Reviews

WEEKEND ON MARS.. 'RUMORS ON THE TOWN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th October 2009

This is the debut release from a new pop/rock band from France. They describe their sound as between the Cranberries and Evanescence, but I can also hear bits of The Cars, Blondie, The Corrs, the Bangles, Jellyfish, Within Temptation, all sorts. In fact every song sounds incredibly familiar, but in a good way, and they scream radio play. Rocky guitar solos stop it getting too poppy, and the female/male vocals of Deby May and Jay Blake compliment each other perfectly. Favourites include the rocky ‘Push’, the groove of ‘No Need’, the urban ballad ‘Story Teller’, and especially the electro vibe of ‘One of Them’ which shouts hit single. This is a very enjoyable listen, well produced, with a modern sound, highly recommended for pop/rock fans and anyone who enjoys good songs with catchy choruses that stay in your head. Easily available on CD Baby and why not check them out at http://weekendonmars.com/ aswell. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

WEEPING SILENCE..'END OF AN ERA'

(Sleaszy Rider) Reviewed 26th October 2009

Weeping Silence from Malta have a long history, stretching back to the 90’s,releasing an album in 2000. It’s taken eight years to release this, their second,during which time they have undergone many changes. Vocalist Rachel Grech has a truly magnificent voice, a mix of Marcela Bovio and Sharon Den Adel. After a short spooky intro, there follows four beautiful, dreamy songs that rise and fall, rise and fall like the sea, over the course of about 10 minutes each, full of Streams of Passion like other worldly moodiness and splendour. I listened to this on a Sunday morning, and this proved to be perfect to relax and chill out to, after a stressful week I felt at peace with the world. The only criticism is the rather trebly rhythm guitar sound in the heavier passages, but the musicianship is superb, with lovely guitar work and atmospheric keys. Copies are available on EBay. They have another album in the can and are looking for a label; they deserve to have companies beating down the door to sign them. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

WHERE ANGELS FALL..'MARIONETTES'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th November 2008

Norwegian band Where Angels Fall (www.myspace.com/whereangelsfall) continue the path with this release, that they led us onto with the Illuminate album. The distinct sound with angelic, melancolic melodies supported by groovy guitar riffs, and elements of electronica is now taken to another level. The band was founded in 2004 and has released an EP (Dies Irae, 2004) and the album, the aforementioned 'Illuminate' (2006). Now the time has come for a new release: 'Marionettes'. And it is not a bad effort either. Indeed, I think 'Marionettes' has a slightly more commercial edge than it's predecessor. The opening salvo of 'Marionettes (Again)' and 'Freeze Me' shows us the sort of direction we are going with this record. The thing is, this sort of music is right up my alleyway, so I must be frank to say it is difficult to be critical. I suppose one could say that this has all been done before, and maybe that is correct, but when it is done this well, who's complaining. Overall, there is some good music on offer here including 'Path of Sorrow', this sounding like early Within Temptation. This sure is a good release for fans of the genre, so check it out. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

WHYZDOM..' FROM THE BRINK OF INFINITY'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 22nd September 2009

This is the debut album from the French symphonic metal sextet, although the maturity in their music is phenomenal. They have a truly massive sound, with huge orchestrations, thundering band, and their own 15 strong Dark whispers Choir. This makes the production by leader, main songwriter, and guitarist Vynce Leff even more remarkable, every instrument can be clearly heard, no mean feat when there is so much going on. Telya Melane has a soaring voice, reminiscent of a young Sharon Den Adel, she has to give it some real oomph to rise above the music, and she shows enormous skill in singing some very demanding vocal lines. The album starts with a trio of Nightwish / Epica / Sirenia / Delain type epics, that move seamlessly from light to dark, before the awesome ‘The Power and the Glory’. The brief ‘Freedom’ is jaw dropping, with gorgeous choir and guitar solo. The next song ‘Escaping the Ghosts of Reality’ is heavier with some growling, even though I belong to the anti growling club, I have to admit it is very effectively. Even this song flows into quieter waters. ‘Atlantis’ features a chorus that Nightwish would give their right arms for. ‘The Old Man in the Park’ is extraordinary, moving from a gentle start to something darker, with a very unusual chord change. ‘The Seeds of Chaos’ blasts your ears off before the choral first part of Daughter of the Night. This segues into part 2, which shows off everything that is great about this band, Within Temptation gone power metal. The last song has a Celtic start that even features bagpipes, before moving into something that sounds like Mike Oldfield gone metal. It ends with the bagpipes fading off into the distance, like the clans leaving Culloden. This album is close to musical nirvana for me, and anyone who like massive, sophisticated and challenging symphonic metal, and indeed anyone who enjoys any of the afore mentioned bands, should rush out and grab a copy. 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

WILDPATH..'NON OMNIS MORIAR'

