Reviews

HALF THE WORLD..'THE DEATH DEFYING YEARS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th November 2008

Idaho based Half The World (www.myspace.com/halftheworld ) is a band that I have been familiar with for a while now. How come? In 2003 they released their debut 'Bigger Than You', and they even got themselves a deal with the English melodic rock label Now & Then Records, for the release of that album. I myself even placed a pre order for this cd with Now & Then Records. However, the record label disappeared of the radar and the album was never released. However, I must say that I did get my money back from the label for the album I never had (and to this day have never heard!). Now, what about the music on their second independently release cd, 'The Death Defying Years'. Well this is melodic, hook-filled guitar driven hard modern rock, with amazing female vocals by the beautiful and energetic front-woman, Mary Magill (who hails from Holland). Think Evanescence meets Breaking Benjamin, with enormous chorus hooks and the guitar energy of Helmet, Disturbed and Sevendust - enough said really. Kicking off with 'Heavy Crowns' and moving straight into the catchy title track, it is not rocket science to realise we have one helluva release here. Other fave tracks to my ears are 'Carry The Dreams Away', the melodic 'Picture Perfect', the catchy 'Don't Belong Here' and 'Drag Me Down'. Buy it, play it loud and annoy the neighbours. Great stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

HAND..'DEADROOM JOURNAL'

(Casket/Copro) Reviewed 13th November 2009

Hand is a Prog Rock/Metal band from the south of England that were on the line up of the Femme Metal Fest on Nov 7th. I even took care of their merchandise stall for a while, and even sold some copies of this album too. 'Deadroom Journal' is a seven track affair that clocks in at almost 40 mins. Fronted by Kat Ward, and although not an all out Prog Rock fan myself, this little offering ain't bad, and I like Kat's vocals - the kinda vocals where the band could not do without her, but she could get along quite well as a solo artist without the band, if you get my meaning. 'Manuscript' kicks things off, cool musicianship throughout here, and I really admire this band. You know why? They embrace a genre that one may associate with musicians twice their age, and yet these youngsters in their early 20's play the type of music they obviously strongly believe in, and pull it off superbly well too. Fair play to them. Further highlights on this record are 'Clannad Mass', 'Birth' and 'Resonia'. This is a welcoming change to the type of music I normally listen too. Check them out at www.myspace.com/handgothicband. Great stuff guys and gal!! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

HANGING DOLL..'WHAT LIES IN TRUTH'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 21st January 2008

I have known about West Midlands based Hanging Doll for a while now, and The Dames of Darkness Festival gave me an opportunity not only to catch the band live (they was awesome on that night too), but to pick up a cd of theirs. 'What Lies In Truth' is the three track EP which found it's way into my grubby paws that night. And it seems I may have taken the last copy from their merchandise stall. For an independent effort, I like it, and it proves that there is a feast of talent here in the UK, if only the labels would sit up and take notice. As their name may suggest, Hanging Doll, fronted by the gorgeous sounding Sally Holliday, play gothic metal not too disimilar to the sort of music that our European counterparts produce on a quite regular basis. And I am sure they are another UK band (like Crimson Tears), who could give some of those bands a decent run for their money aswell. This is pretty good stuff, with the three tracks offered here being classics worthy of ones attention! I would recommend to anybody into this genre to track this EP down (try their myspace site http://www.myspace.com/hangingdoll) and I look forward to a full length album that's due soon. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

HANGING DOLL..'REASON & MADNESS'

(Once Bitten Music) Reviewed 12th October 2008

Hanging Doll (www.myspace.com/hangingdoll) fronted by Sally Holliday are from Birmingham here in the UK, 35 minutes drive from Ravenheart Towers. We have here a classic example of a very good English band producing the kind of music that the European labels would normally sign without hesitation. 'Reason & Madness' comprises 10 tracks of intense gothic metal spanning nearly an hour in time. Fave tracks include the up beat 'Hope Springs Eternal', 'Sweet Retribution', 'A Formidable Mistake' and 'Iniquity', the latter reminding me a little of early Within Temptation. However, overall, this record is a very fine effort. Anybody from the UK when reading this review, go buy this cd and support British Gothic Metal, and anybody else reading this - go buy anyway. Lovely stuff guv'nor! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LAUREN HARRIS..'CALM BEFORE THE STORM'

