Reviews

L'AME IMMORTELLE..'NAMENLOS'

(Trisol Music) Reviewed 4th February 2008

Namenlos offers a mixture of hard but melodic electro sounds, with aggressive and distorted male vocals and emotional melodies with Sonja's crystal-clear hymn-like voice. Pounding industrial dance beats meet heart-breaking Dark Wave synthetic harmonies - reflected German poetry opposes angry English lyrics. After the peotic intro of 'Vergessen', the dance floor filler '1000 Voices' kicks in, swiftly followed by the slower and very melodic 'Behind The Light'. Other faves are 'Requiem', while, the rather brief 'Lost' could be straight out of London's West End...Andrew Lloyd Webber..eat your heart out. The awesome 'Blutrot' and 'Reborn' find the pace picking up again, while the variety on this album keeps you riveted being sung in both German and English. I myself am a fan of this band, and Aimee has high regard for them too. Great stuff from a great duo. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

L'AME IMMORTELLE..'AUF DEINEN SCHWINGEN'

(GUN Records) Reviewed Sept 24th 2006

This latest release by L'Ame Immortelle has sort of crept up on us. And aren't we glad it did. And this band are known amongst some people here in this part of the UK, as they have used local studio facilities (Woodbine Street Studios in Leamington Spa ) in the past! This cd is a gothic pop/metal masterpiece, with the songs sung in either German or English. Every track is a gem, with a mix of gothic melodic rockers or slower ballads, sung in their own original style. It seems that Thomas Rainer and Sonja Kraushofer have hit the spot with this release. Possibly I would say their most commercial to date. The cd kicks off with the title track, a power ballad that starts with an orchestral intro, then kicks in and leaves you picking yourself up of the floor. Generally, apart from the odd slower track, this cd keeps you hanging on til the end..and then you hit repeat! so you can hear it all again!! If gothic pop/metal with touches of electronica so happens to be your cuppa tea, then go and buy! You will NOT be disappointed. Awesome stuff! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LAB..'WHERE HEAVEN ENDS'

(Drakkar Records) Reviewed 7th October 2006

This CD was released last year, and for some reason sneaked in under my radar!! LAB are four guys and a gal (Ana), and are from Latvia so I believe. There are a cluster of countries from that part of the globe that seem to be able to produce the goods. All female Estonian band Vanilla Ninja springs to mind. LAB have a catchy track, 'Where Heaven Gets Dirty' featured on the Beautiful Voices volume 2 DVD, and Drakkar Records consistently release top rated stuff. So what about this CD. It took me a couple of listens, but I love it! Ana's vocals remind me of some other gal, but I can't pinpoint it. But I love her slightly accented sexy vocal style. Standout tracks are a plenty, but I do like the aforementioned 'Where Heaven Gets Dirty', 'Love Like Hell', 'Who Is She' and 'Dog Super Hero'. This is a good effort. It's not Nightwish, but it's a good pop/rock/metal record. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LACHAISE..'SILENT CRIES FOR HELP'

(Micio Poldo) Reviewed 15th March 2010

I had better admit to a conflict of interests, the songs are so close musically to those I wrote for my own band, that it is very difficult to be objective. Groovy driving new wave rock inspired by REM, Stranglers, Magazine, Banshees, Blondie, The Damned, Duran Duran, and Ultravox with gothic overtones, their name coming from the famous Parisian graveyard, where the late great Jim Morrison is laid to rest, and appropriately there are some strong Doors influences here. They are in fact Italian by the way, founded by keys master and chief songwriter Suspiria. Annalisa, who passed the mike over to Xenya after the recording of the album, has a unique and very distinctive voice, somewhere around Sinead O’Connor. ‘That’s Enough’, ‘Short Life’, the lead single, and ‘A Matter of …’ are cracking commercial rock songs; ‘Maybe’, ‘Deep Silent Melancholy’ and ‘Wasteland’ are emotional and powerful; ‘Start Again’ and ‘It’s Just a Dream’ are simply wonderful. For anyone who likes darn good rock good songs, full of interesting guitars and keys, that you can dance or headbang to, depending on you penchant, then it’s available from most descent dealers, boogie along to www.myspace.com/lachaiseband to find out more. This out of body experience is well worthy of 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

LACUNA COIL..'SHALLOW LIFE'

(Century Media) Reviewed 21st April 2009

Lacuna Coil are premier league and I suppose if any band was responsible for getting me into the female fronted genre in the first place, Lacuna Coil are one such band that played their part. And 'Shallow Life' is their latest offering and a little corker it is too. Heavy, melodic and amazingly catchy, featuring as always, the dual vocals of the lovely Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro, this record rocks. The catchy 'Survive' kicks the cd into action, being followed by the ultra catchy 'I Won't Tell You'. Yep, I like this. 'Third track in 'Not Enough' is another little gem. Indeed, there is a lot of good stuff throughout on this cd - check out 'I Like It', the heavy footstomper 'Underdog' the single 'Spellbound', and the ballad 'Wide Awake' as examples.This album may not be quite as heavy as 'Karmacode', but it is typical Lacuna Coil. It may not be breaking new ground, but if it ain't broken, why fix it? I love it. Recommended....9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LAHANNYA..'SHOTGUN REALITY'

