Blog Archives
Album Review: Whyzdom – Blind?
Just when you think the Dutch have mastered Symphonic metal, the French band Whyzdom is crashing on the scene with their orchestral arrangements and heavy melodies. After having gone through temporary vocalists to fill a void, they finally secured the services of Elvyne Lorient for full-time duty. Her soothing and enchanting vocal style softens the crushing riffs and provides an equal balance between the heavy and the not-so-heavy melodies. The new album Blind? has 11 songs and packs over an hour of Symphonic metal that should appeal greatly to fans of the metal subgenre.
Album Review: Grand Alchemist – Disgusting Hedonism
OK, hands up. If a Norwegian band labels themselves as “symphonic black metal”, what’s obviously going to be the first port of call as influence? If you said Emperor’s In The Nightside Eclipse, award yourself two points. Now promptly throw that out of the window when I present you with Grand Alchemist and their sophomore album after 10 years. The title, Disgusting Hedonism, gives fair warning of the content; packed with symphonic extravagance on top of a solid metallic base, the quintet lead a merry dance through 45 minutes of lunacy from start to finish.
Album Review: Shadows Over Lothadruin by Wind Rose
The debut album, Shadows Over Lothadruin, by the Italian Symphonic Power Metal band Wind Rose is an interesting listen. On one hand I found myself quite captivated by the rich melodies, huge symphonies and orchestrations, and huge guitars and vocals. On the other I kept slipping into the ‘been there, done that’ state of mind. Now, I don’t think having your musical influences shine on a record is necessarily a bad thing and it has led to many great albums. But, when I’m listening to a record and find myself constantly going, ‘oh, that sounds just like Symphony X, Dream Theater, Blind Guardian, etc.’ it pulls me out of the experience some when it happens enough times. But I really like those bands, so what’s the problem? You see how the angel and devil are pulling on both sides here. But all in all, when I reached the end of Shadows Over Lothadruin, I found myself satisfied with the release.
Album Review: Delain – We Are The Others
What started out as a side project or a collaboration venture has blossomed into something with a truly solid foundation. We Are The Others is Delain’s 3rd studio album and epitomizes what the Dutch band is all about. Their previous efforts featured numerous guest musicians and vocalists, but We Are The Others demonstrates that Delain has solidified themselves a comparable Symphonic metal band without assistance; guest appearances on We Are The Others is limited to one song. After several lineup changes over the years, the only remaining member since the band’s inception is founder Martijn Westerholt formerly a member of another Dutch Symphonic metal band Within Temptation. Vocalist Charlotte Wessels has been with Delain since 2005 and continues to flourish as one of metal’s leading ladies.
Album Review: Epica – Requiem for the Indifferent
Epica blessed symphonic metal fans with a new album, Requiem for the Indifferent. This is their fifth studio album which follows up 2009’s Design Your Universe. The Dutch 6-piece returns with more of Mark Jansen’s grunts and screams accompanied by the beautiful vocal stylings of Simone Simons. If you are largely unaware of Epica, but a fan of Kamelot, you have seen Simone Simons. She is a guest on many of their songs, videos, and even tours with the band. Simone is a highly talented vocalist who carries the weight of vocal duties in Epica. For that reason alone, Requiem for the Indifferent is worth your time and money.
Album Review: Nightwish – Imaginaerum
Imaginaerum is the sophomore effort for (not so) new singer Anette Olzon. This is important for her to finally prove herself to the die-hard (Tarja) Nightwish fans that she can hold her own. I think Anette proved that already with Dark Passion Play for the most part, but some people need more convincing. I am not sure they are going to get that this time around simply because of the style of the new album. Imaginaerum is more like a soundtrack or a Broadway musical than it is your standard symphonic metal album. Having said that there is supposed to be an associated fantasy-adventure movie coming out sometime in 2012. That obviously explains the Broadway musical feel to the album.
