocal interplay. ‘Beyond the Seven Seas’ has a jolly pirate vibe. ‘Water Falls’ gallops along nicely, and the album ends with an orchestral version of the afore mentioned ‘Say, Try, Lie, Die’, Jonah can really twinkle those ivories. This is a top quality album, a must for all symphonic metal fans. Available on CD Baby and readers in the USA can also buy it on Amazon. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

ECHOTERRA..'IN YOUR EYES' EP

(Digital download) Reviewed 4th February 2010

Echoterra is a new symphonic metal band featuring female vocals, immaculate production, and world class musicians. In October 2009, their 'The Law Of One' opus was reviewed here. This latest EP offers three songs from that debut album re mastered featuring their new vocalist Melissa Ferlaak, plus two rather awesome instrumentals. Melissa has certainly fitted into the fold well strengthening the Nightwish comparisons, and that cannot be a bad thing. Of interest to fans would be the two piano led intrumentals, 'Bear Mountain' and 'Echoterra Overture'. The full version of the somewhat beautiful 'Bear Mountain' will appear on Echoterra's second full length release due in early 2011. And closing out the EP is the instrumental, 'Echoterra Overture', which is an orchestral medley of songs from the band's debut, 'The Law Of One'. Go to iTunes or cdbaby and download this little opus. And then check out their debut with previous vocalist Suvi. Top quality stuff..8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

EDENBRIDGE..'MY EARTH DREAM'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 2nd May 2008

Before I got into this Femme Metal genre, I always thought that Edenbridge was a small town in the county of Kent here in the UK. Anyway, before I have even started I have digressed. But signing with the awesome Napalm Records in late 2006, has given Edenbridge the opportunity to broaden their horizons, and that's exactly what they've done with this album. Guitar player Lanvall has written eleven great tunes here, and female vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher shows why she is one of the better female singers within the genre. The guitars are heavier and crunchier than before, and the sound is more bombastic, with the addition of the Czech Film Orchestra. The songs are melodic, although the album is not instant, it's a grower. It may not grab you first or even second time out. Anyway, once it does grab hold of you, it will not let go! The best songs from the album to my ears have to be 'My Earth Dream', over 12 and a half minutes of epic music, combining orchestral elements with hard hitting guitar riffs, the bombastic 'Remember Me' and 'Place Of Higher Power'. I have listened to this album a few times, and I had a better listening experience through the good old trusted headphones. For anyone that is missing the epic Nightwish of old, I'll make a suggestion. Check this out and crank it up to annoy the neighbours! Great stuff 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

EDENBRIDGE..'SOLITAIRE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 20th June 2010

Edenbridge is a stunningly consistently good band, that since the year 2000 has brought a little bit of heaven down to earth. And Solitiare carries on the fine Edenbridge tradition and therefore is no exception to this rule. Guitarist Lanvall, once again proves impressively capable of combining musical sophistication with catchy melody lines. Solitaire offers heavy guitar riffs, elaborate orchestral arrangements, and powerful drum parts. The musical foundation is crowned by Sabine Edelsbacher, whose singular voice carries the diverse compositions to new heights. The end result is a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of melodic heavy metal songs such as 'Solitaire', 'Further Afield' and 'Bon Voyage Vagabond', coupled with crunching power ballads such as 'Skyline's End'. Then we have the hideously catchy 'Higher' and 'Come Undone', and if you are able to sit still while listening to these tracks, then you must be unwell :). The final polish is the work of mixing guru Karl Groom (Threshold) and the mastering genius of Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studio). Solitaire is an atmospherically solid and technically masterful album that majestically sets itself apart from all prevalent clichés, and will do nothing less than captivate symphonic metal fans to the core! The Symphonic Metal Crown may have been worn by Nightwish in the past. However, it has now been passed to Edenbridge. And with Robby Valentine and Dennis Ward offering backing vocals & choir parts as well, this release is awesome, totally awesome....9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

EGO LIKENESS..'BREEDLESS'

(Metropolis Records Import) Reviewed 7th June 2010

Ego Likeness from the USA has an energetic sound, a kinda gothic/electronic/rock crossover combined with triphop/ethereal influences. Most striking elements here are the powerful vocals of Donna Lynch, that remind me of acts like Collide. Ego Likeness is like a good wine - getting better the older they become. 'Breedless', their third album like their other releases, offers up some dance floor favourites like the title track, the awesome 'Inferno' and the catchy 'Séance'. Then we have the thumping 'The Devils in the Chemicals', the drum pounding 'Now Until Forever' and the atmospheric, haunting and rather touching 'Song For Samael', as other good examples of what this album has to offer. Ego Likeness can even rock out - 'The Lowest Place on Earth' in-fact being one of my fave tracks on this record! There is hardly a song on this album where it is impossible not to keep still. So how about getting the lasers out, cranking up the stereo, annoying the neighbours and losing yourself in the music. I have their previous two releases, they are good, but this is frikin' good if I may say so! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

