Reviews

APERION..'AN ACT OF HYBRIS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 12th September 2010

Aperion are a young symphonic metal band from Slovenia with a difference, they have viola player, cellist, and flautist in they ranks, plus even a chap on didgeridoo. The result is a sound somewhere around Regicide, early Epica, Delain and Diablo Swing Orchestra, with a touch of Nightwish and Within Temptation. The delectable Zala has an amazing voice with a remarkable range, she can do pop, rock, semi-operatic and operatic with equal aplomb, with all the lyrics in English apart from a couple of tunes. If I eulogised about every song, I’d still be here next year, so I will pick out a few of my faves from an album stuffed with 13 crackers, each with their own distinctive identity. ‘Light’ is very, very, catchy; the super duet on ‘Maya’ with Nejc Oberckal’s rich tenor voice (the album is a growl free zone); ‘Fairytale Mind’ is an awesome alt-country ballad; the fantastic didgeridoo powered groover ‘Black Flies’; ‘Dajte’ is a great fun folk tune that had me morris dancing around the room waving my bells; and the album ends with the dramatic ‘The Truth’. The production by Martin Bezjak is top class, crisp, clear and perfectly balanced. The strings and flute are a vital part of their sound, not just an ornament, and I’m going to start a campaign to replace growlers with didgeridoo players. This is a truly fabulous album, available for download from CD Baby, and their Myspace is www.myspace.com/aperionband, a remarkable 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

APPARITION..'GHOSTS OF THE PAST - THE STORY SO FAR'

(Ravenheart Music) Reviewed 22nd October 2009

Here is a first. The Ravenheart Music website reviewing an album on the Ravenheart Label. But it has to be done, so here goes! Apparition is a band from Staffordshire here in the UK and they have been going since around 1997. Since then, this band has released the very good 'Drowned In Questions' album featuring Annabelle Harris on lead vox. Since the early days, there has been various comings and goings within their ranks (including vocals), with bassist David Homer so far the only original member, with Apparition in-fact very much his little baby. Now, here in the latter part of 2009, we see the young and vibrant Samantha Smallwood as their front lady, with the band hopefully going places. 'Ghosts Of The Past - The Story So Far' is basically what it says on the 'tin'. A retrospective look at the band's career so far, inc some new material featuring Samantha. And there is some good stuff on offer here - including two of my faves, 'The Pain Lives On' and 'The Path To Eternity'. Here is another first...a mini gig review within an album review. I saw Apparition live in London on Oct 19th as support to Tarja. The Islington Academy was rammed full, and Apparition have not before played to so many people. The band however, was totally awesome, playing some songs that are featured on this cd, and winning lots of new fans. Samantha sure kicks ass on stage and I am certain that she will take Apparition to places anew. She was recovering from a cold on the night too, but despite struggling a little towards the end of their gig, she pulled it off like a real pro. I like this band - obviously! So check out their myspace site www.myspace.com/apparitionworld and track down this cd, which is not available in the shops as yet. If you wanna know more about Apparition, email me or contact them via myspace. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ARANUT..'DEVIL WINGS'

