Reviews

GALT AUREUS..'CITADELS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 31st December 2009

The second album from the young alt rock duo from San Diego comprising Saher, on vocals and piano, and Susan on guitar and vocals. Imagine a mixture of Muse, Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Take That and Chopin, and you will have some idea of their wonderful music. Saher is very much the lead singer, his voice a mixture of Billie Joe and Gerard Way, with a touch of Will Young and Jeff Buckley. Susan with her pure voice provides backing vocals and occasional leads. A brief overture leads into 9 symphonic rock opuses, full of drama, passion and emotion, which swing from the tender to the thunderous. Highlights are too many to mention, but ‘Our Own Versailles’ and ‘Eight’ have glorious refrains, ‘Before the Fall’ gives Susan a chance to shine with some delicious piano from Saher before building into an epic, and the album ends with the roar of ‘Conquerors’, with a brief piano coda. This is breathtakingly brilliant; they really deserve to break into the big league, so rush to CD Baby and snap up a copy, 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Philip Wooldridge).

GATE OF SORROW..'ENTER THROUGH THE GATE'

(Open Media) Reviewed 14th November 2009

This debut album from the Czech symphonic metallers is the culmination of years of gradual evolution. They started as a death/thrash metal band called Gate back in 1997, founded by guitarist/vocalist Roman Turacek. Gradually they added a guest female opera singer and keyboards to their albums, as they became increasingly melodic. In 2005 they decided to demonstrate this by changing their name to Gate of Sorrow and recruiting a full time operatic singer, Milada Miltakova, who also looks after all the deeply emotive lyrics, and keys player Ludvik Cihanek. The final piece of the jigsaw was when guitarist Libor Miklas joined the band in 2008. A suitably mournful intro leads into eight songs packed with melodic orchestrations, soaring operatics, and deep melodic growls, with elements of thrash, Epica and Nightwish. This is so much crammed into each song, it is difficult to pick out favourites, but I was particularly taken with ‘Tears in the Ashes’ and ‘Follow Me to the Other Side’. The album ends the solemn and achingly beautiful piano ballad Sirius. The producer has created an almighty, powerful, and thunderous sound, but everything is perfectly balanced and crystal clear. The interplay between melodic growls and operatics is something that Epica has lost, but Gate of Sorrow show how it should be done, mainly by keeping the male voice deep in the mix and in the bass register, so that it does not become dominant. Easily available for only 5 Euros plus postage from their website, http://www.gateofsorrow.com/. Even anti growlers like me will find an enormous amount to enjoy in this awesome CD, full of atmosphere, drama, emotion and soaring melodies. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

THE GATHERING..'THE WEST POLE'

(Psychonaut Records) Reviewed 25th May 2009

The West Pole is the ninth studio album by The Gathering, who themselves have been around 20 years or so. It is the first album however, since the departure of lead singer Anneke van Giersbergen with the inclusion of new vocalist Silje Wergeland, previous front woman of Norwegian band Octavia Sperati. So what about the music? Well this album is a slow burner, and it may take two or three spins to sink in, but it ain't bad. Kicking off with the instrumental 'When Trust Becomes Sound', this track is a little repetitive, but has a sorta 70s feel. Next track in 'Treasure' is one of the strongest songs from the record, and is a good showcase for Silje's vocals, who I think has adapted to her new role very well. The slower title track is another strong offering, with the album as a whole offering up plenty of atmosphere and awesome musicianship. Some of the slower paced songs come across as quite sombre however, so perhaps not a cd to listen too if feeling down, but to summarise, The Gathering are back, and a great choice of singer too! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

NATALIE GELMAN..S/T

(Independent Release) Reviewed 18th January 2009

Singer/songwriter/Subway&Street Performer Natalie Gelman, is quickly gaining acclaim and recognition for her music. Her passionate songs and voice have brought comparisons to Sheryl Crow, Joni Mitchell and Jewel. And this album so happens to be a Jewel. I pride myself that I like all types of music. It doesn't have to rock out. Kicking off with 'Rest Of The Way', this track showcases the sort of path this record takes. Following with 'Sweet July', and this catchy little offering so happens to be one of my faves on this record. Other little favourites are 'Leave', 'Half Dead', 'Never Had You' and the rockier 'Forgive Me'. Get out there, light up your camp fires and get your accoustic guitars out. Listening to this in-fact brought back a memory of a certain lass I know playing her accoustic guitar at the top of Glastonbury Tor last Summer. This cd is cool stuff with cool lyrics by a cool lass who has been featured on the front page of the NY Times and in Billboard Magazine. Check her out at www.myspace.com/nataliegelman. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KRISTIN GLASGOW..'DANGER'S CALLING'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 3rd July 2007

Having exchanged emails with Kristin Glasgow, she seems a nice girl. And now I have had the honour of listening to her independently produced cd. And I like very much what I hear. It takes me back to the 80's when we used to hear artists like Pat Benetar quite regularly on UK radio. Not now unfortunately. 'Danger's Calling' is a healthy dose of melodic rock/AOR, that as I say has an 80's vibe. And Kristin also covers an REO SPEEDWAGON song, 'Keep Pushin'. And REO Speedwagon were one of my fave bands (still are!). Standout tracks are the aforementioned 'Keep Pushin', the title track and the slower 'Forever', although the cd is impressive throughout it's 53 minutes. Kristin Glasgow has been picking up some healthy reviews across Europe, and I am not surprised. There was once a label here in the UK called Now And Then Records. They have disappeared of the radar, but Kristin Glasgow is the sort of artist Mark Ashton at Now And Then would have moved heaven and earth to sign. This cd can be bought at cdbaby.com nonetheless, so what are you waiting for. Support a hard working independent artist. A pleasing effort! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

GLASS WOLFE..'Xotica'

