Reviews

RAM-ZET..'NEUTRALIZED'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 27th September 2009

Lock up your children folks, send Grandma away for a few days, and lets get it together with Norwegian metallers Ram-Zet. Ram-Zet's music is very diverse ranging from black metal to thrash metal. It has industrial sounds, progressive structures, and traditional instruments forming a style which some people, including band mastermind Zet, have called "schizo-metal". Anyway, how about the music on this their 4th offering. Well, 'Infamia' kicks things off with the music coming out of the speakers like a turbo charged express train doing 225 mph through an atomic explosion. Just getting over that and then 'I Am Dirt' hits us. The album thunders along keeping the listener wondering as to what is to come steamrollering out of the speakers next. One of my faves on this album is fourth track up, the 10 minute + 'Addict' with an atmospheric and rather cool ending that then leads into the violin intro of 'God Don't Forgive' before the guitars kick in. 'Beautiful Pain' is another good un. and while generally very avante-garde this release, if you are open minded regards your music, it is worth checking out. I like it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

MARION RAVEN..'SET ME FREE'

(Eleven Seven Music) Reviewed 29th June 2007

With names like Niki Sixx (Motley Crue), Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) and Art Alexakis (Everclear) amonsgt others involved with this recording, it becomes blatantly obvious that this Cd has to be worthy of a listen. And yep it is. Norwegian lass Marion Raven has produced an interesting slab of modern melodic rock here. The title track 'Set Me Free' gets the cd away in rockin' fashion, quickly followed by 'Falling Away'. And basically, the album rarely let's up. And seventh track in 'Break You', is the sort of tune Avril Lavigne should have recorded for her latest effort. 'Set Me Free' tapers away a wee bit towards the end, but this is a very good recording nonetheless. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

RAVENSCRY..EP

(Independent Release) Reviewed 26th June 2010

Italian Alternative Metal Band Ravenscry is a band that until now has kinda slipped underneath my radar. I then received an email from their management, and this has now led me into reviewing their debut EP. And what a pleasant surprise it is too. Kicking off with 'Nobody', this track alone will give you a small idea into what direction this awesome band are heading. The opener offers heavy riffing, subtle touches of Electonica, all this coupled with the awesome vocals of Giulia. Next one in 'Calliope' maintains the pace set by the opener, while 'Redemption I - Rainy' is a rather cool and beautiful piano led ballad- love it! This track showcases Giulia's mind blowing vocals extremely well. 'Redemption II - Reflection' is a lovely orchestral piece which then leads us to final track 'Redemption III - Far Away'. This particular track echoes shades of Tarja era Nightwish, and is a fitting finale to this EP. This band and their EP has to be worth checking out for fans of the genre. Their myspace site is at www.myspace.com/ravenscryband. And I will say no more except that this is worthy of a place in anyone's collection, and I cannot wait for a full length cd, if there is any chance that one is forthcoming. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

RAVENLAND... 'AND A CROW BRINGS ME BACK'

(Independent Release/Ravenheart Music)

Brazil’s Ravenland was formed by Dewindson Wolfheart way back in 1997, but sadly their 2001 debut album never saw the light of day due to their record company going bust. After a break of a number of years Wolfheart met Camilla Raven, and the band was reborn in 2006 (perhaps the origin of the CD’s title?). Like Fright Night, Wolfheart has a deep baritone voice rather than a growl, a most welcome and effective alternative to the cookie monsters that clog up gothic music, while Ravishing Raven’s rich tones soar over the top, creating a delightful blend. Their music is broadly a mix of Paradise Lost, Fields of the Nephilim, gothic era Damned, The Stranglers and The Mission. The songs rattle along at a groovy pace with Albanes Gonçalves providing a variety of guitar sounds from the flanged to the crunchy (plus a special guest appearance by ex Theatre of Tragedy guitarist Tommy Lindal), João Cruz’s grunting JJ Burnel esque bass, and Raven’s superb keyboards creating melody, atmosphere and texture. You certainly get your money’s worth, 14 killers and not a filler in sight (plus a slightly different version of ‘Soulmoon’ and a video). I was particularly taken with the rocking ‘End of Light’, the melodic ‘Burning For You’, the powerful ‘The Crow’, the dramatic ‘Velvet Dreams’, and the lovely piano ballad ‘Regret’. Production by is by top tub thumper Ricardo Confessori of Angra and Shaman fame (he also performs the drum parts), and mixing is by Waldemar Sorychta, who has worked with such luminaries as Lacuna Coil, Tiamat, Moonspell, and Therion, so it is no surprise that the sound is so crisp, clear and powerful. Similar attention to detail has been shown with the excellent artwork by Gustavo Sazes whose distinctive style has graced sleeves by bands like Arch Enemy, Echoes of Eternity and Stream of Passion. With the likes of Paradise Lost riding high in the European charts there is obviously a ravenous demand for Ravenland’s brand of top quality gothic rock/metal. Their Myspace lies as the crow flies at www.myspace.com/ravenland. Ravenphil heartily recommends this for all fans of the genre, and Ravenland will soon see distribution by Ravenheart, how more appropriate can you get! 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