(Self Release) Reviewed 27th November 2010

This new Ukrainian band has a slightly unusual gestation, it was formed by programmers from the games company 4A who have recently released the survival horror/first person shooter Metro 2003. They describe their music as “a fusion of melodic metal and hard rock, decorated with delicate orchestral arrangements”, this is a pretty fair description but doesn't tell the whole story, as we shall see. Aranrut features a dual vocal attack comprising keys player Tatiana Gamayunova and guitarist Dmitry Gamayunov who both have strong voices, with lyrics in their native language, I will use their English translations of the song titles so you don't have to mangle the review through Google to read it. They sound something like Nightwish jamming with Rainbow and Gary Moore (in rock mode), with loads of terrific keyboards and orchestral sounds. The four of them make a massive, dramatic and very impressive sound, aided by an excellent production. The rock element not only allows them to use a broad palette of sounds and textures, with a wide variety of nifty guitar work, fancy bass runs by Dmitri Kononchuk, and skilled drums fills by Vladimir Gutsalyuk, but it also gives them the licence to chuck in all sorts of stuff from jazz to blues to folk to prog to classical. They really throw some curve balls and unexpected changes of direction, no way can you call them predictable. With some bands once you've heard the first minute of a song, you've heard it all, this bunch zoom off all over the place, it's like being in a video game, where a different fate awaits you around every corner. I mentioned in the Violet Sun review about saxophone and metal being very unusual, this mob go one better, how about harmonica and metal? Highlights from a quick walk through include the mighty title track 'Devil Wings' and the fist pumping 'I'm Alive'; the more symphonic and highly unpredictable 'The Outer Times' and 'Shadows' (love the Gregorian chant sound); the folky metal 'Don't Be Silent, Choose!' (featuring blues mouth organ!); the more laid back bluesy/jazzy 'This Moment' and 'You Are' (both with super Gary Moore style guitar); and the catchy final number 'Wounded Animal' (live video on Female Voices Blog). Symphonic and melodic heavy rock/metal fans can fight their way through to http://aranrut.com/en/news (in English and Ukrainian) and be rewarded by downloading the album for free, a highly distinctive 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ARAPACIS..'CONSEQUENCES OF DREAMS'

(Femme Metal Records) Reviewed 29th November 2009

A rather interesting album from Canadian band Arapacis, and to be frank, I am not quite sure what to make of it. Let's just say that this will not hit you right away and is going to take a few spins to get used too. 'Consequences of Dreams' also seems to fly off in various directions, and at times it all seems a little chaotic. Also, I am not one for criticising production, as only a handful of bands have a Bon Jovi style production budget, but I do find the production a little muddy at times on this release. Anyway, we have an album that is heavy, melodic and I do like the vocals and screams of leading lady Lizzie Fyre. Best track to my ears is the ballad 'Death of Loneliness'. What I would say about this is to approach with a little caution, but having said that, I would be keen to hear anything else this band pushes out. Not too keen on the drum solo on the last track though, just drags on a bit. 6.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ARCANE GRAIL..'ARYA MARGA: NINEFOLD PATH TO INNOCENCE'

(Musica Productions) Reviewed 18th January 2010

Arcane Grail hail from Russia and comprise of six members, that include the dual vocals of Natalie and Demether. The music they offer the listener could be described as Melodic Symphonic Black Death Metal, or something like that :) Opener 'Arcane Grail' is a brutal affair, that actually saw my cat hiding behind the sofa, and I kid you not. Next track in 'Of Snake and Raven' has beautiful piano combined with the soprano vocals of Natalie The Grail mixed with the brutal death metal vocal style of Demether. 'Autumn With Us Sinned and Lone' carries on the brutal vocal style coupled with the awesome operatics of Natalie, and this could be one of my fave tracks. Other cool tracks include the slower 'Sorrow of Forgotten Pride' and 'Die Sonnenhymne', the latter really showcasing very well the vocal style of Natalie. Okay folks, this release is not one for fans of Kelly Clarkson or Avril Lavigne, but I would imagine fans of Cradle of Filth and the like will lap this up. Cool....7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AREA 51..'DAEMONICUS' (2008) / 'GODDESS' (2010)