(Self Release) Reviewed 13th October 2009

This is the third release from Californian duo Maria Glass, vocals/lyrics, and Philip Wolfe, keyboards/composer. This release sees them moving towards a more epic, symphonic metal sound, with songs based on great historical people, such as Helen of Troy and Julius Caesar. They are both highly experienced musicians, Maria has supplied lyrics for the likes of Keith Emerson, whilst her partner has performed with countless top rock acts such as Wasp and Angel. They are joined by a cast top rock musicians; Philip has obviously used his connections well. The music is in the vein of Rhapsody and Nightwish, but with a strong classic heavy metal vibe. The whole album sounds like a lost classic from 1975, the golden age of hugely ambitious concept albums, and the giants of extravagant epic rock trod the Earth. Favourites include the powerful and melodic ‘Second Site’, the Within Temptation like ballad ‘Reflections’, and the brain battering ‘Tempest’. The multi part ‘Queen of Tragedy’ is superb, and ‘Second Site’ is extraordinary. Easily available on CD Baby, this is an hours worth of ambitious multifaceted music.8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

GODYVA..'PLANETARIUM'

(Razor Ice Records) Reviewed 19th May 2008

Planetarium is Godyva's second full cd. I thought that their debut 'In Good And Evil' was a very good record, so could they follow it with another awesome platter. The answer is yes they have. Italy seems to be the hot bed of Gothic Metal at the moment. We have Godyva, Theatres Des Vampires and Tular to name just only three. Anyway, 'Planetarium' kicks off very strongly with an intro that leads into 'The Ark', and there are some strong offerings throughout on this record. 'Mary In Blood', 'On The Floor Of Ice', 'No Fault' and the title track are other faves on an album that proves to me that this genre is very much alive and kicking. Lady Godyva's vocals are strong throughout on a release that is very pleasing, very commercial and it rocks. I have said this on numerous occasions, but here is another very strong record to tempt you to part with your hard earnt cash, and this will certainly please fans of the genre... so BUY! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

GODYVA..'IN GOOD AND EVIL'

(Razar Ice Records) Reviewed 9th October 2006

A great cd of gothic metal by this Italian outfit, fronted by the aptly named Lady Godyva. A reference point for this album would be Lacuna Coil and at times Evanescence, and on the odd occasion, we see Lady Godyva's vocals flirting with the operatic. A cd I have lived with for a while now, and through it's 12 tracks which clock up at just over the hour, it's enjoyable stuff - good production too. It can be purchased from cdbaby.com or from sorcerystudios.com 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

GRAVITY BURN..'WEIGHT AND SEA'

(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 10th June 2008

Gravity Burn are a band from the USA (Atlanta-Georgia) fronted by Polish lass Magda Ollar. Their music I would say falls into the modern rock/alternative metal genre, and to be perfectly honest, it ain't bad. 'Weight and Sea' kicks off with 'Forward' which is possibly one of the shortest intros you will ever hear, this then cuts straight into the melodic 'Stranger'. And this really sets the tone for the album in general. Vocally, Magda reminds me of someone, but I cannot put a finger on it, but nonetheless, this girl is a good find, and although she is Polish, there is not really a hint of any accent. This is an excellent record, with other faves of mine being 'Falling Down', 'All The While', the slower 'Not A Dream', 'Losing You' and 'Slowly Killing Me'. I suppose some may make comparisons to Evanescence here, but although there may be subtle similarities, Gravity Burn really only sound like...well, Gravity Burn. Furthermore, despite the aformentioned faves, all the music on offer here is good. Nice work guys and Gal. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

GUILT MACHINE..'ON THIS PERFECT DAY'

(Mascot Records) Reviewed 9th Sepetember 2009

Okay, not strictly female fronted, but the album features Ms Lori Linstruth who wrote all the lyrics. And Arjen Lucassen has been involved with female fronted projects in the past (Stream of Passion one example). Anyway, this is the latest side project from Ayreon mastermind Arjen. This time, as mentioned above, he is joined by lead guitarist Lori Linstruth (Stream of Passion), drummer Chris Maitland (ex Porcupine Tree) and a relatively unknown singer, Jasper Steverlinck (Arid) from Belgium. Musically this follows on from the last Ayreon album 01011001 rather than Stream of Passion, but with more emphasis on quieter, introspective sections. All six songs are quite long (about 10 mins) as they move from quiet to loud, soft to heavy. This allows Jasper to show off his incredible voice, reminiscent to me of the late, great Jeff Buckley. Lori is one of those rare guitarists who has an instantly recognisable sound and style, and she has written all the lyrics. These centre around the theme of the guilt caused by depression, and she asked fans from around the world to record their thoughts, and 20 of these messages are used on the CD. This is another top quality album from Arjen which should appeal to not only his own fans, but also a whole new market of alt rock fans, in fact anyone who likes emotive music delivered with passion. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

GWYLLION..'THE EDGE OF ALL I KNOW'

(Black Bards) Reviewed April 27th 2009

This is the second album by the Belgian Symphonic metallers, but the first to be professionally produced and released. The epic artwork sets the tone for the music, a mixture of power metal and gothic metal, a Rhapsody, Wishmaster, Epica, WT mash up, with ‘Jennifer Rush’ on vocals. Every song is special, distinctive and very melodic, with superb instrumental passages (no noodling!), and plenty of light and shade, ranging from the thrash of ‘Rage’, to the piano ballad ‘Angelheart’, to the anthemic ‘The Night Awakes’. Songs like ‘Entwined’ and ‘Roots of Reality’ move from heavier to softer passages effortlessly. Lyrics are also excellent, very deep and thought provoking. This CD has really knocked me out, and I highly recommend it to all fans of symphonic metal. 9.5 out of 10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)