EILERA..'FUSION'

(Spinefarm/Universal Records) Reviewed 30th Oct 2007

This is a very strong release from Eilera, a lass who hails from Montpelier in France I believe. The album is a fusion (soz) of rock/metal/gothic/folk, with excellent use of fiddle, violins and cello throughout this release. Great stuff. I find the vocals quite enchanting, perhaps reminding me a little of UK songstress Dido on just the odd occasion. Standout tracks are a plenty on this cd, but I do rate 'Keep Our Heaven' as one of my faves. And if there is anybody reading this review that finds it hard to believe that girls can rock, check this release out! This is a must buy for fans of the genre, and for those that partcularly love Within Temptation, Nightwish and the like! And the songs on 'Fusion' are fused into your head for ages afterwards! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

EISBLUME..'UNTER DEM EIS'

(Universal) Reviewed 12th January 2011

This young German band have been causing quite a stir in their homeland. The name means frost flower in English so it is appropriate that they chose a cover of Subway to Sally's 'Eisblumen' (Frost Flowers) as their début single reaching number 3 in the German charts, propelling the album into the top 20 with an accompanying headlining tour. The song's animated video has won top awards and achieved a staggering 4 million hits on Youtube (video on Female Voices blog). Fronted by the stunning Sotiria "Ria" Schenk their style is midway between Within Temptation and Indica, with added Danny Elfman, Enya and industrial, producing romantic symphonic rock. If you love Within Temptation's lighter songs like 'Memories' and 'Angels', then you will be in heaven (all lyrics are in German). By the way, there is another female artist with the same name that has no connection, it confused me when first researching the band. All the songs are full of mean, moody, and magnificent melancholic melodrama lightened by Ria's sweet pop voice, even the driving rockers 'Land in Sicht' (Land Ahoy) and title track 'Unter dem Eis' (Under the Ice) and the more Indica like 'Liebe heisst Schmerz' (Love Means Pain) and 'Sieben mal' (Seven Times). Even the most upbeat number, the bouncy 'Leben ist Schön' (Life is Beautiful), has a minor key dark edge that stops it becoming a banal pop tune. This gives the whole album an aura that is both enchanting and captivating, an aural equivalent of a Tim Burton dark gothic fairytale, rarely has a band been so appropriately named. Like Silent Force, it is an album best listened to as a complete piece of music, rising and falling, softening and soaring, drifting you away into a different state of consciousness. Should be easily available, and their website in German with relevant links is http://www.eisblume.de/news.php, a sublime 9/10 (Phil)

ELA..'MAKE MY DAY'

(Rock Up Records Germany) Reviewed 25th April 2010

2004 was the year we first heard from ELA: Sony/BMG released ‘Out Of My Universe’, ELA’s debut CD under the band moniker Com`N`Rail. This was followed by numerous concerts, nationwide support shows in Germany – and then in 2006 the split between lead singer ELA and Com`N`Rail occurred. Fast forward to the present day, and 'Make My Day' is the second solo offering from German lass Ela, and all I can say is that if this record appeared in the 80's, it would have been a total smash. This is pure unadulterated 80's hard rock that has been dragged into the 21st century and given a modern makeover. The album also features guitarist JR Blackmore (son of guitar virtuoso Ritchie - a hero of mine) on one of the tracks (Out Of Time). Ela's awesome first solo album 'Passion' is a very good effort, a kinda Euro pop/rock affair. On this, her second release, Ela has upped the ante, and this is more of a Euro melodic hard rock/metal affair - huge on hooks and huge on melody! Opener 'Mad About Your Love' is kinda sexual..."I want your hands to touch my body, I want your lips to kiss my lips" Ela sings. And a chorus to die for too. Next song in, the slightly slower 'Who (Won't You Tell Me)" remains awesomely melodic with subtle hammond organ. Indeed, the hammond pops up on a couple of occasions through this album too. Overall, 'Make My Day' is chock full of melodic hard rockers and ballads - just check out the power ballad 'When Love's Gone' and the up tempo and melodic 'One Wish' and 'Right For The Devil' for confirmation. There are also three bonus tracks, two of which also feature on her debut 'Passion', including 'Out Of Time' (feat the aforementioned Mr Blackmore). This is a damn cool release from this attractive German girl, so get it!...9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ELANE..'THE SILVER FALLS'