RAVEN TIDE..'EVER RAIN' (EP)

(Alkemist Fanatix) Reviewed 15th July 2010

Italian Band Raven Tide was born in early 2009, as the natural evolution of the original idea of the vocalist Cheryl and the guitaist Shark. The style of the band is characterized by the fusion of various influences of past musical experiences of each member, creating a perfect mix between the classic atmosphere of Symphonic Metal and the captivating colours of Dark & Gothic culture, with the aggressive rhythm of Power and Heavy Metal, also offering touches of Electronica and completed of course with a female voice. Instrumental 'Stillness' gets things going, and I am sure I hear the sound of bag pipes. This then leads us into the almighty 'Alfrin Alagos'. This 5 track EP is good, and we are only two tracks in! 'Doom Reveil' that follows is a totally awesome track...heavy riffs with a chorus to die for, and showcasing Cheryl's angelic vocals. This track is gonna be a fave of mine, no doubt about it - right up my alleyway! I am now totally spellbound by this Italian combo. And before I can catch my breath, we have 'End To The Flame' - great piano/synths led ballad, and I am afraid that I am a sucker for a good ballad. The rocky and very catchy 'Lucifer Bliss' featuring the addition of male vocals closes the EP. Every track on the record to my ears is a winner, with the songs banging around in my head long after the cd has finished. Check Raven Tide out at www.myspace.com/raventide and then buy the EP - enough said! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

RAWKFIST..’GARDENS OF ELYSIA’

(Danse Macabre) Reviewed 20th February 2010

I was surprised to learn that this is the second album by the fantastically named German symphonic metallers Rawkfist, where have they been all my life? The leading lady is the blonde bombshell, Sabine, with her unique tremulous Belinda Carlisle style vocals. Here they present a premier league collection of symphonic gothic metal masterpieces, halfway between Within Temptation and Lacuna Coil. It is a magical experience when you unearth buried treasure like this. My favourites? Ummm, the whole flippin lot! My only quibble is the dull cover art with its total lack of info, this band have the look, they should use it! Somebody should take this bunch and plaster them all over every rock and metal mag in Europe and the World. This is an easy review to write, in short, buy it from http://www.rawkfistmusic.de/pages/englisch/home.php 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

SUZY RAWN..'NAKED

(Sony/BMG Import) Reviewed 2nd March 2007

Thisis a great little modern pop/rock release for anyone who fancieshearing the AOR/Melodic Rock Band Harem Scarem with a female vocalist(Scarem boys Pete Lesperance and Harry Hess are involved with thisrelease). The vocals of Suzi Rawn (Canadian Idol finalist) are verywelcome, and she works the material on offer here very well. She evencovers two Harem Scarem tracks – 'Don't Come Easy' and 'UnderstandYou'. A good listen for lovers of female pop/rock. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Laura).

