Reviews

I:SCINTILLA..'OPTICS'

(Alfa Matrix) Reviewed 5th June 2007

I:Scintilla are an Alternative electro rock band, and I just love them. Until around a year/18 months ago, I was not really into the electro rock scene. But this band are premier league in this genre. 12 tracks of electro rock. Brittany Bindrim, I:Scintilla's lead singer has been compared to Shirley Manson (Garbage) and Amy Lee. And I just love her voice. The album is full of electro rock classics, with track 11, 'Taken' being one of my favourites. There is also a special edition double cd, featuring a bonus remix cd, that would set the dance floors alight. That in itself by the way is worthy of the purchase price alone! There are two or three tracks that feature on their previous two releases, but any one not familiar with this band, I suggest check out 'OPTICS' first, then look at their back catalogue. This is a very good release within it's genre, which proves that we at Ravenheart Towers are not stuck in a gothic metal groove!!. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

ILLUMINATA..'A FRAME OF BEAUTY' EP

(Self Release) Reviewed 5th January 2010

Illuminata are a young symphonic metal band from Austria, and you get three lovely ladies for the price of one. This new EP is the follow up to their debut album, ‘From The Chalice of Dreams’, released in 2008, and I have asked the band for a copy to review after listening to the quality of these songs. ‘A Frame of Beauty’ and ‘Stormy Sea’ are strong, highly melodic symphonic metal songs, halfway between Within Temptation and Nightwish in style, with lovely instrumental and prog flourishes featuring, guitar, piano and flute. The third song is an acoustic number in Polish, ‘Czlowiek bez twarzy’. The trouble with EP’s is that they over too soon, you start getting into the music, and then it stops, and this certainly left me desperate for more. Available for download from I Tunes, I am really looking forward to the full long player. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ILUMINATA..'FROM THE CHALICE OF DREAMS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 26th January 2010

After hearing their new EP, I was keen to have a listen to their first album, released in 2008. Sharing vocal duties at that time with Katarzyna’s rock voice was the semi operatic Joanna Nieniewska who was briefly Vision of Atlantis’s new singer last year, before having to bow out due to personnel problems. Joining them in this visual feast is Sabrina who can really tickle those ivories. What you get after the opening instrumental is 11 excellent, up-tempo, symphonic gothic metal songs, with utterly wonderful vocal interplay and rousing choruses. You really cannot fault their ambition and work ethic, almost all the songs race well past 5 minutes, and I was shocked when I saw that ‘Jeanne Antoinette’ had flown passed the 11 minute mark, it certainly did not seem anything like that long thanks to the fact that all the songs have multiple parts and feature superb instrumental sections featuring flute, piano and guitar, including some lovely gentle passages. You get 74 minutes of music shoehorned into this CD, that is certainly fantastic value for money, and the quality never dips, two of my favourites come at the end, the jolly ‘Jack’, and the ballad ‘In The Twinkling of an Eye’, the title of which just about sums the album up. Both songs really showcase that vocal interplay which is so outstanding and gives the band a unique selling point. My only criticism is the rather muddy production, but I upped the treble and downed the bass, and that cleared the murk. This is great for fans of symphonic gothic metal, and with their new EP further wetting the appetite, this has left me hungry for their new opus. Available by contacting the band on their Myspace site http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm? useaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=151260902. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

IMPERIA..'QUEEN OF LIGHT'