(Curzweyhl) Reviewed 7th August 2010

The third album by these German mystic folk rockers sees them add a touch more electronica and melodic rock to their sound. This is what Clannad would sound like if they were a gothic rock band. Joran Elane’s deep golden voice floats dreamily over the beds of lush keyboards, orchestral sounds, acoustic guitars, violins, whistles, harps and those Clannad ahhhhh sounds, but they are not afraid to add a touch of crunchy guitar and some rock drums to their songs, which adds power, tempo and dynamics, pushing them at times towards Mostly Autumn and Mike Oldfield. A perfect example is ‘Paperplanes & Silverboats’ (on the Female Voices Blog), dreamy, wistful, atmospheric, ethereal, but with an injection of drums and electric guitars to give it some oomph. Intertwined with the more up-tempo numbers are lovely gentle pieces like the title track Silverleaf. The centrepiece is the remarkable Crimson Lullaby, the first part a waltz, the second a samba, showing the band’s diversity and skill. The whole album is lovingly crafted for your listening pleasure and the variety of tempos and dynamics means it is restful but never dull. Their Elven Land can be found at www.myspace.com/elanemusic and it is available from their shop http://www.fantasyfolk.de/Shop/?refID=2 and various other outlets. This is Celtic music that transports you far away from the stresses of modern life, indeed, a rather lovely listening experience, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

EL CUERVO de POE..'VOX CORVUS LA VOZ DEL CUERVO'

(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 30th June 2008

The title translated means 'The Voice Of The Raven', and this is another release from the Renaissance camp, and another that although well done, may not be to everybody's taste. Originally founded in mid-2004, El Cuervo de Poe (fronted by Julia Gaos), release their first full effort here, although an independent 4 track demo did make an appearance in 2005. This band are Mexican and the album is sung in Spanish throughout, and although my understanding of the Spanish language is, well non existent, this did not distract from the good stuff on offer here. I do believe however that the lyrics deal mainly with issues close to many a gothic band's heart including loneliness etc. One of the instruments here that pops up occasionally is the violin, and it mixes in very well indeed with everything else, that includes piano and some Latin American style stuff aswell. Julia's operatic style is crystal clear throughout, and we were even treated to the odd male grunt. Another cd from Renaissance, that will take a little getting used too, but live with it, and you will find it is a decent record! 7/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ELEGY OF MADNESS..'THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS'

(Sweet Poison Records) Reviewed 10th October 2009

Italy seems to a hot bed of symphonic gothic music, and Elegy of Madness are a new entry in the field with this, their debut album. This is for fans of Epica and Sirenia, but with prog flourishes, that remind me of Camel. Singer Anja has a soft operatic voice, in the same style as Simone Simmonds, which suits their music that lies on the lighter side of metal. The songs alternate between softer and heavier numbers, but there are always twists and turns, and a few surprises. Stand outs include the lovely instrumentation of ‘Elegy of Madness’, the eastern flavoured ‘Another Path’, and the deep, emotional ‘Agony’ parts 1 & 2. This, as befits an album called Bridge of Sighs, is melancholic, thoughtful, reflective music. If you don’t like the way that Epica have lurched into death metal, then I highly recommend you do as I did and invest in this rather than their new album. Available at http://www.gattimusic.com and at Gatti’s shop on EBay, as well as other reputable outlets. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ELENA..'PAINT IT GOLD'

(Delicious Records) Reviewed 28th October 2008

Elena signed to Delicious Records in 2005 and started recording her amazing debut album 'Glimpse'. 'Paint It Gold' being reviewed here is her second album. This record is not metal and it is not hard rock. Let's say indie rock, and there are some catchy little songs on this release, including the awesome single 'Pink Punk', that has been picking up airplay on BBC Radio. I find 'Paint It Gold' a very enjoyable release with it's highly infectious tunes coupled with Elena's smokey and somewhat sexy vocal style. The album is well worth a listen, with the release date expected on 24th November here in the UK. Elena can also be caught live at The Dublin Castle in Camden London on Nov 20th. Great stuff! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ELIS..'GRIEFSHIRE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 3rd November 2006

I am very familiar with this band. We at Ravenheart were also very upset when leading lady Sabine Dunser, passed away just after she had recorded her vocal parts for this cd. No doubt, a very talented lady taken from this world far too soon. Without getting too emotional, this album is an awesome slab of mature melodic gothic metal, with aggressive riffs and some mid and fast paced songs, coupled with some heart rendering ballads. It is Sabine's 'baby', and that is why the band decided to complete and release the album in her honour. The tracks on 'Griefshire' form part of a concept album that tells the story of two brothers, their religious fanaticism, their search for salvation, and their longing for eternal truth and love. The band also use classical arrangements in the form of strings, harps and choirs. So 'Griefshire' has it all. It is a very good Gothic Metal album by a band I have admired for a while now. Just check out the tracks 'Show Me The Way' and 'How Long' as proof of the pudding. Tell you what...check them all out..go buy the album!! RIP Sabine! We love you!! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ELIS..'SHOW ME THE WAY'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 22nd November 2007

This 5 track EP offers the last set of material sung by the late Sabine Dunser, whose untimely death last year saddened the world of gothic metal. This is material left over from the 'Griefshire' sessions, the last to include Sabine's angelic vocals. The band though are carrying on, and Sabine's place is taken by Sandra Schleret. And there are 2 re-workings of 'Show Me The Way', originally from 'Griefshire' on this EP, ably sung I hasten to add by the new front lady. But it is the tracks featuring the late Sabine that shine here. They may have been left overs from those aforementioned 'Griefshire' sessions, but they are little gems in their own right. I have always liked Elis from album number one, and I am not ashamed to say that Sabine's cruel death emotionally saddened me! She has been singing with the Angels for well over a year now. God bless you Sabine. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

ELIS..'CATHARSIS'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 13th October 2009

I am and have always been a fan of Elis and the tragedy involving Sabine Dunser (1977-2006) knocked me for six to be quite honest. Anyway, life must go on and the band have picked themselves up quite admirably, and have recruited Sandra Schleret to fill the shoes of the late Sabine. The new record 'Catharsis' is a very good effort from the band, and indeed seems to have a kinda heavier quality about it. I am also a sucker for melody and Elis can provide that too. Furthermore, I so happen to be a fan of UK 80s pop/rock artist Jennifer Rush, and there is a cool cover of a song Jennifer Rush had a hit with here in Europe (and South Africa) in 1987, 'I Come Undone'. This given the Elis treatment, and very good it is too. This album gets released towards the end of November and it so happens to be a must buy for fans of the genre. There will also be a limited edition digi-pak inc 2 bonus tracks, and a dvd featuring Elis at the Female Voices Fest 2007. Napalm Records have hit the nail on the head again, and this record deserves to be massive! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KERRY ELLIS..'ANTHEMS'

(Decca) Reviewed 9th January 2011

Kelly Ellis is a stage actress and singer who's been in loads of famous musicals. Her début solo album would not normally flutter the flag flying above the turret here at Ravenheart Towers, but, and it's a big but, it is produced and performed by none other than Brian May, you know, that guitarist chap with the big frizzy hair with Queen. This has Brian's stamp all over it, his signature guitar tone, the massive sound, Queen choirs, and full orchestra. What would normally be mawkish pop pap in other hands is taken well and truly into the rock arena. Added to that Kelly could easily pass for Freddie's daughter, her phrasing at times is quite uncanny. If Queen want a replacement for Paul Rodgers, then they need look no further, and her voice is far more suited for the job. The songs fall into three types, those written specially by Brian, reworked Queen numbers and Kerry's faves from shows, plus a couple of old chestnuts. Opening original track 'Dangerland' is a massive eastern tinged symphonic rock number that wouldn't look out of place on the next Nightwish opus. You then get huge power ballads like 'Anthem' (from 'Chess', live video on Female Voices blog), melodic rock tunes such as 'Defying Gravity' (from 'Wicked'), and Kerry makes mincemeat out of 'Diamonds Are Forever'. Even The Feeling's weedy 'I Love It When You Call' gets turned into a Queen song. It would have been good to have had a few more Brian May originals, especially on the evidence of 'Dangerland', and it really doesn’t sit comfortably in any particular market, falling somewhere between Michael Ball and Meat Loaf, which is probably why it's struggled in the charts despite heavy promotion and Brian's name. However, this is still a top quality album that hangs together surprisingly well, a genre defying 8.5/10 (Phil)

ELYSION..'SILENT SCREAM'

(Massacre Records) Reviewed 6th November 2009

Here we have a dose of in yer face catchy melodic gothic metal, that will sure please all fans of Evanescence and Lacuna Coil to name just two. And that means it is right up my alleyway aswell. Greek Band Elysion were formed in 2006 by guitarist Johnny Zero and soon picked up the attention of Massacre Records. Fronted by Christianna, I must say I am enjoying this release, and it will be there for everybody else to enjoy from the 18th December. 'Dreamer' gets things going and yep, I can tell right away I am gonna like this. Soooo catchy! 'Killing My Dreams' (great keys and guitar solo) keeps the momentum going and I am in wonderland. Super stuff indeed. I have always liked my rock music catchy and melodic, that is possibly why I list bands like Bon Jovi, Gotthard and Danger Danger amongst many other melodic hard rock acts, as my faves! Every track on this little gem is a winner and will appeal to many with it's inoffensive style of catchy melodic gothic rock/metal. Just check out the awesome ballads, 'Weakness In Your Eyes' and 'Bleeding'- superb vocal displays from Christianna. 'Another fave track is the pounding 'Loss'. 'Silent Scream' is a MUST buy to my ears, and is one of the best albums I have heard this year within it's genre. Get it on Dec 18th!! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)