Reviews

UNDER HEAVEN..'WHAT LIES BETWEEN'

(Self Release) Reviewed 18th January 2010

Under Heaven are a Canadian duo comprising Matthew Binks, who takes care of all the music, and the delectable Tammy Everett, whose voice lies somewhere between Sarah Brightman and Enya. Listening to this CD it will be no surprise that Matthew normally writes and scores for films and TV with the music being a blend of Clannad and Tarja, rich in Celtic imagery and orchestral lushness, but with a metal foundation. It starts with the creeping thunder of ‘Cryptic’, and you would be forgiven for thinking that this album could be pretty heavy. ‘Behind the Shadows’ gives the first real hint of the diversity, combining soaring refrains with rumbling power. ‘The Line’ is Clannad with a touch of metal, followed by their version of Crispy Burger’s ‘Spanish Train’, which they turn into a spaghetti western epic, set in Galway. The powerful ballad ‘Die a Little More’ comes before ‘Home’, full of haunting Celtic beauty, complete with pipes, whistles and grumbling bodrans. ‘Pandora’ is dramatic and theatrical, while ‘My Crystalline’ is almost a cappella, sung over a backing of spooky, dreamy synths. ‘Inner Sun’ is another mighty ballad with superb violin solo, perhaps the best track on the CD, and then their version of Depeche Mode’s ‘Enjoy the Silence’, done in their own inimitable style, picks up the pace again. The album ends with the orchestral, Celtic, ‘We Go On’, which is truly moving. This is gothic music at its most beautiful, dramatic, theatrical, emotive, moving, haunting and atmospheric. If Mel Gibson ever fancies doing a film of Fionn mac Cumhaill, then this would be the perfect soundtrack. Easily available through their website, http://www.under-heaven.com/home.html. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

UNITING THE ELEMENTS..'ARENALINE'

(Independent release) Reviewed 5th December 2006

Uniting The Elements, fronted by Dawn, must surely be one of the busiest bands on the UK circuit, gigging quite relentlessly month in and month out. This cd serves up 14 tracks of rock music that should be heard on the radio. From mid paced rockers to some healthy doses of power pop, it can all be found on 'Adrenaline'. A good cd. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

UNSHINE..'THE ENIGMA OF IMMORTALS'

(Low Frequency Records) Reviewed 4th October 2008

This is pagan/druid metal at it's prime. Music that spiritually and carnally marries the world of primeval nature mysticism, with no-compromise stonehard melodic symphonic metal. Despite their short-time existence, Finnish druid metal quintette UNSHINE has hit the metal world like a clang from an iron-age hammer, with their originally blended receipt of metal. A great album featuring tracks that encompass beautiful melodies and well arranged synths. The vocals of Susanna Vesilahti are quite captivating, while the whole album is very addictive. This is an easy to listen too album, while heavy, atmospheric and catchy all at the same time. Just check out the tracks 'The Paradise Lost', 'Forget Me Not' and 'With The Silents Of The Earth' amongst a whole host of other little gems, and then start dancing with the fairies and elves. Awesome stuff 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

UNSUN..'THE END OF LIFE'

(Century Media) Reviewed 1st October 2008

Originally formed under the moniker Unseen, this dynamic four piece centred around Polish guitar maestro Mauser (who is also playing in Vader, one of Poland’s renowned metal bands), finally decided that something incorporating day and night, light and darkness would suit them best. A label for their music which is melancholic and a little dark, yet catchy at the same time. Something that would put a name to the bitter-sweet twist of Aya’s highly melodic vocals, topping the driving force of the underlying guitar riffs. This unique mix easily makes UnSun’s debut album 'The End Of Life' one of the most promising releases of the year. Featuring 11 catchy melodic metal tracks, there is not a filler in sight, with Aya's angelic vocals a dream. I am also of the opinion that if given airplay on UK radio (well I can dream!), one or two of the tracks on offer here could cross into the mainstream. Anyway, mainstream or not, I highly recommend checking this out, and being on the Century Media label, it will be easy to track down. Awesome stuff 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)