(Aprights) Reviewed 15th May 2010

Japan has been welcoming Western metal for decades, but despite having loads of their own outstanding bands such as Minstrelix, very few have escaped the confines of their own country. Setting out to do just that is Area 51 with their own brand of neo classical melodic metal, with their new album 'Goddess' being mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, famed for his work with such luminaries as Opeth, Paradise Lost and Symphony X. They are a duo comprising guitar virtuoso Yoichiro Ishino, and delightful fashion icon Kate, who has an angelic but powerful voice, not too dissimilar in style to a higher register Sabine Edelsbacher. Area 51 is the secret USA air base where the Americans keep all their UFOs, which came in very useful in the film Independence Day. However, all us Trekkies know that it is in fact the place where Quark, Rom and Nog found themselves after being captured by the United States military after an accident sent them back in time to 1947 (Deep Space 9, ‘Little Green Men’). Looking at 'Daemonicus' first, this is filled with light bright power metalish rockers, together with the lovely rippling piano ballad ‘Venus Croix Eternal’, the superb melodic, symphonic, ‘Crimson’, and the pièce de résistance, the 16 minute epic ‘Lord Knows’, worth the price of admission on it’s own, featuring special guest Rob Rock who combines his English words with Kate’s Japanese (both albums are in their native tongue). Turning now to 'Goddess', this is packed with goodies, three cracking rockers, ‘Nightmare’, ‘Regret et Larme’, and the awesome ‘Sincerity’; a couple of dramatic Nightwish esque symphonic metallers, ‘Vanitas’ and ‘U Ta Ka Ta’; a splendid orchestral power ballad, ‘Miss You’; the wonderfully melodic almost Ayreon like ‘Begins of Dissolution’; and the outstanding pop metal ‘Marionette’. The sound on Daemonicus is excellent (mastered at the top Finnish studio, Finnvox), but you will have to go a long way to beat the production job done by Yolchiro Ishino and Jens Bogren on Goddess, the drum sound which is so often a gauge is wonderfully full and powerful, and You Yamauchi makes full use of it with his skilled, groovy drumming. Yoichiro can really shred, but the songs always come first, there is no showing off for the sake of it, and he manages to combine melody, tone and technique to sublime effect. If you like your metal light, bright and melodic, rather than a brain battering racket, then you will love these albums. Transport down to CD Baby and beam up these beauties, they’re out of this world. Daemonicus 8.5/10, Goddess 9/10. (Reviewed Phil)

ARGOS..'Angeles, Hombres y Demonios'

(Self Release) Reviewed 9th December 2010

These Costa Rican symphonic metallers blend a diverse range of goods in their store, Amberian Dawn folk tinged neoclassical, Fairyland speedy metal, Epica gothic, Rhapsody bombast, Ennio Morricone spaghetti western, and ELP prog. The sultry Yanina Vargas has a powerful operatic voice soaring above the melange, assisted by Roberto Solano's occasional Cookie Monster, with lyrics in Spanish. Like Malinconia and Demether, this is another band who have a full time growler who thankfully spends most of his time at the bar rather on stage murdering the music. They are not to be confused, by the way, with another Costa Rican band who were around in the 80's, or the various other bands around the world who share the name. At times there is so much going on that at first it can sound almost chaotic, but a few spins makes sense of it all. This is like being lost in the soundtrack to a medieval epic, with Yanina as a Spanish version of Joan d'Arc and Roberto as the pantomime villain who turns up a couple of times so you can give him a good BOOOOOO! The music shifts from poignant to angry to martial to galloping to powerful to jubilant to mournful to joyful like it's accompanying the action on the silver screen. Production, mix and sound is pretty good, perhaps a touch muddy if I was being Mr. Picky, and there's loads of hummable tunes and fast fancy finger work. All in all a most enjoyable romp for anyone who likes epic metal and they can be found at http://www.argosmetal.net/, a heroic 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

ARIES..'DOUBLE REIGN'

(AMS Records) Reviewed 2nd February 2011

This is the second album from Italian polymath Fabio Zuffanti's's Aries project, I have the self titled first, released back in 2005, safely stowed in my collection. It lies at the the lighter melodic rock end of Fabio's many ventures, indeed the first release was a meandering work that leant heavily towards classic 70's prog, especially Renaissance. However this second album is a far more 21st century, song based, cohesive collection, the key being Simona Anglioloni's elevation from guest to musical partner and co-writer. It is a concept piece based on the 1997 book 'Double Kingdom' by Paola Capriolo which tells the story of a woman who flees the city and takes refuge in a creepy hotel in the hills. Once there she cannot escape, meeting strange characters and experiencing surreal events. Musically it is built around six mellow melodious mellifluous 'ballads', with hints of Ayreon, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, jazz, pop, rock and Andrew Lloyd Webber. I use the term 'ballads' with some reservation and trepidation, because it is does not do justice to the beauty, varying dynamics and subtle power of these songs, graced with Simona's lovely pure semi operatic voice, a string quartet, twinkling electric/acoustic piano, soft Mellotron, electronica and gorgeous melodies. Highlights include 'Alone', 'The Moon Rises Again' and the more up-tempo 'Deep Inside' and 'Space'. Other songs include the more unusual 'See Through Me' and 'I Will Sleep Among the Waves' which convey the mood of the story; the voice and string quartet 'The House is Burning'; the dramatic 'Falling Down' ; and on the final track 'Flow' Simona even does some Dame Cleo Laine style scat singing. I must also mention Davide Guidoni's sensitive fluid skilful drumming which fits the music perfectly, and it is all superbly produced. This is a work of rare beauty, sophistication and grace that will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine quality melodic and prog rock. Full details are on their Facebook site (click here), a mellifluous 9/10 (Phil)

