Reviews

KAIRA..'CHILD OF FIRE',

(Irond) Reviewed 17th September 2009

This is the Russian band's fourth album, but every one has been done in a different style. For this one they describe their music as ‘Symphonic-Industrial-Sex-Metal’, I would describe it as Nightwish having a punch-up with some Cossacks in an Ibiza nightclub. The striking singer Kaira has a deep, rich, dramatic voice, a cross between Grace Jones and Miss Whiplash. The fact that she sings in Russian only adds to the drama. Every song is a non stop barrage of head banging riffs, throbbing synths, and horror strings. One song, whose title in English I can’t mention because this is a family show, makes Je T'aime sound like the Nolan Sisters. I bought it on import from EBay, but it is gradually being released around the globe, Life Burns (England), Tetragram Records (USA), This Sick Productions (Australia), etc. Good grief, this is an exciting, monster of a record, not for the faint hearted. I’m off for a lie down. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

KAMILLA..'NOTHING'S LEFT'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 12th May 2008

Kamilla fronted by a young lass called Sarah, sure are an awesome gothic/hard rock band from North Dakota, and this album is certainly worth checking out. I have to thank Molly of Rott for the recommendation. Basically, we have here 9 tracks of melodic hard rock with a subtle gothy undercurrent. I like this little gem, with the title track together with 'Back Here Again' the stand out tracks to my ears, although they are all good! Some superb guitar work on this cd I hasten to add aswell (nice one Aubrey). 'Nothing's Left' can be purchased from cdbaby.com..so buy it and support independent female fronted metal. These girls (and guy) deserve it!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

KATBGINI..'DEMON WITHIN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 12th Oct 2007

Katbgini is fronted by Karen Howarth. And her partner in crime with this project, is Carl S Hamilton. 'Demon Within' takes me back to the hazy days of the 70's, being a tasty morsal of 70's style hard rock. But that is not quite all. Because there is a gothic undercurrent running through the music, with Kat's vocals at times taking on a sexy gothic vampire feel. The cd kicks into action with the title track, and immediately, the 70's vibe hits you! And if you want guitar solos, they are here, with Carl plying his trade, and he plies it well. It seems the young and talented Carl plays everything on this cd too. 'Black Wolf' and 'We'll Do It Your Way' carry on the strong start to the cd, with Kat's vocals ripping into these songs. The gothy 'Myths Of Aggression', 'Vampire's Supper' and The Awesome 'The Awakening' slow things down a bit, and I actually like the slower gothy vibe to these songs too. And Kat's vocals...wow! 'Evil Eyes' ups the tempo, while 'Accept Your Master' rocks ala 70's again! I quite like the 'scary vocals' here. Listen through headphones loud, to see what I mean! 'Rage' is the last offering on the cd, a live track clocking in at around 7 mins. Summarising, Kat and Carl have released a hell of a collection of songs. Indeed, Katbgini are yet another unsigned act worthy of your attention. And they tour here with Italian act Macbeth next year (see our tour dates page). 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

KATRA..'BEAST WITHIN'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 8th August 2008

Finnish metal-act Katra was founded in summer 2006, when the bands vocalist Katra Solopuro gathered a group of top drawer musicians around her.Things evolved quickly, and by autumn their first single Sahara took off and got a fair share of radio air time. In the spring 2007, Katra's self titled debut album (sung in her native tongue) was released and Katra toured around Finland. At the same time the band got to take some time to write new material, and more good news was to follow when Napalm Records announced they would like to release worldwide an English edition of Katra's album. And what an awesome album we have here from Katra. This is what I would call symphonic rock and metal not too disimilar to Nightwish in parts I suppose. Well, Katra is from Finland. There are some awfully catchy tunes here, and they kick ass too. Faves...just too many to check out, but try 'Grail Of Sahara', 'Beast Within', 'Fade To Gray', 'Swear' and the ballad 'Promise Me Everything'. Perhaps I shall make a suggestion, just buy and check out the whole album when it gets released here in Europe on 1st September (USA 9th Sept), as every track here is a gem. This will most certainly appeal to many fans of our beloved genre. I love it, and if I love it, then you should buy it! Enough said!! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KATHY BEN HAROUSH..'KARMA NOIR'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 20th May 2009

Israel is not known as the hotbed of gothic rock or metal, but it seems that 34 year old Kathy Ben Haroush from Tel Aviv is set to change all that. Kathy's musical style could be described as a combination of gothic rock, metal and rapcore, mixed with electronic, opera and oriental influences, and this release showcases all that really well. Lets say "Evanescence meets Linkin Park" and that would be roughly the mark. She was elected as the readers choice in the UK by top Rock Magazine 'ALTERNATIVE MAG' – scoring 1st place with the song 'YOU' from this very album! Indeed, over 20,000 readers voted for her! And it is 'You' that kicks this record off. An awesome rock tune similar to Evanescence I suppose, with rap elements too. 'See My Sorrow' follows, and this is another cool track. I have a vibe about this lass, and if given the right backing and support I am sure could create a few waves on the gothic rock/metal scene. 'Voices' has a middle eastern feel without losing the rocky element, while other faves amongst a cluster of good songs are 'Back Then', 'It's OK' and 'Tainted Smile'. Overall, the songs here offer commercial appeal, while 'Karma Noir' proves that Israel is not just a nation that pops up at the Eurovision contest - Kathy means business, and I like it! Get it at cdbaby.com 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KERLI..'LOVE IS DEAD'