(Demolition Records) Reviewed 17th August 2008

For anybody that has been living in a cave and cut off from all kinds of civilisation for the past few months, Lauren Harris is the 24 year old daughter of Iron Maiden's Steve Harris. And Lauren has been quite busy supporting her Dad's band, Thunder and Within Temptation amongst others. However, if you are expecting Iron Maiden or Within Temptation style of music on this record, forget it! With 'Calm Before The Storm', it is obvious Lauren prefers British rockers Thunder. This is a cool melodic rock album nonetheless, kicking off with the awesome rocker 'Steal Your Fire'. Scottish Melodic Rockers Gun had a hit with this a while ago now (1992 I think), and Lauren does a decent job covering this song. Further highlights on this album are the very catchy 'Get Over It', 'From The Bottom To The Top', 'Hurry Up' and 'Hit Or Miss'. If I had a minor gripe however, it is the American accent that Lauren seems to sing with on this album. I find this a little annoying, she is English for goodness sake. For that I am afraid I will deduct a point (I sound like Simon Cowell). I am a hard person :), but apart from that little gripe, the album is a good commercial effort. 7/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

HEAVENLUST..'GATE OF ENDLESS DREAMS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 2nd December 2009

HeavenLust are a band that is not afraid to call themselves Italy’s answer to Within Temptation. There are however differences, in particular the dual female and male (clean) vocals from the bello Alessandro and keyboardist and chief composer, Alessio, who both have excellent harmonious voices. The music is slightly rockier, and they also through the odd guitar solo into the mix. The album is made up of eight songs full of wonderful melodies, twinkling piano, plaintive violin, passion and gothic drama. Highlights include ‘Ancient Dream’, ‘Gate of Endless Dreams’, the mournful beauty of swing waltz ‘Behind the Light’, and the sublime closing instrumental, ‘The Death Unites Us’. I found this a totally enjoyable listen, very easy on the ear, and fans of the lighter end of symphonic metal, including of course Within Temptation, will absolutely adore this. The lovely digipack is available through their Myspace site http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=280841718. 8.5/10 (reviewed by Phil)

HELALYN FLOWERS..'A VOLUNTARY COINCIDENCE'

(Alfa Matrix) Reviewed 5th July 2008

Anybody into mid to uptempo Electro rock ala Birthday Massacre or I:Scintilla will lap this one up. This Italian outfit Helalyn Flowers, are fronted by Noemi and we have a very good record on our hands here. 'A Voluntary Coincidence' has been out now for a few months, but having finally caught up with this release, I am glad I did. Very catchy stuff on offer here, more especially 'Human Defective' which unless you are a sad person will be humming this for a long time afterwards. Other faves are 'Voices', but these are only two tracks amongst a swathe of great tunes on this record. There is a special edition box set that includes remixes, and that alone is worth the purchase money. Great stuff so you know what I am going to say...BUY! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

HEROINE..'DAYS & COUNTING'

(Independent) Reviewed 16th September 2008

Molly of Rott stumbled across this band Heroine, so I have decided to briefly review their latest musical offering 'Days & Counting'. This is cool accoustic based rock, that reminds me a little of a female fronted The Cure, especially on 'Vice'. Bethany is the voice of this band, and it is plainly obvious that this is yet another hard working act that is being criminally ignored by the labels. Maybe Ravenheart Music should set up our own label - now there is food for thought:). Six tracks of cool music. There is also a website www.heroinemusic.com/discography.htm , where one can get a full download of Heroine's earlier releases, 'PowerAnxietyIllusion' from 2001 and 'Minus the Elation' from 2004. I like the laid back vibe of Heroine's music on 'Days & Counting'. Check it out at www.myspace.com/sylvex 7/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

HOLYHELL..'HOLYHELL'