ARKONA...'STENKA NA STENKU' EP

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 14th May 2011

The beginnings of ARKONA date back to 2002, when members of local pagan community "Vyatichi", Masha "Scream" Arhipova and Alexander "Warlock" Korolyov, decided to form a band that mirrored their individual philosophy and musical tastes. The band, at the time still known as Hyperborea, comprised Masha "Scream" Arhipova (vocals), Eugene Knyazev (guitar), Eugene Borzov (bass), Ilya Bogatyryov (guitar), Alexander "Warlock" Korolyov (drums), and Olga Loginova (keyboard), but it wasn’t until February 2002 that ARKONA surfaced from the depths of Russia’s underground scene. Fast forward to 2011 and the band that continues to revolve around charismatic front lady Masha Scream, present the MCD 'Stenka Na Stenku'. This nearly 25 minute long offering includes a new track from the upcoming album, as well as 5 exclusive non-album tracks to wet your appetite. The opening number and title track delivers one of the band's most melodic and memorable tracks ever, while staying true to their highly acclaimed and expected trademark sound. The accoustic version of 'Goi, Rode, Goi' is an atmospheric number, that I can see in my mind being sang in front of the camp fire, being followed by the hideously catchy 'Skai' (featuring guest musician Freki of Germany's Varg) which should bring the headbanger out in many of us. Closer 'Noviy Mir' meanwhile, is fast becoming a fave of mine! This Russian band is highly original, highly special, a little different, and this 6 track EP is well worth checking out, 8.5/10 (Dave)

ARMONIGHT..'SUFFERING AND PASSION'

(Self Released) Reviewed 30th June 2011

Armonight hail from Italy and is fronted by a lass who goes by the name of Sy. The music on offer on this superb little platter? Well if you like Within Temptation and Nightwish, this should go down a storm in your household. 10 tracks of hideously catchy melodic Symphonic Metal. Kicking off with 'Revenge', a brief intro, this then leads directly into 'Past Shadows' and that lays the cards on the table quite plainly. The music drives along very nicely indeed, with the keys a driving force amongst the songs on offer. Third track in, 'Free Spirits' is another melodic belter, and although Armonight can be compared to Nightwish et al, they do have a sound of their own, especially with Sy at the helm. There are a host of corking tunes here, particular faves being 'Yellow Flowers' and 'I Lost My Serenity', although they may change after future listens. This record is good, very good so check the band out at their myspace. One more thing - they tour here in August.....9/10 (Dave)

ASHES YOU LEAVE..'SONGS OF THE LOST'