(Kabuki Records) Reviewed 15th Oct 2007

London based Lahannya should not be ignored if this release is anything to go by. 'Shotgun Reality' offers 12 tracks of catchy dark alternative rock, that flirts quite frequently with electro. And some of the tracks on offer here possess more hooks than a Japanese whaling fleet. Kicking off with 'Beautiful Girl' and this particular beautiful gal sure knows how to rock, with second track in, 'Bleed For Me' carrying on the rather strong start to an album, that has class stamped all over it. Without going into detail, every track on this cd is worthy of your attention, and even the slower ones are good - 'Wandering', 'Roundabouts', and 'Losing Yourself' all being faves of mine. Other tracks that I love are 'Silent Victim'....I'll stop there, because they are all that good! We do and rightfully rave about Within Temptation, Epica and Nightwish to name just three. But perhaps we should now start raving about Lahannya. Different style, but sheer class nonetheless. BUY! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

LAHANNYA..'WELCOME TO THE UNDERGROUND'

(Kabuki records) Reviewed 29th May 2008

Lahannya is a London lass, and her debut cd 'Shotgun Reality' was a very fine effort indeed. 'Welcome To The Underground' is a mini cd featuring new tracks and remixes. I like this lass and I like her music, and so should everybody else that enjoys our beloved genre. 'Welcome To The Underground' carries a message, and is a prequel to a story that will unfold in the next album. This cd paints a bleak picture of our future – a future in which due to fear and lethargy, our nation has sleepwalked into a surveillance society, and our personal lives are under state control. Meanwhile, the music on offer is awesome, and that is including the remixes, while my fave track currently is the title track. But having said that, they are all good. I gave her debut 9/10 and I will do the same with this. Lahannya is British, she is good and she should not be ignored..9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LAHANNYA..'DEFIANCE'

(Kabuki Records) Reviewed 1st October 2009

Since her humble beginnings on the south coast of England, I have followed Lahannya's career with interest since she released the EP 'Drowning' in the year 2000. And it is interesting to see how she has progressed over the past 9 years or so, having also collaberated with such industrial acts as Greenhaus and Soman. Her previous full release, 'Shotgun Reality' was reviewed by myself back in October 2007, and her 'Welcome To The Underground' EP got my juices flowing too. So what about 'Defiance'? Well it is an impressive release by Lahannya the band, and proves that us Brits have got what it takes to take on mainland Europe. 'Prelude' is an awesome gothic sounding intro that leads into the pounding 'Dying Inside' that should become a fave on the live circuit. Indeed, Lahannya should open any live show with these two. The cd pounds along, with every cut a fave of mine. This release is heavier than 'Shotgun Reality', with less electro and more umphh in the guitar department, but keeps her real sense of melody. I have seen Lahannya live and I even bought the lass a drink in Birmingham a few months back. I would like to see real label support for Lahannya as I honestly believe she and her band who take her name, have the world at their feet. This is a very good record in the industrial gothic rock/metal genre. By giving her last two releases a 9/10, I really set the bench mark. Well, I am going to up the ante at 9.5/10. So buy! (Reviewed by Dave)

LAHANNYA..'SCAVENGER'

(Kabuki) Reviewed 6th December 2010

I will not hide the fact that I am a fan of Lahannya and have been since the release of the debut EP 'Drowning' in the year 2000. Since then, she has released two full length albums plus a remix EP, 'Welcome to the Underground'. She has also been involved with various other musical projects. Now we are graced with a fan edition double pack, consisting of one audio CD with two brand new teaser tracks and four live audio recordings, plus a live DVD recorded at Metal Female Voices Fest 2009. The teaser tracks by the way relate to Lahannya's forthcoming album 'DISORDER'. These new tracks, 'Scavenger' and 'Beautiful Wasteland' typify Lahannya's style of Gothic Rock/Metal with an Industrial twist. This little package inc dvd is rather cool! 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LAMMOTH..'MACHINE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 24th October 2010

Lammoth are a band from the Czech Republic despite what their Myspace site says, and not to be confused with the American black metal band of the same name. They have been around since 2001 and this in their second full length release, coming after 2006’s Reflections. The name, which means Great Echo, comes from a region in Beleriand in J.R.R. Tolkien's Silmarillion. Their music is very hard to tag, Nightwish meets Rhapsody meets ELP is the closest I can come up with after a thorough head scratch. Adorable Hanka "Astarte" Plesná has a superb, powerful, expressive semi-operatic voice, not too dissimilar in style to Kate Bush at times, with lyrics in English. Opener ‘Into The Dark Lord’s Mind’ is proggish and powerful with Emerson esque spiky Hammond, second track ‘Hope’ is a pacey power metal polka, and ‘Machine’ combines the two, a pacey power prog polka (try saying that after a couple of vodkas). The waltz ‘Storyteller’s Inn’ changes the pace, with a touch of Jethro Tull (minus flute) and Renaissance. ‘Redemption Game’ and ‘The Nameless City Part 1’ are a pair of pacey power prog polkas, with a couple of short interlinked instrumentals to follow. The epic ‘Westward Evermore’ sounds like ELP and Yes gone power metal, while the baroque closing instrumental classical piece ‘The Nameless City Part 2’ could have come from ‘In The Court of the Crimson King’ or Jon Lord’s ‘Sarabande’. Production, sound and mix are remarkably good for an independent release, and all the band are first class musicians. Scoring this is also a real doozy because there is no benchmark, they are out there on their own with their pacey power prog polkas (I like saying that) which are influenced more by classic 70’s prog rather than the modern versions like Dream Theatre and Porcupine Tree. All I know is I like it, and if you like power and prog metal then you will too. The gremlin in the machine is getting hold of a copy, but it does come as a rather nice package, you could try the email address on the bottom of their Bandzone page, http://bandzone.cz/lammoth , and their website in Czech is http://www.omadeg.cz/lammoth/ , a princely pacey power prog polka points score of 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

LANEWIN..'AUTUUA'

(Liberty Records) Reviewed 28th April 2010

Lanewin are a brand new symphonic metal band from St Petersburg featuring two unique selling points, the powerful crystal clear operatic voice of the delectable Anna, and not one, but two keyboard players/composers. The results are a lighter Nightwish/Epica mixed with a heavier Rick Wakeman/Vangelis, packed with sensational synths. Anna’s voice, like the music, soothes and caresses, soars and roars, making the album a multi dimensional listening experience. Anna’s emotive, expressive lyrics add to the drama, allowing her to bring out her skills as an actress as well as a singer, turning each song into a mini theatrical musical. Highlights include the amazing ‘Gate of Lanewin’, the raging ‘Illusions of Dogma’, the Rick Wakeman’ish ‘Heartbeat’, the ‘sample and hold’ and rippling keys of the striking ‘Legend of a Savior’, the rampaging ‘Delusiveness’ (great word), and the delightful ‘Dark Love’. Autuua is when you drop a pebble into a pond and watch the ripples spread out, an analogy for the expanding effects of a single action. Lanewin are certain to make a big splash, and given the right push, their pebble can cause a tidal wave that can carry all before them. As Anna says in ‘Gate of Lanewin’, ‘Here we can forget all problems, Here we can laugh and dance! Come and join the world of music, Don’t be a fool to loose your chance!’, so ‘Run to a place where music, Fills the crazy air like oxygen’, www.myspace.com/lanewin and contact the band for a copy wrapped in it’s rather lovely artwork so that you too can ‘Taste the spirit of euphoria, Just enjoy it!’ I have also put a preview for your pleasure on our blog http://thefemalevoices.blogspot.com/ 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

LATELESS..S/T

(Self Release) Reviewed 23rd September 2010

Lateless is a band from the Russian Federation, fronted by the lovely Nataly. The 10 tracks on offer here walk the Melodic Gothic Metal pathway, and would appeal to fans of latter day Sirenia, the awesome Russian Band Dark Princess and Elysion to name just three. After a cool intro 'All Right' charges out of the speakers with all guns a blazin'. The melodic 'Styx' with cool guitar riffs aswell slows things down slightly, and it is becoming apparent that this Self Titled offering by this Russian Band is to my ears very good, very good indeed. Most if not all of the tracks on this record will not disappoint, with pumping melodies and catchy choruses - other faves here being 'Breath Again', 'Lonely Days', 'Two People' and 'Caribbean'. I must say that anybody who enjoys their music with loadsa melody and being similar to the aforementioned bands, this cd together with the band has to be worth checking out. So pop to www.myspace.com/lateless, while it has to worth to my ears a 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AVRIL LAVIGNE..'THE BEST DAMN THING'

(Sony/BMG) Reviewed 19th April 2007

'LetGo' was a decent album..'Under My Skin' was better. What about 'The Best Damn Thing'. I dunno!! Looking at the piccies on the cd inlay, Avril Lavigne is not sure whether she wants to be a teenager, or a young adult. And I think that sums up the music on the cd too. I would have liked her to have made the progress she made from cd 1 to cd 2 and carried it onto her third release. But it seems she has taken a backward step. OK, 'The Best Damn Thing' may go down well in the playground, but the decent music listening public may be a little disappointed. The best track on the cd to my ears is 'Runaway', a rocky track similar to some of the stuff on 'Under My Skin'. And I don't mind the three ballads here either. The overall feel of the cd is ok, you do find yourself tapping your feet on occasion, but I was also at times losing interest. Having said that, I suppose you cannot please all of the people all of the time. I am not a Spring Chicken anymore :) but I do like young Avril. Nonetheless, I would like to think she may be able to do better when she gets around to recording cd number 4. 6.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