RAZORBLADEKISSES..'TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE SCAR'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 17th September 2009

Here we have an album full of eastern promise. Although now residing in Southhampton, vocalists Layla and Azadeh draw from their distant Persian/Iranian roots, to conjure up their ideas for this album. 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Scar' takes the listener on a magical journey, mixing rock, goth and even a little opera along the way. Kicking off with the rather sedate and atmospheric 'Alice', second track, the rockier 'New Nightmare' ups the ante somewhat, and comes blasting out of your speakers like an express train. A good start. And it continues through the remainder of the album, mixing quiter more atmospheric haunting tracks ('No Strings Attached') with the occasional heavier anthemic rocker ('Teddy'). And I like the violin that pops up on some of the tracks and adds to the atmosphere of proceedings. The awesome 'The Butterfly' was inspired by "This Bird Is Going To Die", a poem by the famous Iranian poet Forough Farrokhzad. Great "innocent little girl lost" vocals that add to the seductive feel of this record aswell. It gets released on the 26th October and will also be available from all major download sites! Meanwhile, check them out at www.myspace.com/razorbladekisses. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

REACTIVE BLACK..'A NEW DAWN'

(Echozone) Reviewed 15th July 2010

Zikes! Three corking cds that I have reviewed on the bounce today. Must be my lucky day. This little humdinger by German Band Reactive Black, is another record that has quite simply taken my breath away. Fronted by the lovely named Sassy Skeleton, what we have here is 11 tracks of Electonic Gothic Rock & Metal. The vocal style of Ms Skeleton is possibly more akin to Mandragora Scream's Morgan Lacroix, rather than perhaps the more operatic or poppy vocal style of some acts within this genre. Driving but consciously simple guitars and thumping drums drive this album along, while Sassy's voice fascinates and transports the listener into another sphere, with its dark style of eroticism. Check this band out at www.myspace.com/reactiveblack. A great record and worthy of a 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

The REASONING..'ADVERSE CAMBER'

(Comet Music) Reviewed 15th August 2010

The Reasoning are back with a new line-up, coming on board are drummer Jake Bradford-Sharp, backing vocalist Maria Owen, and keyboardist Tony Turrell. This album sees a marked shift towards the gothic rock/metal of the title track of their last album, ‘Dark Angel’; the ballads have gone along with ex keys player/vocalist Gareth Jones. On the track ‘14’, they sing “take me in a new direction”, I couldn’t agree more. Although still described by the media as prog, they are only prog in terms of musicianship and song structure/length (averaging around the 7 minute mark). Last time, metal guitarist Owain Roberts was the new boy, now he’s combined with Dylan Thompson’s rock to far greater effect. The result is their own unique sound, gothic rock/metal done in a melodic rock style. The other major difference is that the Rachel Cohen with her distinctive floating voice is now very much the lead vocalist, unlike the last one where duties were shared. It is mixed by Joe Gibb, who has worked with the likes of Leftfield, Catatonia, and Massive Attack, for a crisp clear contemporary sound. The songs swirl from powerful riffage, to catchy/soaring melodic rock, to periods of atmospheric calm, with seamless changes in tempo and dynamics. They are full of glorious harmonies and vocal interplay, ripping guitar solos, and all sorts of superb instrumental segments. This is a band that should be marketed far beyond their Welsh prog roots, to the European gothic rock/metal scene and to American melodic/alt rock/metal fans. Available from their website http://www.thereasoning.com/main.html and other fine purveyors, this earns a highly deserved 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

CELINA REE..'KORTSLUTNING'

(Copenhagen Records) Reviewed 4th August 2010

A few years ago Carlsberg Lager ran a series of adverts where the Danes love the beer so much they would go to any lengths to stop it leaving their country, well, the same thing seems to be happening to their music! The Storm have only just signed to Spinefarm after years of being a Danish secret, Cryoshell is currently only released in Denmark, and now my Danish spy has discovered Celina Ree. All three are premier league acts, professionally recorded, with expensive videos, tailor made for the international market, but they don’t want anyone else to know! Sadly my spy succumbed to temptation and was bribed by bacon sandwiches to reveal nothing, so all I know about her is that she is a young singer songwriter, and this her debut album sung in her native tongue. Her style is the sort of Evanescence esque gothic alt rock that will go down a storm in America, with looks that can stop a beer wagon. She sets out her stall with three prime cuts of alt rock, including the single and title track ‘Kortslutning’. ‘Se Dig Selv I Mig’ is a lovely gentler number, followed by the awesome ‘Mørkeræd’, which starts out with exotic groovy sequencers before soaring into the stratosphere. After the Porcupine Tree ‘ish’ ‘Savner Dig Sindssygt’ comes the anthemic ‘Når Du Rør Ved Mig’, and the moody ‘I Sort’. The stomping ‘Tænd Et Lys’ with it’s wonderful synths reminds me of My Chemical Romance and Green Day. Another excellent alt rocker and the gentle piano ballad ‘Evighed’ wraps the record up nicely. Celina’s website is http://celinaree.dk/ and you can download the album from iTunes. If Carlsberg did alt rock albums, this is what they would sound like, another Danish artist who deserves an international audience, 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

REGARDLESS OF ME..'THE WORLD WITHIN'

(Locomotive Records) Reviewed 13th March 2010

From the pen of Italian maestro Emiliano Sicilja comes this eclectic opus featuring the flawless pop/rock voice of the sultry Pamela Manzo. It kicks off with the big, gothic metal, Lacuna Coil’ish rocker ‘City of Glass’, followed by two outstanding numbers that alternate between symphonic trip hop verses and immense soaring, rousing choruses, ‘No One Cares’ and ‘Regardless’. The album then breaks into Dream Theatre prog metal with ‘Wounded’ with another massive chorus, followed by the slow moody industrial bossa nova instrumental ‘The Counterfeiter’ built on jazzy piano chords and massive synths, and the haunting trip hop of ‘For Eternity’ with it’s mighty emotionally charged refrain. We change again with the gorgeous symphonic piano ballad ‘The Morning Light’ with Pamela and the band sounding like they come from Nashville, not Milan. ‘So Cold’ is another huge gothic rocker and the penultimate tune is the spooky, brooding, trip hop ‘Thy Nature’. The last song is the epic ‘The World Within’ which just about sums this album up. Prog’ish, yes’ish; gothic, almost certainly; rock, probably; metal, maybe; trip hop, possibly; symphonic, perhaps; catchy and melodic, affirmatively; a darn good listen, absolutely and positively. Available from most purveyors of fine music, this will appeal to a broad church of music aficionados, Muse, Ayreon, Lacuna Coil, Porcupine Tree, Portishead, Massive Attack and other bands who inhabit the twilight world between rock, metal, prog, electronic and gothic. You’ll love it, regardless of me. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

REISM..'LIFESTYLE PRODUCT'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th August 2007

REISM are a Liverpool based band fronted by a Norwegian Lass called Kirsten. I have seen a review of some Reism material in an English Rock Zine, but it seems the review referred to a 12 minute EP by this band. I actually have the full length CD, This is a another independent band worthy of one's attention, and this is a good effort. I read the Powerplay review as suggesting that Reism sound like Evanescence. Cannot quite see it myself, but it seems all female fronted bands pick up these Evanescence comparisons. That puzzles me a wee bit. Back to the cd in question. 'Lifestyle Product' is gothic rock/metal with electronic elements. The cd plods along with 'Nothing to Lose' being a good un, with a heavy guitar 'bit' in the middle. I also enjoyed 'Burn Brighter', which reminds me a little in places of Avril Lavigne, 'Waiting' and 'Any Other Way. In-fact I find Kirsten's voice quite captivating throughout. Reism is another good gothic indie band worthy of your support. It's an 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

REISM..'SOMETHING DARKER'

(Self Release) Reviewed 24th January 2011

The music of Reism is a fusion of gothic, industrial and electronic rock. The combination of heavy guitar riffs, live electronic drums, dirty synths, and the soaring vocals of Kirsten Jørgensen, make for an interesting and complex musical experience. After releasing their debut album 'Lifestyle Product' in 2005, this once Liverpool based band have been working tirelessly to produce and perform their music, and now in 2011, the latest offering has come Ravenheart Music's way. I liked their debut release, and now 'Something Darker' sees the band having re located to Norway, but still maintaining the Industrial sound of the debut, and indeed improving on it! The album soars of the starting blocks with 'Give In', while the more conventional rocker 'Let Me Go' maintains the momentum. I rather like this track, great vocals by Kirsten aswell. 'Sink In Deep (Dark Water)' is an atmospheric ballad with great use of synths and a fave track of mine, as is 'Words', which has a cool intro before Kirsten's vocals kick out of the speakers, great catchy chorus too. 'Broken' is a haunting piano led ballad with 'Make Me Feel' increasing the tempo again, being an awesome mid paced rocker. 'Pieces' and 'Lullaby' do not disappoint and close this little opus. To summarise, they blend influences as diverse as Nine Inch Nails, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil and Soilwork, while I feel that Kirsten's vocals are perhaps not as angst sounding on this release, and that to me is not such a bad thing. Check the band out at www.myspace.com/reism...this is a good release and this hard working band deserve to do well! 8.75/10 (Dave)

RELAY..'CIRCUIT BREAKER'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

This cd has just drifted my way. And am I glad it did! Relay can trace their beginnings back to 1975, and are from my old hunting ground of Essex. They so happen to be a very good AOR/melodic hard rock band, with the 21st century version of this band fronted by Alison Taffs. If you like no nonsense, no frills melodic hard rock, then Relay is for you. Awesome vocals by the way too. Kicking off with 'Bankrupt Heart' it is obvious what path 'Circuit Breaker' will tread. And I like it! And the ballads on the album, check out the power ballads 'All For You' and 'Love and Desire' as corking examples of this genre. If that is not enough, just listen to the 70's vibe on 'Liar'. Further faves are 'Lost City', 'New Sensation', 'Danger Zone' and 'Free' . This album is another example of fine female fronted rock with an excellent production, which again gets me asking the question I ask of many awsome unsigned bands..why are they not signed? I got into this genre of music years ago because of bands like this. Absolutely essential for lovers of this type of music! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

REMEMBRANCES.. 'CRYSTAL TEARS'

(Self released) Reviewed 17th October 2009

This album has had a long history, recorded in 2006, becoming available in 2008, and has only just been brought to my attention thanks to their new management company, Alkemist Fanatix, who they joined in September this year. There must be loads of bands like them and Ephemeris who exist ‘under the radar’, waiting for the right promotion to make their music widely known. They are fronted by the delectable Haydee, who not only has a rich, sexy voice, but also writes excellent atmospheric lyrics. This is an album of superb symphonic gothic pop metal. Standouts include the ultra groovy ‘Silent Night’, the glorious ‘Blood on the Wall’, full of excellent keys and soaring vocals, and the lovely ballad ‘Memories’. ‘Sweet Madness’ is a suitably atmospheric tale about a creepy old house, which really shows their diversity. They are currently recording a new album, and if they pack it with songs like ‘Silent Night’ then they deserve to have an instant hit this time. Available for only 5.95 euros from their Myspace site www.myspace.com/remembrances and eBay, this is fantastic value for money for fans of Within Temptation. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

The RESCUES..'LET LOOSE THE HORSES'

(Universal Republic) Reviewed 17th August 2010

The Rescues are a union of four singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalists from Los Angeles, the girls Kyler England and Adrianne Gonzalez and the guys Rob Giles and Gabriel Mann. Not surprisingly, there are close similarities to Fleetwood Mac, with their artistic melodic rock and sumptuous four part harmonies and vocal interplay. Their songs have already graced top TV shows like One Tree Hill, Private Practice, and Grey’s Anatomy, and now they let loose their major label debut. Also not surprisingly as there are four songwriters the album is packed with top quality tunes, all beautifully recorded and performed, so it’s tough singling out individual songs. Particular faves include the title track ‘Let Loose the Horses’ (live video on Female Voices Blog), the Mostly Autumn like ‘Start a Riot’ with it’s big drums, the Coldplay ish ‘Before the Fall’, The Shania Twain esque ‘Break Me Out’, and the delightful Supertramp/Beach Boys/Jellyfish whimsy of ‘Can’t Stand the Rain’ and ‘All I Want is You’. Despite being on a major label they are still relatively unknown, I can’t imagine this situation lasting for long. Their Myspace is www.myspace.com/therescues and it’s available from all the usual record stables. This is a perfect case of synergy when the whole is greater that the sum of the parts, 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