(Island Records) Reviewed 1st August 2008

21 year old Estonian pop princess Kerli Koiv has given us what could be described as a goth pop version of Evanescence. The opening salvo of 'Love Is Dead' and 'Walking On Air' are highlights on a rather interesting but somewhat varied release. Interestingly, the aforemenioned tracks are also the two singles from the album. Kerli has written all the songs on offer here with a couple of co-writes, including 'The Creationist' that was co written with Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams). An interesting record for the more open minded fan out there. It ain't necessarily rock/metal, but give it a chance as it ain't bad! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KINGFISHER SKY..'HALLWAY OF DREAMS'

(The Laser's Edge/Suburban Records) Reviewed 27th April 2008

Kingfisher Sky is a new Dutch outfit put together by former Within Temptation drummer Ivar De Graaf along with classically trained vocalist Judith Rijnveld. Ivar left Within Temptation to pursue other musical interests. His collaboration with Judith produced this brilliant debut, 'Hallway Of Dreams', that encompasses progressive rock, gothic metal and mystical Celtic themes. Judith's vocals are simply amazing - not too disimilar at times to Sharon Den Adel, without cloning the lass. This cd that we have imported in from the USA, has it's crunch and also it's more subtle moments. Ravenheart Music highly recommended this album. So buy it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

KITTIE..'IN THE BLACK'

(Massacre Records) Reviewed 30th September 2009

After having just reviewed the new Ram-Zet album, it is perhaps becoming apparent that Ravenheart Music is going a little more extreme. Kittie, fronted by Morgan Lander is familiar to me, but I have never really got into their music in the past, despite sales in excess of 1.25 million of their previous four albums. Anyway, their latest, 'In The Black' offers 12 tracks and 40+ mins of true heavy metal with clean and extreme vocals. Some good stuff on here, check out 'Cut Throat', the melodic 'Die My Darling' and the slower 'Sorrow I Know' as examples. As 'Sorrow I know' ends on a quiet note, in kicks 'Forgive and Forget' that will send your Grandma running for cover! 'Falling Down', 'Sleepwalking' and 'Whiskey Love Song' are slower, melodic although still heavy numbers that may see your gran returning from the air raid shelter, until she beats a hasty return when 'Ready Aim Riot' screams out of the speakers. The cd ends with the 6 min + 'The Truth' , which starts with a cool organ intro, and I indeed expected the wrestler known as The Undertaker together with Paul Bearer, to appear in my living room :) Cool ending to this track too. To summarise, this release speaks for itself - if you like your metal screamin' heavy and bloomin' hard, but still melodic, check this one out. It is released on the 23rd October. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KIVIMETSAN DRUIDI..'SHADOWHEART'

(Century Media) Reviewed 1st November 2008

From an imaginative Northern forest, full of large stone blocks and surrounded by high mountains comes Kivimetsän Druidi, a young and determined metal band from Finland, destined to become the next sensation in symphonic metal. Leeni-Maria’s beautiful female vocals are perfectly contrasted with Joni’s brutal growls from six feet under. An interesting record this, with lyrics dealing with the everlasting battle between good and evil, hatred and forgiveness, jealousy and willpower. Crunching guitars, pounding drums, swirling keys, epic tunes and even a ballad (Tiarnach - Verinummi), it is all here. I like it! And on the digi-pak version, you will even get a cover of The Gathering's 'Leaves'. Another great treat from Finland - so get it now! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

KRYPTERIA..'BLOODANGEL'S CRY'

(Synergy/EMI) Reviewed 23rd June 2007

This is certainly a year for female fronted music. And German based Krypteria's second album sure keeps the bandwagon rolling. Fronted by the angelic sounding Korean lass Ji-In Cho, this band rock, with anthemic choruses helped along marvellously well by a Gregorian choir that crops up on many of the tracks. I suppose you could class the album as a mix of power metal, gothic metal and melodic metal. The ballads surpass themselves, with my favourite track being 'The Night All Angels Cry'. This is 6+ minutes of musical splendour that had me near to tears (and I am no angel!). Another track that I fell for on first listen was 'Somebody Save Me', 'Dream Yourself Far Away' being another good un! Parts of this album may need another listen for the whole cd to jump out and grab you, but rest assured it will. This is a very pleasant disk, and it deserves your attention. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).