(Brennus Music) Reviewed 23rd January 2010

France seems to have cornered the market in Speedy Metal, with bands such as Kerion, Fairyland and Auspex, and is currently leading the world in the production of metal bands of all types. Wildpath were founded in 2001 by Olivier Caron, guitar, and Alexis Garsault keys, who are to this day their main composers and producers. Non Omnis Moriar, roughly translated as ‘not all of me will die’ (you don’t get Latin translations in the NME), is their second album, a concept piece about ‘an awe inspiring mansion, built on the far reaches of a never ending road’, and the secrets it holds. The divine Marjolaine Bernard has a crystal clear, effortless, semi operatic voice, backed up by excellent choir arrangements, and the contributions from all members of the band are first class. The album is made up of symphonic speedy metal epics that lie on the lighter side of the genre, this is highly melodic and full of changes of pace and mood; I also like their use of glockenspiels and subtle folk elements. They rattle along nicely at a reasonable up-tempo pace, nothing like Dragonforce who appear to be at 78rpm (ask your grandad), and when they do use double bass drumming, it’s well buried in the mix to create a nice rumble, not the awful, irritating, monotonous pounding you get in a lot of speed/power metal. Interspersed between the songs are orchestral interludes that fit seamlessly into the overall album, the band seem to have a love of composers of popular light classics such as Copland and Ketelby, who wrote lovely descriptive music such as ‘Appalachian Spring’ and ‘In a Monastery Garden’. This has really brought a smile to my face, it is a truly delightful listen, and a must for Rhapsody, Sonata Arctica, and Fairyland fans, but lovers of Nightwish and Within Temptation will also really enjoy this. Available from the Brennus Shop www.brennus-music.com/ and other outlets, including Stay Gold in Japan where they have been very successful. It is well worth 9.5/10. (Reviewed by Phil)

WINTER HAZE..'THE STORM WITHIN'

(Alkemist Fanatix, Andromeda) Reviewed 13th October 2009

The two albums by Winter Haze and Elegy of Madness show the incredible diversity in symphonic metal. Both are Italian, both are female fronted symphonic metal, but they could not be more different. Bridge of Sighs is for quiet reflective listening, this is for dancing around the room like a loon. They are fronted by the gorgeous Giorgia who has a rich powerful rock voice, which somehow reminds me of Cher. She also sometimes uses pure semi operatic voice as well. The first four tracks rattle along at a cracking pace, with head banging riffs, anthemic vocals, melodic keyboards by Stefano, and excellent guitar work by Raffo. On ‘From Here to Eternity’ they take the pedal off the metal for a soaring power ballad (special mention for the superb guitar solo), before the instrumental shred fest ‘Event Horizon’ picks up the pace again for the final four numbers. All the songs are first class, so it is unfair to single one out, but White Witch deserves an extra mention. The album is also very produced, with a clear, rich sound. This band deserves a good promotional push and is highly recommended for fans of Sonata Arctica, Nightwish Rhapsody, and Holyhell. Available at http://andromedarocks.com/Product-WINTER-HAZE_11366.aspx and will soon be released by New Music Germany. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

WINTER IN EDEN..'AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 29th July 2009

Winter in Eden are a young symphonic rock band from the North East of England, this is their debut EP, which really shows off their range. The great Within Temptation would give their right arms for the first track ‘Fate Will Oblige’, a dramatic, highly melodic piece of premier league symphonic rock/metal. The second track shows their more rocky side and is based around a great guitar riff, with a rousing chorus sure to appeal to all rock fans. The third track is a slowly building ballad, which really shows off Vicky Johnson’s deep, powerful voice. After witnessing the band live, they have plenty more great material in the tank, and I can’t wait for a full release. The tracks are available to buy at "OurStage.com". for only $0.99. Please see their Myspace for details of upcoming gigs and more band info, www.myspace.com/winterineden. Better get along to one of their shows and buy a copy, you’ll be more than impressed! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil Wooldridge)

WITHHELD..SOLILOQUY

(Independent Release) Reviewed 22nd May 2008

Heavy rock music, including thick distorted guitars, squealing solos and a continuous low end - all of this layered by an angelic female vocalist - Shelby Standley. Welcome to Withheld. A very good modern rock/metal album we have here. Comparisons can be made to Flyleaf, with a vocal style similar to Amy Lee of Evanescence. The album rocks along quite nicely thank you, and is a consistent effort throughout - my best tracks being 'Astray', 'Thoughts Of Yesterday', 'Pity you', 'Fall Away' 'Goodnight Misery'. and 'Ideal Dream'. And check out the guitar solo on 'Somewhere The Sound'. The album is a well produced independent release and it can be purchased at cdbaby.com. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

WITCHBREED..'HERETIC RAPTURE'

