Reviews

TANTAL..'THE BEGINNING OF THE END'

(Mazzar Records, Russia) Reviewed 19th November 2009

Want an album that is heavy, melodic, offers a mix of power and progressive metal, and has death metal vocals and clean vocals, all vocals done by leading lady Sofia Raykova. Then check out Russian band Tantal. This album to be honest has taken the wind out of my sails, literally! The album kicks off with the cries of a baby before the 8 minute plus title track steamrollers it's way from the speakers, with brutally harsh vocals from Sofia and a chorus to die for (that features Sofia's clean vocal style). The album, featuring this mix of vocal styles, continues at a pace that will leave you gasping for breath, with most of the tracks perfectly merging into each other giving one absolutely no time to catch their breath. And with guitar solos in the best tradition of Dream Theatre, Malmsteen and the like, this is a very good album for anybody that enjoys their music aggressively heavy, melodic and loud. The sound has been taken care of by Eugene Vinogradov (Crematory) and I have to say that this album sure is worth checking out. Not one if you are into the softer side of our beloved genre, but this is a safe bet for the metal fans out there. I always know how good an album is, and while listening to this 8 track offering, the 50 minutes just flew by. Go to www.myspace.com/tantalband and check them out. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TAPPING THE VEIN..'ANOTHER DAY DOWN'

(Dancing Ferret Discs) Reviewed 14th July 2009

At long last, Tapping The Vein offers up their second album, and it's a must for fans of dark and heavy gothic rock. Anyone who already owns their previous album 'The Damage' WILL buy 'Another Day Down.' And they will not be disappointed. Lyrically this is seriously manically depressive stuff on offer here. Not a duff track on this record either. And Heather's vocals...splendidly cool, singing about being on a 'Horror Day' (not holiday) on the track 'I Don't Feel'! So go on, get hold of £12 and treat yourself to your own horror day, you know you must...8/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

TARJA TURUNEN..'MY WINTER'S STORM'

(Vertigo/Universal) Reviewed 24th November 2007

One thing is certain here. Finnish soprano singer Tarja Turunen has the voice of an angel. She may have been sacked from Nightwish, and indeed, I still do find all that shenanigans rather strange. After all, if you was manager of a soccer team, would you sack your star striker? Now onto the music..'My Winter's Storm' is one of the strongest albums you will hear this year! The single and opener 'I Walk Alone' will be one of the best songs you will hear this year too! The album itself mixes rock/metal & classical, merging it all together with Tarja's operatic and emotional vocal approach. More upbeat tracks like 'Die Alive' and the guitar driven 'Ciaran's Well' blend in well with the slower songs like 'Sing For Me' and 'Our Great Divide'. And that's not mentioning the cover of Alice Cooper's 'Poison', that to my ears even has a Queen feel to it. The limited edition version comes with a dvd and has three bonus audio tracks, including two other versions of 'I Walk Alone'. I love this cd, it has it all, and proves to me that female fronted rock and metal is well and truly alive and kicking. A definite must buy for fans of the genre. And if you are not, but you are curious, well buy it anyway, you may like it! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TATTERMASK..'THIS AIN'T NO HANNAH MONTANA!'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 9th September 2009

For music lovers into Half The World and Suhgarim, here we have Tattermask, fronted by Amanda Caines. Another hard rocking band from the USA (North Carolina), and a band that is not afraid to provide the listener with stacks of melody too. This 6 track EP was sent to me by the band, and I must say I would like to hear more as and when it becomes available. A good little effort here - all the tracks can be heard on their myspace site www.myspace.com/tattermask. Go on, you know you should! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TEARS OF MAGDALENA..'MYTHS AND LEGENDS'

(Scarlet Records) Reviewed 26th December 2008

Tears Of Magdalena from Finland has given us a little gem here. Fronted on this release by Magdalena Lee, she also plays keys and the violin. So she is obviously a very gifted lass, although I understand that she is no longer the band's vocalist (due to personal issues and disagreements). 'Myths and Legends' however, offers up 8 tracks of catchy gothic metal with growly/extreme vocals by a certain Mr Vasstago, who is also no longer in the band. And it seems that he has been in a little bit of bother with the Finnish Police due to harassments and nasty threats to other members of the band, and is under a restraining order as a consequence. Anyway, with enough to go on here to write a soap opera, what about the music? As I say, this release ain't bad at all, with the opener 'Aurora Borealis' a catchy up tempo number, and there are others where that came from...check out 'Immortal Love', 'In The Silence', 'Nightmare' and 'Your Blood Is My Wine'. This release would go down well with fans of Nightwish and the like, and even with the occasional throaty vox, I do urge any readers to check this one out. Cool production aswell. I would be interested to hear how their next record will pan out with new band members. Meanwhile, buy this one! 8/10 (reviewed by Dave)

TEMUJIN..'1000 TEARS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th August 2007

Temujin is a gothic metal band from Australia. An independently produced cd, which I have quite taken a fancy too. The band being founded by Karl Lean, who was with an Aussie band called 'Nothing Sacred'. In 2004 Karl began solo writing of new material. With several arrangements underway, the next step was finding a vocalist with the sound and style to complement the music. A single session with the angelic sounding Kelly was all it took to confirm that something rare was taking shape. The arrival of Kelly instantly transformed the songs under development. Working from a collection of 25 completed arrangements, the final track listing of 13 songs was chosen for the debut CD "1000 Tears". And these atmospheric sounding songs are very good too. It is a real pleasure when something like this arrives at Ravenheart Towers. Please visit their myspace site at http://www.myspace.com/temujin1, and as I have said numerous times before, support a band that are unsigned and that fully deserve your attention. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

THEATRES DES VAMPIRES..'ANIMA NOIR'

(Aural Music/SPV) Reviewed 22nd May 2008

This album is totally mind blowing. Who needs drugs when you can get a fix of Italian Vampyric Metal from these metal merchants! Put into a blender a mix of the Bloodflowerz, The Cult, and Suzie & the Banshees, mix in a fair helping of melody, crunching guitars and some good doses of electronica, and we have the new record by Theatres Des Vampires for all you Vampires out there to get your teeth into. 'Anima Noir' certainly seems more accessible than earlier releases, and this album deserves recognition worldwide. The cd kicks off with 'Kain' and the pace continues with 'Unspoken Words'. Third one in 'Rain' is The Cult classic. And Theatres Des Vampires have made the song their own..totally awesome stuff. In-fact I cannot fault 'Anima Noir' at all, and it has sure been a pleasant surprise. Check out further the songs 'Dust', 'Blood Addiction' and 'Butterfly' and you will be hitting the repeat button at the end to hear it all again. Great stuff throughout, and as for the vocals of Sonya Scarlet - lovely!!!! The cd can be bought from the major retailers, so there is no excuse. Get it now! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY..'FOREVER IS THE WORLD'

(AFM Records) Reviewed 30th September 2009

I have all Theatre of Tragedy's albums and I have been with them all the way, seeing their musical styles change through the years. But I am open minded regards my music, so I have enjoyed all their output as a consequence. Now, what about 'Forever Is The World'? Basically, this record continues where their previous offering, 'The Storm' left off, but without the electronic elements. 'Forever Is The World' you could say is an amalgamation of 'Aegis' and 'The Storm', and it confirms that vocalist Nell has settled in well. The cd gets going with the opening salvo of 'Hide and Seek' and 'Nine Days Wonder' , confirming that TOT are on top form with this release, while 'Revolution' and 'Transition' continue the good work. There is a lot of atmospheric and beautiful sounding stuff here, which all ends with the duo of the spell binding 'Deadland' and the awesome title track. It was the title track that actually had a colleague of mine asking.."who is this Dave"? They may have won a new fan! This is good stuff that confirms to me what a great band TOT are. Get it! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

THE DIVINE MADNESS..'NEVERWORLD'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 11th April 2009

The Divine Madness fronted by Victoria Mazzè has released a diverse cd of cool, catchy and at times laid back rock music. The record kicks off with the bouncy and catchy 'Alive', which is followed by the slower but equally impressive 'Perfect Methods'. Listening to this cd, and I also found the experience quite laid back on occasion, just listen to 'Villains' and 'Break Apart' as prime examples of awesome balladry. Although having heard of The Divine Madness, this is my first foray into their music. I was not disappointed and I am sure you will not be either. A cool release and a pleasant listening experience - an 8.5/10 as a consequence (Reviewed by Dave)

THE EDEN HOUSE..'SMOKE & MIRRORS'

(Jungle Records) Reviewed 7th May 2009

Here is an interesting release that sure has caught my attention. In this new collaborative project, the core members are Stephen Carey, formerly of Ireland’s This Burning Effigy, and Tony Pettitt, formerly of the influential and awesome Fields of The Nephilim. And the vocal contributions to help produce what are some darkly beautiful songs, come from Julianne Regan (All About Eve), Evi Vine, Amandine Ferrari and Monica Richards (Faith & The Muse). And the whole little package has been mastered by Grammy nominated Andy Jackson, engineer of Pink Floyd and David Gilmour. Is it any good? my simple answer is yep. I can only suggest to anyone who is into atmospheric and heavenly beautiful songs is to check this release out. As it says on their myspace site, "In The Eden House, there is no one singer. Just one intention; to create a coalition of beauty in music, vocals, talent and soul". I echo that. It can be bought from Amazon...lovely record. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

THE LAST EMBRACE..'AERIAL'

(LongfellowDeeds Records) Reviewed 20th January 2010

The Parisian band have a long history stretching back to 1998, but this is only their second album, coming 3 years after their first, ‘Inside’. Their music lies somewhere around bands such as Muse, Renaissance, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Streams of Passion and Mostly Autumn, with just the right mix of musical sophistication and melodic accessibility. Singer Sandy has a gorgeous voice, with echoes of Heather Findlay and Marcela Bovio, which perfectly suits the music. It starts with ‘Complete City’, which sounds like souped up Mostly Autumn, followed by the Renaissance like soft jazz of ‘Impending Dawn’, complete with Anthony’s Jon Camp like bass, that moves into a dreamy trumpet passage, before some dramatic classical piano brings the song back again. ‘Among Them’ is a delicate instrumental with Olivier’s electric guitar arpeggios, strings and piano, before the epic ‘Into the Vortex’ which starts out as a spaced out Pink Floyd trip and then builds in power and majesty as it moves into Muse territory, complete with guitar and Hammond wigouts. After the hurricane comes the peaceful piano ballad ‘Gravity’, and the appropriately swooping synths that announce the beginning of title track, ‘Aerial’, another songs that builds and gathers momentum, with more delightful piano from Coco, and I love the way the instruments drop out at the end just leaving Sandy’s lovely voice. Weird synths signal the thumping beat of the Muse like rocker, ‘Whirltime’, again balanced with the gentle, dreamy, Latin infused duet, ‘Alone, which features the wonderfully melancholic voice of Mick Moss (Antimatter), with more gorgeous piano and acoustic guitar. The album moves into India as we catch the Marrakesh Express of ‘Saffron’s Theatre’ as is gathers pace and steams into the Porcupinish ‘Nomad Wave’, which is alternately atmospheric and powerful. Dreamy Fender Rhodes and tremolo guitar float through ‘Playground’, which segues into the Renaissance like ‘Serotonine’ that gathers pace as it soars, and the CD ends with the Mostly Autumn mellowness of ‘Precious Pond’. The musicianship throughout is exemplary, with special mention to drummer Alexis who skilfully drives the band along, and the super clear modern production. I love bands that can slip up and down the gears effortlessly, this gives variety, light and shade, and when The Last Embrace get going, they purr along the road like a Hispano-Suiza grand tourer. This record fits me like my favourite old woolly jumper; I cannot find any fault with it, so motor along to www.myspace.com/thelastembracefr and take it for a spin. 10/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