(Sleaszy Rider) Reviewed 13th January 2011

This Croatian band band fronted by singer and keyboardist Tamara Mulaosmanovic and guitarist and vocalist Berislav Poje were formed way back in 1995. Although they started as a death/doom unit they now produce classic gothic metal that's towards the lighter end of the spectrum, and despite the doom tag attached to them, they are not afraid to kick on and liven up. The majestic slower number 'Stranded' is balanced by the up-tempo catchy rocker 'Apathy Overdose', while 'The Song of the Lost' and 'Taints' start slowly and gently but then really pick up the pace. 'The Feast' begins with dramatic piano and a most unusual syncopated guitar riff that teases the time signature, this is another song that builds up momentum, heading into Delain territory. On the other hand, the mid-tempo 'Losing Fate' and 'Where the Pain Is' have a deep mournful beauty without getting maudlin, heightened by Marta Batinic's plaintive violin. Tamara's lovely voice is accompanied by occasional deep growls that do the job of accentuating the music rather than taking over. It would be interesting to know how many listeners bands like Battlelore and Epica lose due to the extensive use of growling compared to how many they gain. I suspect on balance they lose a great many, everyone likes singing, but according to surveys most people cannot tolerate growling, would Within Temptation have hit the big time if they had kept the growling, probably not. Returning to the matter in hand, Ashes keep it well within my personal 'anti-growler' tolerance level. I have learned to be suspicious of the doom tag, some bands really are doom, but many like Ashes have other sides to their character, producing well balanced albums with a range of tempos and moods, mood is after all the opposite of doom. This is top quality gothic metal, well produced by a very professional band available through www.myspace.com/ashesyouleaveband, a profound 8.5/10 (Phil)

ASRAI..'PEARLS IN DIRT'

(Seasons Of Mist) Reviewed 1st December 2007

Asrai are Dutch. As I have said before, Holland seems to be the Mecca of gothic rock and metal music. This effort by Asrai is stunning. And the image this band portray as a unit is equally as stunning. 'Pearls in Dirt' is Asrai's third cd (they appeared on the scene in 1985) - kicking off with 'Delilah's Lie', this album carries on the way it starts, with some kick ass gothic metal tunes. There are faves here on this album, quite a few actually, but I do particularly like the rocky 'Go' and the equally awesome single 'Sour Ground'. As stated on the cd cover, this will appeal to fans of Evanescence, Within Temptation and Siouxsie and the Banshees. About right in my book too. Excellent stuff indeed!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

ASYLUM PYRE..'NATURAL INSTINCT'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 12th November 2009

Mixing influences and styles from Speed Metal thro Neo Classical to Progressive, passing through Lyrical or ambient metal along the way, Asylum Pyre draws elements from multiple genres so as to create its own identity. This band's trademark is to build songs around catchy melodies and rhythm breaks, that alternate quiet parts and powerful tempos. Utlilising the voices of Carole and Johann, this is a very impressive debut release. Carole's vocals range from 'normal' to operatic, while the male vocals are by and large clean. The album offers up some spoken passages too, this is immediately apparent from the opener 'Taken Away To The Asylum'. 'Coral's Riff (Now Hell)' has a beautiful instrumental passage half way through, that sent the hairs on the back of my neck on their end. Kinda Pink Floydish - great keys and guitar! 'Don't Waste It' is one of my fave tracks clocking in at over 7 mins. A beautiful track and a great intro aswell! This release has eveything, and I must say that there is some strong stuff coming out of France at the moment. This is most certainly one of them and is well worth spending your money on. A powerful and beautiful album. Check Asylum Pyre out at www.myspace.com/asylumpyre 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

ATARGATIS..'NOVA'

(Massacre) Reviewed 19th December 2007

Atargatis have hit the spot with this release, their second in the musical career of this band. This is epic gothic symphonic metal, that will appeal to any fans of the genre. I must say however, that Stepanie Lutzie's nasally twanged vocals do take a little getting used too, but apart from that, this is a strong effort indeed. Some interesting gothic metal on offer, with my faves being 'Riven' (a hit single if ever I heard one), 'Stars Are Falling', 'Green Lake's Ground', 'Fever Of Temptation' and 'When The Ice Breaks'. Meanwhile, another fave, 'The Marching Of The Fey' seems like a good old patriotic German marching song, quite catchy in-fact. I would recommend buying the digipack. The two bonus tracks are worthy of the purchase price alone. I must admit that their previous release, 'Wasteland' didn't quite cut it with me. This release does though! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

ATROCITY feat YASMIN..'AFTER THE STORM'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 3rd August 2010