REVAMP..S/T

(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 23rd May 2010

Singer Floor Jansen needs no introduction to fans of the genre. After the break up of AFTER FOREVER, she knew in her heart that she wanted to continue making metal!!! And in this, her new band ReVamp, she shows the world she can do even more! From opera to raw screams, from rock to a light and almost whispered sound. The music is heavier than some might expect. Bombastic but with heavy riffing. Complex and pounding drums mixed with melancholic strings. Crazy synth-sounds mixed with beautiful choirs. And 3 special guests make this album extra special! Russell Allen (Symphony X) sings a beautiful duet with Floor on the superb ballad 'Sweet Curse'. Björn ‘Speed’ Strid (Soilwork) brings in power on a different level on the song ‘Disdain’. His raw screams make this song certainly the heaviest on the album, while on opener and powerhouse track 'Here’s My Hell', you’ll hear Dutch master grunter George Oosthoek (ex Orphanage). This is a totally awesome album from one of my favourite singers, and the vocals are unmistakably Floor. Highs on this album include those tracks mentioned above, the totally spellbinding 'Head Up High', featuring wicked chorus and orchestration, the bombastic 'Million' with synths and a choir that adds another dimension to this great song, 'Disgraced' with it's catchy chorus and 'Under My Skin' (showcasing Floor's great vocals). I could go on actually and list basically every song on this album as they all deserve a mention, but this album will appeal to many fans of our beloved genre, and most certainly if you miss Floor and After Forever, then you will want this release. In summary, the 14 tracks (inc the digipack bonus track) presents a new dimension to the female fronted metal scene. A must buy and I already have mine! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

RHODE ISLAND RED..S/T

(Independent Release) Reviewed 17th August 2010

Let's take a trip back to the late 70's and put some hard rock onto our menu. Fronted by Lyla D'Souza, London based Rhode Island Red, formed in late 2009 by Lyla and guitarist/songwriter Dave Garfield, has produced what can best be described as a very good album, and this band should go places. The opening salvo of 'Kerosene' and 'Beige' put us into the mood as to what to expect, with Lyla's vocals taking centre stage. I am a sucker for power ballads, so third track in 'Stalemate', basically knocked me off my feet. Great stuff, and Lyla's vocals are so awesome, with a kinda no nonsense bluesy edge. And it seems this girl has a pedigree, being herself a rock/soul singer and songwriter, who has performed across the UK, Europe and Australasia for the past 8 years or so. And even Dave Garfield has recorded for EMI Germany and BMG Germany, as well as supporting major acts like Joe Cocker and Rammstein. Back to this release, there is a lot of good stuff on this album including 'Hollow Man', 'Too Far Gone', 'Living On Mars' and 'Fate Insists' (one of my faves). I can normally tell when I put a cd into my cd player and hear the first track or two, whether it is going to be good or not. The 11 tracks on this record are damn good, and I do particularly like the ballads, sung so well by Lyla. So check the band out at www.myspace.com/rhodeislandredband! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

RHOMBUS..'OPEN THE SKY'

(AF Music / Resurrection Records) Reviewed 6th May 2010

Rhombus mine the same rich vein of British gothic rock as The Mission and The Fields of Nephilm, and with the former now defunct, and the later dormant, the field is wide open. Rhombus make their pitch with their third album, where they have really upped the ante, bigger band, bigger songs and bigger sound, with Stephen Carey from The Eden House providing the mixing. What makes them stand out is the dual vocal attack, featuring Edward Grassby’s rich tenor tones perfectly suiting the music, counterpointed with soaring vocals of the bewitching Mya, giving a touch of the Mostly Autumns (the artwork also reminds me of that bands Heart Full of Sky). The album is packed out with cracking tunes, full of glorious melodies, great hooks, chiming flanged guitars and rumbling base, all on a bed of lush synths and pianos. ‘Lightening Strikes Twice’, ‘Almost Everything’ and ‘Open the Sky’ in particular demand attention, together with the Roman Jugg era Damned like ‘Anywhere’, which will be released as a single; you can see the video on our blog, http://thefemalevoices.blogspot.com/. Sitting at the heart of the album, physically and metaphorically, is the immense Celtic ballad ‘Denial’, a real show stopper that showcases Mya’s superb voice, and it ends with the suitably melancholic epic ‘Into The Rain’. If you’re a fan of 80’s gothic rock then this a must, filling the gaping hole in your collection. However, its modern sheen and glorious cavernous sound will appeal to a new generation of fans, those who like guile over grind. Easily available from www.myspace.com/rhombus and loads of other emporiums, this is the definitive sound of gothic rock. 9/10 (reviewed by Phil)