(Ascendance Records) Reviewed 5th July 2009

Witchbreed are a Portugese metal band featuring the powerful female vocals of Ruby and it would probably be a safe bet to say that 'Heretic Rapture' is one of the heaviest and darkest metal records ever recorded with female vocals. Witchbreed display a musical dimension of blackened guitar riffs and progressive song structures, underlined by subtle, cinematic keyboards and dramatic, haunting vocals. Proceedings get under way with the atmospheric intro 'Atheos' followed by the powerful but equally melodic 'Symphony for the Fallen'. The excellent 'The Eclipse' follows and it is obvious we have a monster album on our hands here. Standout tracks are a plenty including 'Rebel Blood', 'Firethrone' the atmospheric 'Ruby Light of the West' and 'Eternal Exile'. Terrific stuff. To sum it all up - this record offers fiercely aggressive song verses with memorable epic choruses, coupled with enough power to light up the streets of Lisbon. And thanks to Steve at ST Records in Dudley for a complimentary copy of this cd - 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee)

WITHIN TEMPTATION..'THE HEART OF EVERYTHING'

(Roadrunner) Reviewed 8th March 2007

Close on top of Sirenia's awesome offering, we now have this!! Like buses, you go ages, then 2 come along together!!! Now, I will get straight to the point. Dutch rockers Within Temptation are one of my favourite bands. No question. So I myself am so pleased to have my paws on this, their latest offering. This album WILL please all W.T.fans, and many others too. 'The Heart Of Everything' kicks off with 'The Howling', a collaboration with the fantasy game 'The Chronicles Of Spellborn'. A heavy track that then leads us into the band's first single from the album, 'What Have You Done', feat Life Of Agony's Keith Caputo. Perhaps a nod towards Evanescence, but see if I care. W.T were around first anyway! 'Frozen' is totally mind blowing, as is about EVERY other track on this cd. 'Hand Of Sorrow' and 'Final Destination' being such tracks! Within Temptation are being pushed hard in the UK by their label, ROADRUNNER, and to be honest, the WORLD is now their oyster. With Nightwish still on hold, all I can say is, Within Temptation are now top of the league with this cd. It's great stuff, I love it. Sharon and her fellow band of musicians are totally mind blowing. It is our first 10/10 (backed by Aimee and Rachel), and worthy of it too!! (Reviewed by Dave).

WITHIN TEMPTATION..'BLACK SYMPHONY'

(Gun/Roadrunner) Reviewed 3rd October 2008

I am not going to say much as the music should and will do the talking. Within Temptation has released the album of the decade here. And for those that buy the cd/dvd package. The dvd has been filmed with fourteen high definition cameras, while the concert itself features the 60 piece Metropole Orchestra and a 20 voice classical choir. The whole thing is breath taking. Within Temptation are Premier League. Sharon Den Adel is one helluva of a front lady too, and this girl oooozes charm and charisma. I shall make a bold statement here - no band on this planet (male or female) comes anywhere near WT. Within Temptation are in-fact in a league of their own with the competition well out of sight. Enough said..10/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

WITHIN TEMPTATION..'AN ACCOUSTIC NIGHT AT THE THEATRE'

(Roadrunner Records) Reviewed 1st November 2009

I will not hide the fact that Within Temptation are one of my fave bands, and in my eyes, they can do very little wrong. I think signing with Roadrunner was a very good move, and the label has got behind the band over here. The last offering from WT, 'Black Symphony' took my breath away, and this latest release meanwhile, should keep all WT fans happy until a new studio album appears - it has sure made me happy. All the biggies are here, being given the acoustic treatment, with strings etc. So much atmosphere on this record that you would be able to walk on the moon without a moon suit! Like one or two others in the biz, I did wonder whether this 'unplugged' treatment of their hits would work well, but rest assured, it does. And the unreleased song, 'Utopia', a duet with Chris Jones, a Liverpool guy now living with his girlfriend in Edinburgh, is really cool! Not perhaps a record to listen too if you are missing a loved one, but I will be honest and say that I like this record a lot. But as Ravenheart Aimee has just told me - "no surprises there then my dear" :) Get it! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

WITHOUT A WHISPER..'CAUGHT IN THE FIRE'

(Independent release) Reviewed 9th Sept 2006

Without A Whisper (pictured above right) from the USA, have dragged melodic hard rock into the 21st Century with this album, and have taken no prisoners! Pamela David's vocals are awesome, and the musicianship and production would put some major labels to shame. Which does beg the question...why are this band unsigned? This is a cd that has not left my cd player since it arrived at Ravenheart Music a couple of days ago. I am not going to sit here and review each track, the whole cd rocks, and there is not a filler in sight. I like the bonus track too..a nice atmospheric instrumental piece. And if you want to hear a power ballad to end all power ballads, then listen to 'In Your Eyes' (track 5). Subtle use of keys, awesome vocals, and a guitar solo to die for! In an emotional moment, one listening to this track could even find themselves shedding a tear! I love this album...The music biz is not my day job, because if it was, I would sign this band.. NOW!! All I will say though, is that if any record company bods do come across this review, then please start to form an orderly queue, and do it NOW, because this band have what it takes to be big..in Europe and the USA...buy it via cdbaby.com 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave)