Reviews

UNCREATED LIGHT..'WHOM SHOULD I BLAME'

(MALS) Reviewed 24th August 2010

This Ukrainian band, founded by guitarist Artem Mokry, has existed in various forms since 2003 until eventually becoming Uncreated Light; this is the debut release under that name. They play an Edenbridge/Nightwish hybrid, symphonic gothic with an injection of power metal, veering towards modern Rhapsody at times. Layer upon layer of rich orchestral keyboards and rippling piano are laid upon a bed of guitar riffage. Floating above this assemblage is the enchanting Eldiva’s (great name) angelic pitch perfect operatic voice. You get 10 songs in Ukrainian plus the first four tracks repeated in English. The album has a really nice balance, after two up-tempo numbers you get a ballad, with an instrumental to round things off. All the tracks are immense, but faves include the title track ‘Whom Should I Blame’, ‘Burning Hearts’ (video on the Female Voices Blog) and ‘Sweet Capture’, together with the three delicious power ballads, ‘Searching for the Destiny’, ‘Legend’, and ‘The Mighty of this World’. The instrumental sounds like Rick Wakeman playing piano with Rhapsody, strangely the keys player isn’t credited, it could be Artem or the unknown guy on the video, whoever it is can really tickle those ivories. The sound is generally good, but perhaps a touch trebly, you may want to twiddle your tone knob. I would not blame any symphonic metal fan for liking this, their Myspace is www.myspace.com/uncreatedlightua and it is available from various stores such as http://www.musearecords.com/index.php, a most enlightening 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

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)

UNSUN..'CLINIC FOR DOLLS'

(Mystic Production) Reviewed 29th October 2010

The Polish couple of delightful Aya on vocals and hubby Mauser on instruments are back with the follow up to 2008’s ‘The End of Life’. This is gothic metal a la Delain par excellence, heavy but as catchy as Velcro. Driven by walls of riffage, ornamented by subtle keys, the songs rattle along at a cracking pace. Production, sound, and mix are all major league and the album sees a real improvement in every department on their debut, they know where they are going, and how to get there. Every song is a humdinger, but picks include the opener ‘The Lost Way’, the title track ‘Clinic for Dolls’, the awesome 'Home' (video on the Female Voices Blog for your delectation) and the gorgeous and very moving ballad ‘The Last Tear’. This is an album that oozes class and confidence. If you are a gothic metal fan you will be battering down the door of their clinic and making off with this doll. The album is available from all the usual dispensers of musical medications, a most sunny 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)