The MARY MAJOR..'04:13'

(TMM Productions) Reviewed 26th January 2010

Well, what can I say? Out from the shadows emerge 4 former members of the ex Napalm Records band Beseech (a fave band of mine btw), complemented by a new bass player, Jorgen Strom. The result...The Mary Major. The members of this band financed this album, released it on their own TMM label. And if that is not enough, the mastering was carried out by Beau Hill (Alice Cooper, Europe and Ratt amongst others). The music here is heavy and straight to the point, featuring driving guitars, solid vocals coupled with a solid bass/drum backdrop. And on top of all that, the music on offer never loses it's sense of melody. Featuring the dual vocal attack of Lotta Höglin and Erik Molarin (as it was in Beseech), this is an awesome dose of rock music that hits hard but is always melodic. Great stuff on offer featuring the awesome opener 'Stage 7'. 'Split' keeps up the momentum and you can hear the Beseech resemblances here (as in other tracks too) - just a lot heavier than their previous band. 'Ambush' is a mid pace heavy number while 'Morning Sickness' ups the pace again, and like their former band, Erik and Lotta's vocals complement each other really well. The album continues at a similar pace throughout, with Erik's vocals at times reminding me of Andrea Ferro (Lacuna Coil). I personally like a sense of melody in the music I listen to, and this has it all. It is heavy, it rocks, there are no keyboard meanderings. Just straight forward melodic hard rock and metal, putting yours truly in hard rock heaven. Check the band out at www.myspace.com/themarymajor and then buy the cd. It really is good! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

THE MURDER OF MY SWEET..'DIVANITY'

(Frontiers Records) Reviewed 30th January 2010

This Swedish mob’s name is taken from the film noire movie, ‘Murder My Sweet’, a dark, deathly, shadowy, sinister world of femme fatales, guys down on their luck, ruthless killers, and innocents caught in the crossfire, the perfect image for a gothic metal band. The dame in this particular caper is the real looker Angelica Rylin, and gee, this babe can 'arf sing. The Boss is Daniel Flores, a high pillow drummer, composer and producer, with his trusty lieutenants, Johan Niemann the harmonic lawman on bass (of the mighty Therion gang), hotshot keyman Andreas Lindahl on the old joanna (keys), and ace hit-man Daniel Palmqvist on guitar. Let's get it on the record straight from the beginning, what you get is 12 slugs of ultra catchy, gorgeously melodic, up-tempo symphonic gothic rock/metal, with choruses to die for, halfway between Within Temptation and Delain. No filler, all killer, no griller, all thriller, right up to the closing epic, ‘Death of a Movie Star’. Available from all the usual joints for a sawbuck, so, play it again Sam, if you don’t get this record, then you’ll regret it, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

THE PASSIVE AGGRESSIVES..'CONFLICT RESOLUTION'

(Dead Fish Records) Reviewed 9th September 2009

The name Ravenheart suggests Goth. Okay, I may not look your typical Goth (what, at my age - you have to be kiddin') but my passion lies with the Gothic Metal genre. But we at Ravenheart pride ourselves that we are not just metal heads. And this now leads me to a band from San Francisco called The Passive Aggressives. This band seem to mix (and succesfully too) hard rock, pop, funk, and prog, all with the vocals of leading lady Keren Gaiser. It is pretty cool stuff and 'Conflict Resolution' is a pleasant listening experience. Some good songs here including the title track, and I even found this record ideal background music while having friends around at Ravenheart Towers, with the inevevitable question -"what cd is that you have on Dave?" If you like the idea of Tool and Primus mixed with Heart and Evanescence, then this is worth checking out. Cool stuff, including The Turtles cover 'Happy Together'. Check them out at www.myspace.com/aggressives 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

THE REASONING..'DARK ANGEL'

(Comet Music) Reviewed 5th May 2009

Dark Angel is the second album from The Reasoning, a ‘prog’ rock band from Wales . I have put inverted commas around ‘prog’ because the tag normally attached to them does not do justice to their music. There are no widdly solos or weird time signatures, but melodic rock songs that should appeal to a very wide audience. Featuring 3 lead singers, the folkish Rachel Cohen (ex Karnataka), Dylan Thompsons’s rock, and Gareth Jones ballad, this just about sums up their range. The album ranges from the gothic rock of ‘Dark Angel’, to the metal of ‘Call ME God’, to the radio friendly ‘Breaking the 4th Wall’. They are also a great live band, very, very entertaining, I’ve rarely heard an audience sing so much! With the right push this band could become massive; they have the look, the songs and the ability 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

THE SOUNDS..'DYING TO SAY THIS TO YOU'

Korava Records) Reviewed 20th March 2007

A quick review/ This cd has wandered our way. 16 tracks inc 6 bonus tracks!! A pop/rock cd with vocals that I find a little annoying at times, reminding me a little of Avril Lavigne (who I do not find annoying!). Nonetheless, this is synth driven pop rock from these Swedish rockers, like a cross between Blondie and The Killers (Hot Fuss). Not bad, and deserving 7/10 (Reviewed by Laura).

THERION..'GOTHIC KABBALAH'

(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 19th February 2007

A quick review! This is a double cd that has a running time of around 85 minutes. This cd has female vocals, male vocals, choirs. It is pompous, it is progressive, it is gothic and it rocks. It may not appeal to fans of Evanescence, and it may perhaps take a few listens to appreciate, but overall it is good. 'The Wand Of Arabis' is one of my stand out tracks. Check this album out. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

The SHIVER..'A NEW HORIZON'

(Digital only release) Reviewed 24th January 2010

Friends of mine from Italy The Shiver, fronted by the gorgeous Faith have really cranked it up with 'A New Horizon', their latest digital only release. And I must say that I really like this band and they can kick ass live too. Their previous offering 'Inside' was a cool album that picked up an 8/10 review here, and was indeed a pleasant surprise. Anyway, the new release sees 'In Obscurity' kicking things off, and Faith's vocals, wonderful! I love the growls too :) 'Crushing Down' comes crushing down on you like a turbo charged express train while 'Empty People, Empty Words' keep the pace going, and is another awesome tune with a catchy chorus and more growls :). 'The Fragile Sound' after a slow piano intro keeps things moving at a very melodic pace as does 'Nothing Left To Waste'. 'Through This Cold Water' slows things down, and I am a sucker I must admit for the odd power ballad, while next out 'Leech and Flower' is another dynamic slower tune with a guitar solo to die for. 'Answers' steamrollers out of the speakers before you can say "awesome", while 'Feel Tomorrow's Light' is another catchy melodic number, with 'Desire' refusing to lower the pace. 'No Longer There' is a heavy melodic mid paced tune, while closing track, the atmospheric 'Bring Me To The New Horizon' closes what is a totally marvelous release. In summary, this is top drawer alternative and at times dark melodic rock with a great production, superb vocals (inc growls/screams), heavy guitars, thumping drums and cool synths, phew! I would really like to see this cd released in retail outlets too, as given the right promotion, this band should be huge. Great stuff on this record and I will say this....just download it (from iTunes as one example), and if it gets a physical release, buy it!!! You will not be disappointed and I simply cannot fault it. 10/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

3RD ROOM..'FRAME OF MIND'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 3rd December 2007