Death/Gothic Metal Band Atrocity is one of Germany's most successful metal bands, also being one of the most diverse bands in metal. This latest album, featuring Yasmin (sister of front man Alexander) is awesome stuff. Okay it is different, but I would go as far as to say that this is a lovely record. Yasmin's vocals are awesome, listen to the opener, ' A New Arrival' as an example, while further on, 'Black Mountain' and the cool 'Transilvania' deliver some metal to proceedings, more especially on 'Black Mountain' with Alexander's familiar vocal style. It is interesting to note that all instruments were performed live on this record, and the ample percussion allows for a tapestry of complimentary rhythms coupled with driving and tribal like beats, these mixing with string instrumentation, therefore offering plenty of atmosphere. And the sensitive and skilful mixing & mastering of this record keeps the vocals well and truly alive. I must say that these singing siblings sure have it nailed with this release. Very interesting and worthy of a 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AURADRONE..'WHITELITE, BRITELITE'

(Self Release) Reviewed 17th December 2010

Jon Mac is a gorgeous actress model and musician whose been in lots of horror films such as 'Saw VI' (a cutting edge film), 'Camel Spiders' (they give you the hump) and 'Mongolian Death Worm'(an underground movie), who on earth comes up with this stuff? However, she is a also a bona fide musician and this is her début album with her project Auradrone. I have been wrestling for days to properly describe her music, there's elements of industrial, electronica, rock, space prog, trip hop, and pop, making it a real doozy to pin her down accurately. After a darn good ponder, here's a brief run through - opener 'Auto Erotic' strutting space rock (video on Female Voices Blog), 'Appetite' driving and rocking new wave with an insistent beat, 'Dark Matter' mellow electronica with some jazzy trumpet, 'Last Nerve' alt rock and pop-rock but it goes through different moods including a spot of Eastern, and 'Indigo Child' industrial groove. Quick cup of tea and another good head scratch, and then onto the second half. 'Petit Mort' alt-rock exotica, 'A Channel' soothing, swaying and swelling, 'Vessel' eerie, proggy and trippy, 'Semantix' thumping and anthemic, and 'Just Outside' dreamy. It is all sung in her breathy almost whispering and rather sex voice. If you like electronic rock or fancy something different then this is easily available without having to battle giant worms at CD Baby and her Myspace is www.myspace.com/auradrone, a fascinating 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

AUSPEX..'RESOLUTION'

(Thundering Records) Reviewed 26th October 2009

The French certainly love their symphonic speed metal Fairyland, Kerion, Wildpath, etc. Auspex was founded back in 2001, and this is their debut full length CD. Elodie Buchonnet has got a powerful, versatile voice, which easily rises above the music. After the intro, there are eight epics on this album, full of great singing, choirs, spoken orations, guitar and synthesizer solos, instrumental passages, and real diversity as they move from light to heavy. There is more packed into one song than most bands manage in a whole album. They are really absorbing and fascinating to listen to, something new, different, and delightful is always just around the corner. Highlights include ‘Theatre of Pain’, the lovely melody of ‘Mysteries of Stars’, ‘Celestia’, and the closing 10 minute epic ‘Rise’. Excellent production, real variety and skilled drumming means that they avoid the overuse of tiresome double bass drum pounding that obliterates the music of some of their peers. The musicianship is outstanding, especially Frederic Hugenell’s lightning drumming, and Pierre Yves Brun’s use of synths, piano, organ and harpsichord. This is a must for fans not only of bands like Rhapsody and Fairyland, but, thanks to that diversity, to fans of symphonic metal in general. Available on their Myspace site,
www.myspace.com/auspexmusic 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

AUSPEX..'HELIOPAUSE'