(Magic Circle) Reviewed 5th August 2009

Holyhell are a new American band that is a cross between Nightwish and Rhapsody, mixed with a touch of Within Temptation gothic. All three are massive favourites of mine, so I’m in for a treat. Lead singer Maria Breon has an awesome set of pipes, reminiscent at times of Sharon Den Adel. She is joined by a crew of outstanding musicians, including one of the world’s top shredders, Joe Stump, who thankfully keeps himself under control, but when he lets rip, boy can he shred. Production by Manowar’s Joey DeMaio is top notch, creating an epic, powerful symphonic metal sound. The album is based on a theme of ‘Mankind’s Struggle for Good against Evil’. It kicks off with a brace of power metal anthems before ‘Revelations’ takes it down a notch. ‘Eclipse’ is co-written by David Feinstein (who was in Elf with Ronnie James Dio, and live they do a version of his Holy Diver) and is a song Rainbow would be proud of. ‘The Fall’ is a Meat Loaf style ballad, and then ‘Angel of Darkness’, full of gothic power and menace, that really shows off Maria’s power, range and versatility. ‘Holy Water’ is an outstanding speed metal anthem, followed by a showcase for keyboard player Francisco Palomo, which lets your brain recover from the frantic head-banging. Power metal ‘Gates of Hell’ is followed by ‘Resurrection’, a Godgory cover (Swedish death metal band) which has been turned into a gothic power ballad. The next two songs Rhapsody would be proud of, not surprising since they are co-written by Manuel Staropoli, the flute playing brother of Rhapsody keyboardist Alex. The album finishes with the suitably epic, and tiled, ‘Armageddon’. They are signed to Manowar’s Magic Circle management, and I hope they don’t spend the rest of their careers being Manowar’s warm up act, taking over from Rhapsody who have just mutinied and jumped ship (or Manowar!) after years of servitude. The fact that the album’s release was delayed because of supporting Manowar on their recent tours was a worrying sign. I would love to see them headline their own shows, because I would rather stick my head in a concrete mixer than listen to Manowar, and the effect on my brain would probably be just the same! Holyhell really belong in the premier league. The CD is beautifully packaged (the case is a fantastic idea) and is a must buy for all fans of powerful symphonic metal. 9.5 out of 10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

HYDRIA..'MIRROR OF TEARS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 19th November 2009

This Brazilian band has supported the likes of Tarja and Within Temptation, and like their famous footballers, they are desperate to be signed by one of the big teams and be given their chance on the world stage. Their style is up-tempo gothic metal, like a more guitar driven, less symphonic, Within Temptation, with occasional forays into power metal territory. Brazilian beauty Rachel Shuler has a lovely pure voice, similar to Sharon Den Adel’s ‘Angels’ style. ‘Mirror of Tears’ shows their range, melodic verses, powerful soaring choruses and a gentle interlude, ‘Sober Dreams’ has an exquisite melody, headbangers will enjoy the driving ‘Break the Silence’, ‘Angels Lullaby’ starts with a gorgeous semi-acoustic passage before building into a power ballad, and the closing epic, ‘ Beautiful Storm’ allows them to really spread their wings. The standout is the premier league piano ballad, ‘Eternal’. Personally, I found the guitars are too loud, and the keys too quiet, but I’m a keyboard player. Available from CD Baby, this album shows that they are a band with the ability to become international, highly recommended for Within Temptation and gothic metal fans. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

HYDROGYN..'DEADLY PASSIONS'

(DR2 Records) Reviewed 4th September 2008

This is Kentucky based rockers Hydrogyn's second offering, and another rocking effort it is too. And although female fronted, being led by Julie Westlake, do not expect Evanescence or Within Temptation with this release. This is a band influenced more by the likes of AC/DC. 'Deadly Passions' kicks off with the stomper 'Rejection', that is quickly followed by the melodic foot tapper 'On and On'. Other highlights include 'Your Life' the title track, 'Over You' and 'Candles Light Your Face'. Melodies are in abundance on this release, and I have found this album very enjoyable. Cool! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)