LA-VENTURA..'A NEW BEGINNING'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

Fronted by Carla, this Dutch band has released a strong independent release that is gothy and melodic, and would fit quite comfortably into any gothy female fronted fan's cd collection. In places there are similarites to Evanescence and maybe Lacuna Coil. Fave tracks are 'Memoria', Trefoil', 'Cry' and the awesome title track 'A New Beginning'. Support female fronted music and purchase this cd from La-Ventura's myspace site, http://www.myspace.com/laventura. And a note from the band. ONLY purchase this cd via THEIR myspace site, as there are some illegal sub standard CDR's floating around. Even cdbaby.com are unwittingly selling them! This is a very good release worthy of your attention! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEAVES..'WHILE THE LIGHT CONTINUES SPINNING'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th March 2010

Leaves is a band from Barcelona, Spain. The band was born in 2000 under the name of The Stygian Lake. During February 2001, they recorded their first mini CD, 'XTC', which was well received by the public. Various line up changes along the way delayed things a bit, but with a name change to Leaves, and the arrival of new singer Raquel, the band worked on the idea of recording a full length album, which becomes this little opus. And what about this little gem? Well the album starts with the title track, a melodic number that instantly reminded me vocally of Anneke Van Giersbergen era The Gathering. And those influences show up throughout this record. But having said that, 'While The Light Continues Spinning' is nonetheless a very good recording with some awesome music on offer - imagine a mix of metal, gothic and trip rock!. Great musicianship throughout. No overall faves here as it is all damn fine stuff. The album comes as a digipack, while this band can be found at www.myspace.com/leavesbcn. This is worth purchasing to my ears for fans of our beloved genre. A powerful but delicate sound - good stuff! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEAVES' EYES..'MY DESTINY'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 25th July 2009

This is a taster for the forthcoming album "Njord" due at the latter end of August. So how about a taster review? First and foremost, Leaves' Eyes are one of my favourite bands, and I have great admiration for Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull. Not only is Alexander an awesome musician, he produces and mixes more or less everything, and the lucky man is even married to Liv. As for this little effort...of course, it is awesome. Six cool tracks here including a track that has raised my interests. 'The Battle of Maldon' (track two) relates to a battle that took place on the shores of the River Blackwater in Essex in 991AD, when the Anglo-Saxons took an historic stand against a Viking invasion . Why bore you with this trivia I hear you ask. I lived very near there once and it interests me, that's why!! Musically I like this little effort, typically Leaves' Eyes, with my fave track being 'Northbound'. For fans of the band and for fans of the genre..a must buy. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEAVES' EYES..'NJORD'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 19th August 2009

I will admit that Leaves' Eyes are one of my top female fronted bands, ranking alongside Within Temptation, Nightwish and Lacuna Coil. Their music is awesome and Liv's vocals send shivers up and down my spine, So what about this latest offering. Let's just say this is just a colossal piece of music by musicians that are top of their league, and very near untouchable in this genre at this current moment in time. Kicking off with the atmospheric and heavy 6 minute plus title track, I know I am going to like this record...lots. Second track in, 'My Destiny' featured on the recent EP, and I am totally bewitched already by the music on this album. And it is only track 2! This is typical Leaves' Eyes (if it ain't broken, why fix it?), it rocks, it is heavy and it is so melodic. All the tracks here are top drawer, but songs worthy of a mention include the uptempo and catchy 'Take The Devil In Me', 'Northbound', 'The Holy Bond' and the epic 8 minute plus 'Froya's Theme'. And let's not forget 'Scarborough Fair'. Excellent and totally absorbing. The Vikings are coming - bring them on! 'Njord' gets released end of August/start of Sept...this is a MUST BUY! 10/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEGENDA AUREA..'SEDNA'

(Twilight Zone Records) Reviewed 20th November 2008

The foundation stone of Swiss band Legenda Aurea was laid in August of 2005, when Renato Trinkler and Martin Roth united to create a new band. Even without knowing what was going to happen, the main aspects of the musical concepts were clear: a blending of Symphonic Metal with Opera chant. Originally fronted by a Melissa Derrer, things didn't quite work out with the aforementioned Ms Derrer, so Claudia Hofer was recruited to the lead vox slot. There are obvious Tarja era Nightwish influences on this release, but it ain't bad. Certainly a cd for fans of opera style vocals. There are no grunts here, but the awesome AOR sounding 'It's Over' is sung in the main by Christian Graf who also produced, engineered and mixed this little opus. One little gripe. I never quite understand instrumentals, and there is an untitled intrumental on 'Sedna' that occupies track 8. Just that one filler, otherwise a good cd. Get it from Amazon! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEGENDA AUREA..'ELLIPSIS'