(Pervade Production) Reviewed 16th October 2010

I was mightily impressed with their opening gambit Resolutio so I was keen to get this brand new opus spinning. This is the music the French specialise in, speedy, light, fluttering symphonic metal a la Wildpath and Kerion. Elodie has a voice that reminds me of the Spanish Queen of power metal, Elisa C. Martin (Dark Moor, Fairyland, Hamka, Dreamaker), but with a delightful French vibrato. Apparently The Heliopause is the point where the interstellar medium and solar wind pressures balance, seems clear to me, I think, herr humm. The six main epics constantly swirl and eddy between fast and slow, light and heavy, simple and complex, with the proverbial kitchen sink thrown in for good measure, making it at first a head spinning listening experience. Yes folks, there’s a hell of a lot going on, sometimes all at the same time, expect anything and everything from power metal to quiet classical to symphonic to prog to blues to goodness knows what. In fact, this is far more cerebral than sword waving, the introduction ‘Electric Sheep’ showing we are not heading into a land of knights and evil wizards, this is far more ‘out there’, or as Spock would understate, ‘interesting’. They shake things up with the two shorter songs in the middle. ‘Setsunaki’ is a gentle number in Japanese offering a break from the maelstrom. This is followed by the raving mad but brilliant ‘0-1-0-1 (and so on)’ which sounds like nothing on earth. The final number confusingly shares it title with their debut album ‘Resolutio’ and is another song in Japanese, a nation who love this sort of metal so it’s probably a wise move by the Frenchmen/woman. This is perhaps an album for the more advanced astronauts of speedy symphonic metal, but if you enjoyed Wildpath and Kerion then make this your next mission. An out of this world 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Phil)

AUTO-DE-FE..'ELEMENT'

(Irond) Reviewed 10th December 2010

Irond must be Russia's answer to Napalm with their extensive roster of cracking metal bands, with Auto-De-Fe being one of the latest. Auto-De-Fe is Spanish for Act of Faith, it was the ritual punishment laid down by the Spanish Inquisition for heresy in the late Middle Ages, which normally entailed being burned alive at the stake. Despite their morbid name I would call this more stately gothic symphonic metal rather than the depressive heaviness of traditional doom, which normally sounds like a bunch of beginners learning Black Sabbath, i.e. very slow, very bad, and played brain crushingly loud to cover up the shortcomings. If Within Temptation had increased the symphonic elements but not the tempo of Enter, then this is how they might sound. Delectable Ekaterina "Kation" Ionova has a divine operatic voice that caresses your ears like a warm, soft ocean breeze. Cropping up here and there is Igor "Antagor" Vityugov, one of those subsonic Russian growlers whose frequencies are so low you don't hear him through your ears but feel it rumbling through your bottom. Lyrics are in Russian but I hardly noticed, it is more about the the sound and emotion of the voices (English translations are used for simplicity). I find their music quite mesmerising, taking you away on a sea of tranquillity as it rises and falls like the waves on the cover picture, calming without getting boring thanks to their subtle variations in pace and power. You get seven melancholic epics weighing in at over 50 minutes, highlights include the mighty opening track 'Dreams' (live video on Female Voices Blog) which has an ecclesiastical choral feel, 'Fear' is like being lost in the Sahara Desert, and the mesmerising waltz 'Height' that undulates in power with a terrific guitar refrain. A little more variation wouldn't have gone amiss towards the end, the track 'Auto-De-Fe' is a dead ringer for 'Dreams', but If you like your music deep but not too mournful then you will be in your element. They can be found at www.myspace.com/autodefedoom (copies available on Ebay), I'm moved to give it 8/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

AUTUMN..'MY NEW TIME'

(Metal Blade) Reviewed 5th June 2007

This is an amazing album. Will be BIG on the European mainland no doubt, while criminally ignored here in the UK. This is the band's third offering, although I admit not to be familiar with their earlier releases. Kicking off with the ultra catchy 'Satellites', followed by the awesome 'Closest Friends Conspire', it is obvious we have a hell of an album on our hands here. And Nienke de Jong's voice is quite soulful (not operatic!), which makes the cd a joy to behold. Just listen to the closing track 'Epilogue (What's Done Is Done)' for confirmation of this. 'My New Time' also has subtle progressive elements running through it, which cannot be a bad thing. This is a very good gothic prog metal cd, and at times it is quite beautiful too!. Within Temptation had better just look over their shoulders, as fellow Dutch rockers Autumn are coming up on the rails. A fine effort indeed! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AUTUMN..'ALTITUDE'

(Metal Blade Records) Reviewed 18th January 2010 (Re-review)

I have already reviewed this cd earlier in 2009, but the review has kinda gone 'missing' from the website. And it seems that my partner in crime Aimee may have deleted it by mistake so she tells me. So lets try again!! Basically, what a corker we have here, and featuring new vocalist Marjan Welman. I will not hide the fact that Autumn are a fave band of mine, and I now have all their albums, including the near impossible to get hold of debut 'When Love Evokes The Curse'. 'Altitude' carries on the good work of their previous outing 'My New Time', with some hard rocking and at times gothy tunes, that to my ears makes this band one of the best on the European music scene. Kicking off with 'Paradise Nox' this really sets the scene as to what to expect on this hard rocking album, and is possibly one of the best songs Autumn has ever recorded. Marjan's vocals are so awesome, and the band has sure found the right match for their gothic metal style. The ballads are cool too, check out 'Synchro-Minds'. This is a very good album, and Autumn has sure been promoted to the Premier League with this release. Great stuff! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AVARIEL..'THE DAWN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 15th December 2010

Avariel from Boston USA has been put my way by my friend from the USA, Ms Robin Stryker. This lass seems to have cool musical tastes, so I have been waiting with cool anticipation for this release. Now it is here in the UK, what do I think? Well, if you take a mix of American Metal and stir it up with a good helping of European Symphonic Metal - well, maybe you will now have an idea. On first listen, this album impressed me, and on subsequent listens, it continues to please! 9 tracks all over 4 mins with four of these tracks exceeding 6 minutes and one of these over 11 mins, so you sure gets your monies worth on this little offering. 'Bleed' kicks things off with the symphonic influences appearing straight away - pounding riffs, cool synths and a great chorus! And let's not forget the magnificent vocals of Shannon Kelly. 'Tunnel's Light' is another epic track which maintains the listener's attention with it's all round awesome musicianship! 'Emotionless' shows no let up and I am liking what I hear a lot, while 'Victim' is possibly one of the heaviest tracks on this album, featuring subtle growls and pounding guitar and drum riffs from start to finish. The first 7 minute plus track 'Still', slows things down a touch and offers yet another cool chorus, great string arrangements too by the two guitarists, Michael Rose and Scott McDonald. 'Especially Alone' is the album's power ballad, and I am a sucker for these ballady type songs - great stuff! 'In Heaven' ups the ante while 'Dark Harbor' is the album's other ballad. Finally, the band attempt the ambitious - the closing track 'Phoenix' that runs at nearly 12 mins with it's subtle prog elements. They pull it off, what a splendid piece of music! While the major labels keep churning out mega pop crap by the bucket load, and then brainwashing 12-20 year olds to buy it, superb music like this continues to go relatively un-noticed. Oh, and cool album art aswell by Niklas Sundin, who has also contributed artwork for such bands as In flames, Arch enemy, Soilwork, Sentenced, Dark Tranquillity, Green Carnation and Moonspell. This is a must buy so check out www.myspace.com/avarielmusic - a great all round band effort!! 8.75/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

AYIN ALEPH..'AYIN ALEPH 1'

(Ivensis Import) Reviewed 21st March 2008

Want something a little different? Check this little opus out by this Paris Based Russian lass. 19 tracks and close on 80 minutes of what has been described as Baroque Metal. I suppose we could imagine Kate Bush crossed with Nina Hagan and Marilyn Manson, and then add a little bit of Freddy Mercury, and yep, we would more or less be there. Well something like that anyway. As regards the music, the lass offers a mix of various genres. Metal guitars clearly occupy a great part of this cd, and gives the tracks a heavy and metallic feel. Then we have piano and harpsichord to bring a kind of baroque and gothic style to the orchestration. I don't think I am going to bother to list individual tracks. The whole album is an awesome affair, and although metallic and operatic it may be, Nightwish it certainly isn't. I like this, it rocks, it is heavy and it has loadsa melody. This is great stuff, a little unusual but it does our beloved genre proud, and it is well worth checking out. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).