(Massacre Records) Reviewed 25th April 2007

I must admit to being unfamiliar with Imperia, until this release, although they do have another recording under their belt, 'The Ancient Dance of Qetish'. Helena Michaelsen also has a solo album to her name, that stands proud in my cd collection. So what about 'Queen Of Light'. Although it really springs no surprises in the world of female fronted gothic metal, I do like it. Helena Michaelsen's vocals are very pleasant, flirting with the operatic on occasion. 'Mirror' kicks off proceedings, with 'Fly Like The Wind' and 'Raped By The Devil' maintaining the pace. 'Broken Wings' slows things down, as do the following two tracks 'Braveheart' and 'Facing Reality'. 'Norway' picks it up again, while the choral bits on the slower 'Abyssum' are very pleasant. The very atmospheric 'The Birth Of'...features Helena's newborn baby (called Angel), and is a real haunting piece! The remainderof the cd continues a similar theme to the previous tracks, with 'TheCalling' a fave of mine! 'Missing You' the final track has loads of atmosphere. Listen to that with your headphones on! While there is nothing original here to my ears, the 13 tracks on offer should certainly be lapped up by lovers of female fronted rock including myself. Buy it! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

INFINITY OVERTURE..'KINGDOM OF UTOPIA'

(Lion Music) Reviewed 29th October 2009

Infinity Overture are a Symphonic Power Metal band founded in Denmark in 2005 by guitarist Niels Vejlyt. To ensure the music is accessible for all rock fans, Niels set about crafting songs that are home to memorable verses and choruses, and these were then fused with more traditional epic metal arrangements and symphonic elements. The music of the band's debut 'Kingdom Of Utopia' is big and explosive in places with insane guitar solos, yet balanced by subtle melodic breaks and big harmonies. With this release, Infinity Overture are set to make a big impact in the world of symphonic power metal with the quality of material heard on this, their debut release. Indeed, this blend of melodic metal and the symphonic orchestra, was strong enough to make vocalist Ian Parry (Consortium Project, Elegy) join the band and it was his vision that provided not only all the lyrics but the story concept on which the album is based. To finalise the sound, Infinity Overture still needed another element to be completed, this final piece was found in female lead vocalist Lene Pedersen whose style is the perfect contrast to Parry's. And the result is an awesome piece of melodic metal which is basically a lyrical concept story. 'Millenia' gets proceedings underway, and yep, we are onto a winner here. 'The Great Believers' is a catchy orchestrated number. Things move along nicely on the progressive sounding 'Warrior King', and the album continues at a similar pace throughout it's 48 minutes. Basically, it's melodic and heavy and will be a symphonic power metal fan's sexy dream. It features a great bunch of musicians with other faves of mine on the record including 'Wonderland', 'Temple of Doom' and the awesome ballad 'Queen of Hearts' . 'Kingdom of Utopia' should be fairly easy to obtain from the normal rock/metal retailers, or from http://www.lionmusic.com. So do as Mr Ravenheart says and buy :) 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

INKUBUS SUKKUBUS..'SCIENCE OF NATURE'

(Ressurection Records) Reviewed 15th Oct 2007

Pagan rockers Inkubus Sukkubus fronted by Candia, I must admit to not really sinking my claws into, until now. This is made even more surprising as they are based only about 40 miles (64km) from Ravenheart Towers. They also have loadsa releases under their belt. Anyway, these veterans of the scene have released 12 tracks of synth/guitar driven gothic rock. Nothing really jumps out and grabs you, but this release is consistent enough. The final track is a cover of the Stones 'Sympathy For The Devil'. And a devilish good tune it is too. If the aforementioned synth driven gothic rock is up your alleyway, then investigate further. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

IN THIS MOMENT..'THE DREAM'

(Century Media) Reviewed 19th October 2008

In This Moment's debut cd 'Beautiful Tragedy' is a good record, although I did find the occasional screamo a little too much at times. So I approached their follow up 'The Dream' with a little caution, expecting another aural assault of screamo. However, this is not to be the case. 'The Dream' offers 11 tracks of decent melodic metal, with Maria's powerful vocals a joy to behold. And when she does enter screamo mode, which I think maybe once or twice, it is quite bearable and goes down well. Kicking off with a brief intro before 'Forever' blasts out of the speakers, it becomes instantly apparent we have a helluva release on our hands here. 'All For You' is another melodic masterpiece with a catchy chorus, while the awesome 'Lost at Sea' will have you wanting to hit the repeat button. Highlights are a plenty on this release, including the tracks 'Her Kiss' (as catchy as hell with even a little screamo), the ballad 'Into The Light', which is a totally wonderful track and 'Violet Skies'. Ending with the title track, I will make one suggestion - buy this album from your local stockist. Great stuff from an awesome band. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

INNOCENS..'FREE US'

( Self Release) Reviewed 23rd October 2009

This is the debut album by the Czech quintet founded by singer Katerina and bass player Jaroush. They started by doing more acoustic music but soon developed into a gothic symphonic metal band. The cover artwork will remind Doctor Who fans of Cassandra, the woman who has lived hundreds of years but is now just a face. Front lady, the vivacious Katerina, not only has a lovely pop voice, but she can also do soaring semi-operatics as well. The album starts with a quartet of catchy, highly melodic, up-tempo numbers, a cross between Within Temptation and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Rick Wakeman on keys. The orchestrated ‘H.O.P.E’ is outstanding, and ‘Free Me’ has a delightful piano intro. For the next four songs (with a brief orchestral interlude) they shift up a gear into more Nightwish territory. ‘Voyage’ has superb synth work, and the operatic ‘Fragrance of Memories’ is very impressive. They return to a more Within Temptation vibe on ‘Life for Sale’ with excellent use of synths and electronica, then ‘Queen of My Own’ with its choral intro. The album ends with the suitably grand orchestral ballad ‘Remember’. None of the songs hang about, they do their job, and then it’s onto the next, so the album really motors along. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Beak from their management for all his help. Available on their online shop at http://www.innocens.net/ and Myspace site www.myspace.com/innocens . I have no hesitation in recommending this to all Within Temptation and symphonic gothic metal fans, indeed anyone who likes great music, 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

INTO THE WOODS..S/T

(Independent Release) Reviewed 19th March 2009

Into The Woods is South London's addition to the world of female-fronted rock/metal acts. Originally founded in 2006 by Mike Watchorn (Bass) and Alex Goodwin (Drums), they have attempted to create a fresh, new and exciting female fronted band, and me thinks that they have done just that. Fronted by the lovely Natalia (who I believe hails from Russia), I saw them live a couple of years or so ago, and they impressed me enough for me to buy the tee shirt :). After a Middle Eastern sounding intro, 'Eyes Wide Shut' comes blasting out of the speakers followed by one of my faves on the album, 'Breaking Silence'. There are other faves on this little gem including 'Justified' and the ballad 'Living Phantoms'. I am a sucker for the odd ballad! This is only an 8 track 30 minute affair, and is a grower, but it is worth spending a tiny bit of your hard earnt cash...so pop to www.myspace.com/intothewoodsuk and buy it. A good listen this is and awesome production too...so an 8/10 seems fair. (Reviewed by Dave)

ISAA KAIM..'NO LIMIT'

(Self Release) Reviewed 10th December 2009

The debut album from French belle Isaa, who has a unique deep rich voice that reminds me of a mixture of Cher and Joan Armourplating, sorry, I mean Armatrading. The songs sound like U2, Razorlight, and Snow Patrol put into a blender, with a goodly portion of added oomph. ‘You Saved Me’ and ‘Everlasting Love’, both with lovely delicate intros, are outstanding. Added to this are two Joan Armatrading type ballads, the piano lead ‘It’s Not The Same’ that builds and falls, builds and falls, and the acoustic guitar driven ‘If U Wanna Be A Man’. ‘This World Comes Crashing Down’ is a big rolling Muse type rocker, and ‘Now I Could Cross You’ is Cher when she was a leather clad biker. The whole album is made for radio play, if you like big, powerful, catchy, melodic rock then head to her website, http://www.isaakaim.com/. 8.5 out of 10 (Reviewed by Phil)

IRONICA..'VIVERE'

(Poko Records) Reviewed 24th January 2010

Vivere is the second album by the quintet of Finnish power metallers, and they have really amped up their sound for this one. I know it is unfair to compare them with their fellow countrymen Nightwish, but Dark Passion Play provides an easy reference point for the music on offer here, so that you can have an idea what to expect. The dynamic Elina Jarn has a voice that makes Anette Olzon sound like Emma Bunton, no wonder they nickname her ‘Iron’, she can really give it some hammer, whilst guitarist and composer Ville Palin makes Marco Hietala sound like Cliff Richard. The songs range from the ‘Amarath’ pop metal of lead single ‘Dive’, ‘So Fades the Memory’ and ‘From the Dark’, to the more frenetic ‘Bye Bye Beautiful’ style of ‘Stop Me’, ‘Dead Hope’, ‘Suffer For You’ and ‘Reflections’, to the ‘Master Power Greed’ heaviness of the inappropriately named ‘Little Princess’, and the more suitably titled ‘The Beast’. All have big choruses, raging guitars, and melodic keys. It is excellently produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa, but a word of warning, there is so much bottom end you had better call in the structural engineers to check your foundations, talk about bringing the house down! It would have been nice to have had a ballad in the middle, and perhaps a closing epic, but that aside, this will keep Nightwish fans happy who are currently suffering from withdrawal symptoms, as well as people who now find them and other female fronted bands too lightweight and want ‘more metal!!!’. There are loads of online stores selling the album, for example http://www.recordshopx.com/poko/artist/ironica/vivere/?o=l. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

IVA.. 'IVOLUTION'

(Iva Records) Reviewed 20th October 2009

This is the second album by the American singer living in Sweden, but the first with the Kbros songwriting, producing, and performing team. The Karlegard brothers have enjoyed massive success all over Europe with various acts, but British audiences will know them from their work with Ben’s Brother, who has recently been all over the media like a rash. I was saying about Breathing Space not using their singer’s visual appeal, they should have a look at the artwork for this album, where the stunningly beautiful Iva is attractively featured in the lovely artwork. Iva is a very talented lady, she can sing both pop and opera, act, and she has written all the lyrics herself. The music is described on her Myspace as the lovechild of Madonna and Enya, but I believe this is simply to give a well known, easy reference point for the unknowing. There are similarities with Madonna’s Earth Mother period, but thankfully nothing like her latest cringe-worthy disco horror. As for Enya, there are far more similarities, both musically and vocally, with fellow Irish artistes The Corrs. This is a lovingly crafted collection set of up-tempo pop rock songs, played with real instruments, but with subtle use of electronica. Every song is so good it is hard to pick out favourites. ‘Dreams’ screams hit single, it certainly had me dancing, and it really shows off her range, ‘Let the Rain Fall’ is delicious, ‘Stay’ really groovy, and ‘Somewhere’ is drenched in strings. This is top quality, ultra commercial pop rock that should become massive all over Europe, and I absolutely love it. Easily available in Europe and at http://www.ivarecords.com/home.html 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

IZZIE VOODOO..'THE PUSH'

(BasilicaMusic Ltd) Reviewed 10th July 2008

Put one girl oozing theatre in a studio with guitars, heavy fuzzy basses, computers, keyboards effects, a tonne of software, production equipment and a mic or two and what do you get? You get England's very own Izzie Voodoo. Dark electronica pop is what they're tagging it, with some industrial stuff thrown in for good measure. So many twists, turns and catchy pop hooks you start to get light headed. Actually, it's award winning stuff that you can't turn off - she writes it, records it, programs it, sings and performs it, and her mixing and production work is second to none. Izzie Voodoo also proves that we at Ravenheart Music are not stuck in a metal rut. Some good catchy stuff on offer here, that although not metal, it is enjoyable stuff nonetheless. Well worth checking out for fans of the genre, or for anyone that is open minded with regards their music. As for fave tracks..I quite like 'The White Line' myself. Brings out the clubber in me! This album gets released on July 21st and Izzie also plays at this years Pink Festival in Cambridge on 30th Aug. This record is cool stuff, so get it! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)