(Twilight Zone Records) Reviewed 25th March 2009

I love this band. They came at me like a turbo charged express train a few months ago with their 'Sedna' release, and not yet having got that out of my system, along comes their latest..'Ellipsis'. And the band sure have upped the anti with this record. A new vocalist so it seems, the lass in question being Simone Christinat. 'Ellipsis' offers a feast of progressive melodic power metal with awesome operatic vocals from Simone, and subtle hints of electronica throughout. Yep, I like it. 'Reflections' is what kicks this album off, and it is a feast of metal from the start. Other awesome tracks are 'Discouraged', 'Superbia', 'Outbreak', 'Abscondence Pt II' (awesome orchestration and vocals on this epic track by the way) and 'Resurrection'. If you had the chance to pick up a copy of 'Sedna' then this release is a natural progression from their debut, and is even better, if you are missing Tarja era Nightwish, then this record has to be worth a listen. If this Swiss band carry on like this, then they will be moving into the premier league with their next release. However, maybe they are now already there. Cool stuff..8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

The LEGION OF HETHERIA..'CHOICES'

(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 30th June 2008

Mexican band The Legion of Hetheria was born back in 2002, founded by Rick and Jesus (the Loera brothers). And it seems they have not been sitting on their laurels as the band have played with After Forever, To Die For and Epica amongst others. Now onto 'Choices', their second cd I believe. This album mixes female operatic vocals, clean vocals, tenor vocals and extreme vocals. The female vocals come compliments of Maria Victoria Perez and all the male vox by Rick Loera, who also handles guitars and synths too. Quite a talented bunch by all accounts. Like the Sellisternium cd I have just reviewed, 'Choices' is not one for anybody who loves loadsa hooks and catchy choruses, but this a pretty good and rather intense release from the Renaissance stable. My fave tracks on the record being 'Sacrifice', 'Der Holle Rache' (by Mozart!), and the more melodic 'World Of Fantasy'. 'Choices' will take a few listens to sink in, but it will and I like it. Check it out! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

The LEGION OF HETHERIA..'NEUTRO'

(JRJR Records) Reviewed 27th December 2010

This is the third full length release by these marvellous Mexican symphonic metallers, but the first in 5 five years. Lead singer Ricardo Loera has a superb Michael Kiske style rock voice, without the screaming, but he also occasionally does some decent growls as well. Joining him is special guest Julieta Ruiseco whose voice floats around Marcela Bovio and Simone Simons. Her own band is a jazz rock outfit, so this is quite a departure for her, and the lyrics are in English and Spanish. Their music falls into three loose categories. The tunes with English lyrics 'Beyond Good and Evil', 'A Thousand Eyes', 'A Light Shows', 'The Puzzle' and 'Breaking Locks' are early Epica inspired symphonic metallers. Numbers in are Spanish are lighter catchy melodic rock/metal songs, including 'Diciembre', 'Una Vez Más', 'En Un Momento' and 'En Silencio'. On the other hand 'Viento y Mar' and 'Sorrow in Sand' are more like Therion. The icing on the cake is a stupendous version of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance', if the real Gaga sounded like this, I'd be her biggest fan! Everything is well produced and performed, making it a complete treat for melodic and symphonic metal fans. Available on iTunes for download, or by writing to the band at their website http://hetheria.mx/, a thoroughly enjoyable 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

LE MONNIER..'CYNIC SISTER'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 16th March 2010

In 2005, Jersey born singer and bassist Alex Le Monnier set out to find musicians that wanted the same as her; to play live, make records and travel. Later that year she met Essex lad Matt Keil, a pianist and guitarist whose classical training would add a new musical tilt to the bands style. The last piece of the puzzle came in the form of Terry Anderson, a drummer with an uncompromising metal style, that would add ferocity and rhythmic diversity. With the help of their local rehearsal studio, Le Monnier became the three-piece band that have released their breakthrough debut album 'Cynic Sister', that dropped onto my doormat a few days ago. Kicking off with a Middle Eastern type intro, 'Grey Symphonic', this then leads directly into the hard rockin 'Your Greed'. The slower 'Ballet' is the first ballad we come to on the album, and being a bit of a softy when it comes to ballads, I quite like it. The album picks up the pace again with 'Save Yourself', with all the 14 tracks here offering up a mid to uptempo menu of hard rock goodies, with the odd slower one for good measure. This is a pretty good album that again proves to me that there is an awful amount of good music out there that is going un tapped. A suggestion - go to www.myspace.com/lemonniermusic and then make your own minds up. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

L'ENDEVI..'WHEN I DESIRE SOMETHING, YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING'

(Self Released) Reviewed 7th February 2010

The Spanish symphonic gothic metallers, founded in 2007, have unleashed an almighty debut album, starring the alluring Mamen, who has a colossal, dramatic voice. ‘The Fortune-Teller’, from which the band get their name (L’Endevi means soothsayer or fortune-teller), starts out really aggressive, Mamen truly scared the life out of me, but then it changes tempo and turns into soaring symphonic metal. This is followed by the strutting ‘1234’, which also has some groovy atmospheric passages, nice to hear guitarists Jaume and Pater using a wide pallet of sounds on this album. Spain was of course Moorish for centuries until 1492, and this influence unmistakably comes out on the next two numbers, ‘Samsara’ and ‘Hunter of Sounds’, both highly dramatic, with superb drumming by Mario (I love his unique snare sound) and bass from Guille. Good grief, Mamen can really give it some hammer! ‘Magic Meadow Innocent’ starts out doomy before alternating between piano fuelled passages and more powerful sections, then ‘Crystal Eyes’ is heavier and more menacing. ‘Water’s Darkness’ has an atmospheric beginning before they put the pedal to the metal, and ‘Rockburningsoul’ would make a great band name, it starts out bluesy as they name check Whitesnake, before the band erupts. ‘Behind the Wall’ is a mighty, swelling piano ballad, with excellent keys by guest Gines Gil Pacheco, and next the headbanging ‘To The Limit’ really does live up to its name. The last song, ‘Eternal Dream’, shows Mamen’s softer side over gentle guitar arpeggios, before the band blasts off, the sweet ending is delightful. A special mention for the excellent lyrics throughout the album, ‘In your soul I will create a world; a new world that saves your smile, a world where you can play. This song will calm down your tears, your cold tears in my chest. In your soul I will create your smile, believe me’. I believe them totally, L’Endevi have created a unique sound, that blend of Mamen’s awesome voice, Fernando Asensi’s superb production, Mario’s eastern flavoured drums, and the dramatic songs is truly mesmerising. Available by emailing info@lendevi.com and will soon be available from http://www.lendevi.com/, check out their Myspace for more details, www.myspace.com/lendevi 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

LENNON..'DAMAGED GOODS'

(John Gait Entertainment) Reviewed 1st October 2006

I myself like a girl with attitude, and this girl has it!! I have much of the earlier stuff Lennon has recorded, so most of the songs here I am already familiar with. In-fact, 11 tracks on this cd are re-recordings of earlier songs, plus 6 new ones. So 17 tracks of modern hard rock for your money can't be bad. Every track on this cd is good value for the money spent too. I don't have a favourite here, as they are all my favourites! OK, 11 songs have been given face lifts, but so what..job well done as far as I am concerned. And 'Damaged Goods' is a good introduction for anybody who is curious about the young Lennon Murphy. And you should be! Amazon.co.uk have it, and as far as I know, it can be ordered through the usual outlets, so don't just sit there!! Buy it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LEONAVICARIO..'ROAR OF THE STARS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 15th December 2010

Mexico seems to specialise in symphonic metal bands that have so many members they almost qualify as an orchestra, Tetriconia, Nostra Morte and now nine member Leonävicario. At times they remind me of Within Temptation's seminal Mother Earth, the next minute more Therion, so it's classic powerful symphonic metal we are are talking about here. However, Polo tends to use organ, piano, mints and synths rather than orchestral sounds, and this added to some of the riffage and guitar solos by Hugo and Gran means they sometimes veer into melodic metal and heavy rock Rainbow territory as well. Vocals are mainly done by a choir of four singers comprising lovely ladies Lesly and Avril and gents Rock'n'Rull (great name!) and Mikael giving a choral vibe to the music, but they do have some solo outings as well, with lyrics in English. They also feature Bassbanger on bass and Yotal on “Drums and Chicks!! Yeah!!”, yes, well, umm, we won't go there! They get their name from Leonä Vicario who provided money and intelligence to the insurgents in the Mexican War of independence, and on her death in 1842 she was declared “Sweet Mother of the Fatherland” and became the only woman to receive a Mexican state funeral. 'Ragnarök' has a rather intriguing video (on the Female Voices Blog) with the gothic babe in the wood this time going around hacking people with a sword, so I'll think I'll give Mexican forests a wide berth! On the excellent 'Persephone' there is a brief vocal bit which is a dead ringer for Sharon Den Adel, it certainly made my ears prick up, and the start of 'V' is just like the beginning of Within Temptation's 'Ice Queen' with that “ahh ah” choir chant. 'Drakkar' sounds like the soundtrack to a medieval spaghetti western, before you say it I know you didn't have cowboys in the middle ages, but if you did, and you made a film called 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Cid', then this is what it would sound like. Production is reasonably good but perhaps the guitars are a touch trebly, you might want to twiddle your tone. A most enjoyable 55 minute romp for symphonic metal fans, and you can set off to their Myspace www.myspace.com/leonavicarioband and message the band for a copy or download it for free making it the perfect Xmas present, a roaring 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

LESBIAN BED DEATH..'DESIGNED BY THE DEVIL, POWERED BY THE DEAD'

(Psychophonic Records) Reviewed 20th September 2010

With the name Lesbian Bed Death, this could conjure up all kinds of musical ideas, and as for wearing their tee shirt at your Granny's birthday party - well maybe not :). Anyway, UK Midlands based LBD began life in 2004 being inspired by various Gothic Punk Bands, the band being a celebration of Sex, Drugs, Horror and Rock n Roll, combining the sinister with the puerile, the rage with the swagger and the Glam with the Gothic. This album is the band's second release with a production by Shaun Lowe (Broken Bones/The Damned/The Drifters). The music on offer is upbeat and certainly mixes the Glam with the Gothic, with a fair splash of Punk to boot! The uptempo opening salvo- the title track and the Vampyric 'Moonlight' certainly sets the feet tapping, lovely stuff! 'Drowning (In Your Love)' lowers the pace just a little, while at the same time showcases very well the cool and melodic vox of leading lady Luci4. 'Bela Lugosi's Back' (Bela Lugosi was best known for playing Count Dracula in the Broadway play and subsequent film version) is an awesome pounding rock song, while 'No Tears Please' ups the tempo once more. The record continues in a similar vein, with further highlights including the slower 'Without A Sound' (great harmony vocals), the punk sounding 'Mr Nastytime' (great piano intro btw), the heavy 'Catholic Sex Kitten' (super lyrics, if you like that type of thing :)) and 'Sinner'. This whole album will blow your mind away. It is melodic, it is catchy..okay, the lyrics may be 'X' rated at times, but who cares cos I don't. Check the band out at their myspace and then buy the cd on October 25th.....9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TORI LETZLER..'BEHIND CLOSED EYES'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 6th November 2009

Living in New York City, Tori has been singing professionally since the age of seven, started playing the piano at age five, and has been writing music for as long as she can remember. And this is a good little release we have here that has come as a pleasant surprise to Mr Ravenheart. Some good songs kicking off with 'Alive', starting with a cool piano intro before the rest of the band kick in. The title track follows a similar formula, and is another equally good track. With tracks like 'Any Other Day', the rocky 'Break You' (proving this girl rocks too) and 'Take Me', Tori is proof of a hard working musician that does what she believes in, and makes good music. This is worth checking out and it can be purchased at cdbaby.com. Also check Tori out at www.myspace.com/toriletzler. Lovely! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TINA LIE..'FREE ENOUGH TO FALL'

(SIWU Music) Reviewed 6th July 2010

With a flavour of Country and a dash of Rock n Roll, Norwegian lass Tina Lie (pronounced Lee) has a rich, raw and distinctive voice, that will evoke the best of Americana Roots Music. And here as a consequence, we have an album for those long warm summer evenings to lie back and chill out too. With slow numbers like 'Black Swan' and 'Consumed', more upbeat offerings like the catchy 'Twilight Hour', the country sounding 'Gambling With The Stars'. And then we have two of my faves on the cd, 'Pirate's Heart' and 'Solid Ground', overall there is some good stuff on this record. Giving her a helping hand are Mauro Magellan (Georgia Satellites), Shaun Murphy (Little Feat & Bob Seger) and Grammy award winning Native American flautist Bill Miller (Eddie Vedder etc) amongst others. Tina is no newcomer to the scene either, having eight American tours under her belt. There are some poignant lyrics here, so if you fancy a change from the normal run of the mill rock and metal music, then 'Free Enough To Fall' is worth checking out, take it from me. It will be available from 26th July, but while you are waiting, check out http://www.tinalie.com/. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LIGHTLESS MOOR..'RENEWAL'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 16th September 2008

The music that Italian band Lightless Moor (fronted by Ilaria Falchi) has to offer is dark, gothic and occasionally progressive metal, not too disimilar in some respects to the Napalm Records band Draconian, and maybe even very early Within Temptation. 'Renewal' is a five track EP, offering 27+ mins of Beauty and the Beast metal, and I like it. Opening track 'Lightless Moor' is one of my faves on the record. 7+ minutes of dark metal with a beautiful interlude midway. And the last track, which is the title track, is a brief outtro that has a folky feel about it. Cool stuff. Vocally at times on this recording, I am reminded on occasion of Sharon Den Adel, and that to my ears is not a bad thing. This band are obviously very hard working, and this release proves yet again the quality of hard working unsigned talent out there, that for some weird reason seems to escape the notice of the record labels. This is Gothy, this is dark - take my advice, check the band out at www.myspace.com/lightlessmoor , and then buy! Simple really!! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

LILITH..'REQUIEM'

(Self Release) Reviewed 30th December 2010

Lilith are an all girl band (except for the lucky guy on drums) of Colombian beauties who have been around for 10 years releasing their début back in 2004, and now 6 years later they unleash this brand new second release. The many Lilith legends about she's variously a demon or Adams' first wife or both makes it a rather popular band name around the world. I can only describe their music as the missing link between The Bangles and Within Temptation, for whom they opened in 2008, producing infectious, hook laden, powerful pop metal. There's no orchestra but loads of excellent keyboards by delicious Marcela Carmona, and gorgeous front lady Sara Delgado has a superb powerful soulful voice, with lyrics in English and Spanish. Completing the line-up are the captivating Catalina Villegas on bass and sultry Marcela Carmona on guitar, oh, I nearly forgot, and Repe on drums of course. Every track is an absolute cracker, choosing faves is like choosing your favourite chocolates. Should I plump for 'Unknown Before Tomorrow' with it's super piano, or the title track 'Requiem' with it's clever chorus, or the swaggering 'Stalker' (video on Female Voices Blog, gentlemen may need a lie down after viewing), or the driving 'Sick of You', or, or, or...... I just can't choose! Although there is no distribution for the CD, you can write to the band for a copy at their website http://www.lilithcolombia.com/, this is crying out for an international release, they could really hit the big time with the right promotion, like a heavier Indica. They have the songs, the looks, the musicianship, in fact they have the whole darn package. To sum up, the whole album is a total joy to listen to, 9 /10 (Reviewed by Phil)

LIPSHOK..'IN DARKNESS LIGHT'

(Self Release) Reviewed 27th August 2010

Americans Lipshok have spent years as a party covers band but here they present their own songs. They have obviously absorbed their classic rock repertoire which comes through on every song. This is like listening to one of those compilations dads get for father’s day. Singer Scarlett Dark has a deep voice that sounds like a mixture of Eric Burdon, Roger Chapman and Ozzy Osborne which only adds to the classic rock vibe. Rainbow, Deep Purple, Moody Blues, Uriah Heep, Magnum, Black Sabbath, Argent and the kitchen sink are thrown into the blender. I kept thinking ‘ooh, that sounds like, ummm, yes that, ummm, you know, arghhh I can’t remember’, racking my poor brain until it hurt, so I gave up and just enjoyed the music. For example, you can quite easily sing ‘Sailing’ along to ‘Find My Way Home’ and ‘Nights in White Satin’ along to ‘Dream in a Cloud’. They could slip any of the songs from this album into the next party booking and nobody would notice! If you are a lover of classic melodic rock then you will find it for sale at CD Baby, and their website is http://www.lipshok2000.com/. This is great fun to listen to, when you stop trying to place the tunes, so I’m off for another dad dance, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

LIQUID SKY..'IDENTITY'

(Insomnia Media) Reviewed 10th February 2008

I grew up listening to melodic hard rock, but in those days there was not the femme metal bands that we have now. I also have had the honour recently to review very good albums by British metal bands Adastreia and Crimson Tears. Now we can add Liquid Sky to that list. Fronted by the gorgeous Hecate Taglietti (there is some Italian there somewhere, Jon the guitarist tells me), the band has released a debut album of awesome proportion, which has left me begging for more. I had known about the existence of this band for a couple of years or so now, and I saw them live in 2006 supporting my buddies XANDRIA. Back to 'Identity', this is a very good melodic hard rock album, by a band that should not only take Europe, but the world by storm with this release. I won't list the best tracks as they are all that good. I can only puzzle at the fact why the bigger labels tend to ignore the talent that the UK obviously has. The production is spot on, and with mixing by Karl Groom (Threshold), this cd is a winner. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

LIVID HALCYON..'WINTERLOVE'

(Hellfest/Universal) Reviewed 10th January 2011

Surprisingly, this is the third album, but the first in 5 years, by this German foursome of lovely ladies Meli, vocals, and Nadine, bass, and lusty lads Dominik, guitar, and Daniel, drums. They produce major label catchy pop alt-metal, hovering around Cryoshell, Lacuna Coil, Sirenia and Evanescence, mixed with The Bangles thanks to those pop hooks and Meli's voice. In fact I had to double check that they were German and not American, which begs the question, why aren't they better known outside their homeland? They have certainly been able to duck under the Ravenradar™ until now, but we're metal's answer to the Mounties, we always get our woman. Fave's include the Within Temptation'ish opener 'On My Own', the Sirenia esque 'Calling Out For Me', 'Sleeping Beauty' with its hint of Fleetwood Mac, the Evanescence like 'Stay', the anthemic title track 'Winterlove' and the groovy Lacuna Coil meets The Bangles 'Too Late' (video on Female Voices blog), but all the songs are very strong and immaculately produced. You will certainly be livid if you miss out on this halcyon release which is widely available on download and CD's can be purchased at their website is www.livid-halcyon.de, a radiant 8.5/10 (Phil).