My friend Molly from ROTT brought this band to my attention. 3rd Room fronted by Khay Lenitas are from Italy, and the band very kindly sent me their 4 track cd, which is a very good showcase for this band's talent. The cd by the way does also offer a video to the track 'In My Room'. I like what is on offer in this tasty little package. This is one for fans of Nightwish and similar, although they do not clone Nightwish by any means. All four tracks here are strong efforts, but I do like the opener 'Falling Leaf'. Music like this again confirms to me how much good music is out there waiting to be snapped up by a label. If only the labels would take the chance and snap it up. Anyway, label or not, this is a pretty good effort and should be checked out by fans of the genre. Visit them at www.myspace.com/enterinmyroom . You know you should! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TITTYTWISTERS..'IN THE SILVERY WATERS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 18th November 2007

Dave has given me this cd to review, and this is the sort of music that is right up Aimee Halford's alleyway! The lovely named Tittytwisters is a band from Livorno-Italy. Born from an idea of friends and musicians, they started playing together in the year 2000. Their musical style has evolved over the years becoming more melodic using electronic melodies, together with heavy guitar riffs. Fronted by Ele with male vocals by their bassist Dani, 'In The Silvery Waters' is ok. My only gripe however, is the rather at times annoying screamo vocals by Dani. But I can live with that. 10 trax of heavy gothic melodic mayhem on offer here, with an electronic twist. This album may not get you the first time, but it will eventually! Get it at cdbaby. Not bad at all. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee).

T0-MERA..'TRANSCENDENTAL'

(Candlelight Records) Reviewed 29th October 2006

To-Mera was formed by Julie Kiss and Lee Barrett (ex:Extreme Noise Terror / Disgust / Mussolini Headkick) following her acrimonious departure from the Hungarian progressive metal band Without Face. Like the Sylver Myst album reviewed below, don't expect straight forward melodic metal with this release. This is a very complex progressive metal album by a new British based Band. 'Transcendental" is diverse and should appeal to a wide spectrum of music lovers. It is a cd that will not hit you immediately upon first listen, but will reveal more layers on further listens. Fans of Dream Theater for example I would imagine will lap this up. Meanwhile, fans of Nightwish and Lacuna Coil may struggle, but this is a well produced slab of thinking person's metal. We like it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave and Aimee)

TOUCHSTONE..'WINTERCOAST'

(Heavy Right Foot) Reviewed 4th July 2009

Touchstone are a ‘prog rock with real bite’ band from South East England. This is prog rock for people like their music as big, epic and melodic as possible; Within Temptation meets Ayreon, Asia and Porcupine Tree. It is a loose concept album, but each song stands on it own. The prelude features Jeremy Irons and is a suitably epic introduction, leading into the WT like Wintercoast. Highlights for me include the head banger Strange Days, which would make a great single, and the moving Line in the Sand. Every track is fantastic, with superb guitar and keyboard solos (no noodling), and the outstanding vocals of Kim Seviour. It is staggering the quality of some bands out their struggling to make a name for themselves, and Touchstone deserve to be Mega. If you like great music, played by outstanding musicians, then grab yourself a copy. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

TRAIL OF TEARS..'EXISTENTIA'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 16th January 2007

'Existentia' is a very good recording. The vocals consist of male grunts, clean male vocals, and off couse the female vocals provided by French singer Emmanuelle Zolda. As a consequence, this ensures a lot of variation on this cd, combined with top quality melodic metal, that still abundantly uses gothic style synths throughout. Highlights on this album are a plenty, and those highlights include the tracks 'Deceptive Mirrors', ‘My Comfort’, the awesome 'She Weaves Shadows', ‘The Closing Walls’ (just check out the little 'bit' featuring Emmanuelle), the slower more atmospheric and totally mind blowing 'Empty Room' and 'Shades of Yesterday'. This album by Trail Of Tears so happens to be a Gothic Metal masterpiece. The female vocals are not at the forefront on this cd, but who cares, they are there. And we here at Ravenheart just love it! A footnote from Aimee now: "Just wish the UK would wake up to this type of music"! How true!! Released Europe 29th January. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TRAIL OF TEARS..'BLOODSTAINED ENDURANCE'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 14th May 2009

I like Trail of Tears. They have recently had their fair share of problems, but like a phoenix, they have risen from the ashes, with founder member Ronny Thorsen being forced to put a new line up together. Their awesome brand of high octane gothic metal offers male and female vox. Last time out, the femme vocals were provided by Emmanuelle Zolda. This time, we see Cathrine Paulsen taking the lead female vocal role. Indeed, Cathrine is no stranger to Trail of Tears, as she featured on their very first album. This little opus, 'Bloodstained Endurance' unites all the best elements of their past releases, and pushes them to a new level. And the dual vocal attack of Cathrine and Ronny Thorsen sends shivers down my spine. This record is heavy, it has it's fair share of melody, and Ravenheart Music likes it. Another winner from the Napalm stable. Get it when it gets released (29 May EU and 2 June USA) and annoy the neighbours. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA..'NIGHT CASTLE'

(Atlantic Records) Reviewed 5th January 2010

The TSO was formed by Paul O’Neil back in 1996 to create grand rock operas, most of them based on Christmas (it made sense because they tend to do their massive arena tours around this time); this is only the second to not follow that subject. This time, the wonderful, emotional story is worthy of a blockbuster Hollywood drama, I will not tell you what it is about because it will spoil it; just enjoy reading the 64 page booklet. The songs themselves would not be out of place in Les Miserables, indeed, one of singers, Rob Evan, actually was in Les Miserables on Broadway. Jeff Scott Soto (W.E.T, Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) takes the lead, together with the gorgeous Jennifer Cella. What about the highlights? The ‘Child of The Night’ segment in the grand choral opener, ‘Night Enchanted, is delightful, based on music by Delibes, and beautifully sung by Alexa Goddard and Valentina Porter. It also appears in its own right as a bonus track. ‘The Safest Way Into Tomorrow’, sung by Jay Pierce, is an outstanding ballad, Jeff Scott Soto puts in an emotionally charged performance on ‘Dreams We Conceive’, and ‘Epiphany’ is an epic, dramatically belted out by Rob Evan. ‘Father, Son, and Holy Ghost’ starts out gently before turning into a powerful ballad where Jennifer Cella sounds like Bonnie Tyler after some throat lozenges. This is followed by her more delicate performance on ‘Remnants of a Lullaby’. The only true rock song is ‘Sparks’ (although Jeff Scott Soto’s ‘Another Way You Can Die’ comes close) with Tim Huckleberry doing a decent Joe Cocker impersonation. What I do find strange are the 5 prog rock guitar wigouts, dispersed throughout the album. Based on classical themes, sounding like Dream Theatre plays ELP, they do not fit the story or the style of the album. They would have been better left out and put on the bonus disc so that the whole of the main album can fit on one disc. Even stranger, the best and most fitting instrumental, ‘Tracers’, is consigned to a bonus track. Therefore the album could be construed as something of a Curate’s Egg, depending on your viewpoint. Broadway fans may be put off by the prog, prog fans deterred by the Broadway songs. But if you are open minded (and there’s always the skip button), then this is a truly wonderful album and package. Being on a major label, there should be no problem in procuring a copy. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

TRAUMA PET..'YOU CANNOT FEEL THIS'

(Line Out Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

Trauma Pet are a four piece dark electro rock band from the UK. And a good cd they have given us here too. Not for the metal heads out there. But if you like your music with an electro poppier edge with loads of atmosphere, then check out Trauma Pet. The songs are strong, catchy and very danceable. And couple all that with the seductive and angelic vocals of Eleanor Scerri, and you know you are onto a winner! I could even imagine some of this material being played in the clubs - probably is, should be!!. Ravenheart's Rebecca brought this band to my attention, and I am glad she did. I like all types of music, this included. A very moving and very good 40 minutes of melodic electro pop. Great stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TRIAXIS..'KEY TO THE KINGDOM'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 13th October 2009

It's time to rock, so it is time to turn up the volume and annoy those neighbours. It is time to listen to Welsh rockers Triaxis. And boy, do they rock. Featuring the awesome Krissie on lead vox, and for all you gal musician lovers out there, they even have a female rhythm guitarist, the lovely CJ. The other guys in the band are great musicians, with Gio on lead guitar totally mind blowing! I have seen this bunch live and they actually took my head away. The record kicks off with the 6 minute + 'Phoenix' and the band have laid their cards on the table with this starter. And if 'Phoenix' is not enough, along comes 'Gates of Damnation' to keep the pace going. Basically, the album continues in a smiliar vein, hard and heavy, and with this 66+ minutes of melodic mayhem, Triaxis prove that British Female Fronted Hard Rock and Metal is alive and screaming. Check them out at www.myspace.com/triaxisuk. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TRISTANIA..'ILLUMINATION'

(Steamhammer/SPV) Reviewed 27th January 2007

The CD roars of the starting blocks with 'Mercyside' which will rock your soxs off, reminding me a little of Theatre of Tragedy in the female vocal dept. And just as you are picking yourself up of the floor, 'Sanguine Sky' kicks in with an almost bluesy vibe before it becomes a pulsating gothic rocker of the highest standard. Moving on in a similar vibe until track 5, 'Destination Departure' then slows things down, this song full of beauty, and is one of my faves. 'Fate' has a near Pink Floyd feel to it, a slower and atmospheric song, with 'Lotus' picking the pace up again. 'Deadlands' is a slower and a very palatable accoustic offering, to end what overall is a melodic and very accessible cd, with very limited death metal grunts (by Vorph of 'Samael'), unlike some of Tristania's previous offerings. Indeed the main vocals of the angelic sounding Vibeke Stene and the clean male vox of Osten Bergoy are ace. And Vorph's limited grunts/screams are not overpowering either, when they do put in an appearance. Production by Waldemar Sorychta is spot on, making this release a must buy. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TULAR..'THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MASK'

(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 5th June 2008

I love this album. And it is nothing to do with me promoting the band here in the UK, as I only promote good bands and good music! 'The Truth Behind The Mask' by Italian rockers Tular offers 12 tracks of ultra melodic metal with orchestral elements, subtle gothic undercurrents and some decent guitar solos too. It kicks in with a short intro 'Walking Through The Line', that then leads us straight into 'Witch', which is one helluva track that will immediately give you an idea as to what to expect on this cd. This track has been earmarked as a single by the label, and indeed there is a video to this song aswell. Great guitar solo by the way. Every track offers something special on this album, and although it is difficult to pick out any highlights, I do like the extremely melodic and catchy 'We Rule The night' and 'Let It Rain' (these are real faves of mine I must add). Francesca's vocals sorta remind me on the odd occasion of a cross between Ayin Aleph and Kate Bush, and even at times Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation, but having said that, by and large Francesca does have her own vocal style and delivery, that I like so much! Basically, this album has to be bought by fans of the genre, and furthermore, if you are a fan of Nightwish and Within Temptation, you will be a fool to pass this one by. By all accounts and if I have my way, and I am sure going to try, this band will certainly be going places. Check out www.myspace.com/tularofficial . Great stuff....9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

TYSTNADEN..'IN OUR EYE'

(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 20th July 2008

This is Italian band Tystnaden's second offering, 'Sham Of Perfection' their first appearing in 2006. Laura De Luca's voice will captivate fans of the femme genre, while the heaviness of this release will appeal to the more heavier music fans out there. 'In Our Eye' mixes the vocal prowess of Laura with the growls of Lorenzo Frascardli, the growls although apparent are not overdone. Some good melodic metal on offer here with subtle use of keys, and indeed this record is occasionally progressive too. There is some decent stuff here, but my fave tracks currently being the awesome 'Subterranean Gates' the slower ballad type song 'Fragile', 'Greed' and 'Infected'. This is a good release from the Renaissance stable with top notch production by the band themselves. I understand that this cd is available here in Europe only on import from the USA, and yet Europe is where this release would go down a storm. I await to see if it will ever get a European release. Good stuff from a decent band! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)