Mercy Isle-Undying Fire

Self-Release/Independent

2016

Mercy Isle is a symphonic metal/rock band that was founded in 2014 by lead vocalist Kassandra Novell. Now in it's second year together, with the 10-track "Undying Fire" serving as this American-Dutch group's simply-stellar first full-length album, Mercy Isle is currently rounded out by Freek Gielen (lead guitar), Eelco Slont (rhythm guitar), Chad Novell (bass/vocals), Joop de Rooij (keys), and Ywe van der Pol (drums). That differs somewhat from the line-up that was responsible for this first-class recording. On "Underlying Fire" we have: 

Vox/Growls: Kassandra Novell
Keys: Joop de Rooij
Bass/Vox: Chad Novell
Drums: Ywe van der Pol
Guitars-Sebas Honing (except for "Saying Goodbye") 

The album also includes a number of guests. One such guest is Amanda Somerville who provides vocals on "Saying Goodbye" (Which is just beautiful in it's heartfelt delivery! Wow!!). The song "Saying Goodbye"  also features guest flautist Jeroen Goossens as does "If I Could". Speaking of "If I Could", Erik van Ittersum provides additional strings and synth lines to the song which makes it all the more enduring. Add in a some very special choir guests on "Come To Me" (Kolin McCormick, Dave Boxhorn, Brett Kihlmire, Thomas James, Gerra McShan, David Zapp, Todd Herdt, Lisa "Ashton" Cochran, and Ami Bouterse ) and you have a well-assembled cast of musicians that deserve extra special mention. The fact that so many people stepped up to help Mercy Isle out with this new album speaks volumes as to the natural grace and elegance that this band exudes. But then again, so does this recently-released album. It opens with the powerful "Wake Up" and quickly goes on to showcase this young band's unmatched ability to blend modern day pop/rock* and (amazingly enough!) classic rock like Heart and Pat Benatar(!) into what is already a really classy version of European symphonic metal! That proves to a completely new take on symphonic metal that is unbelievably enjoyable as far as listening experiences go! Without going too far into each and every number on Mercy Isle's full-length debut, "Undying Fire" is a amazing collection of songs that is second to none. Collectively these numbers sync together in such a smooth fashion that you can't help but imagine this album as a concept release. Like the days gone by when we used to have actual LPs and not just a mishmash of singles and filler material, "Undying Love" should be listened to in one sitting...start to finish. Otherwise I'm not sure you can actual appreciate the magnitude of this stylistically-rich recording.  For the members of Mercy Isle I offer my congratulations on what is one of the classiest releases of the year! Here's hoping "Undying Fire" is just the first of many such wondering albums!!

*Think high-end pop like Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlack, Beyonce, etc. 

Constraint-Enlightened By Darkness

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Formed back in March of 2011 (while many of it's members were still in their teens!), Constraint is a up-and-coming symphonic metal group that hails from Italy and began life as a cover band. This young group, which is now signed to Atomic Stuff Promotion(!), is lead by vocalist (and would be opera singer!) Beatrice Bini* and rounded out by guitarist Alessio Molinari, bassist Federico Paglia, keyboardist Simone Ferraresi, and drummer Alessandro Lodesani. Released on February 12th of this year, "Enlightened By Darkness" is Constraint's full-length debut album and this CD displays the natural evolution of one five-piece band that went from playing Nightwish, Epica and Evanesence covers to crafting it's own distinct material. Preceded by a 2012 demo entitled "Illusion Of A Dream", Constraint's "Enlightened By Darkness" is admittedly at it's best when it pursues a more metallic narrative. When she is backed by the smoldering leads of guitarist Alessio Molinari (and in full-tilt opera mode!) Beatrice Bini is something to behold! There's a distinct feeling of power & energy and it feels almost magical when the proverbial peddle** is smashed to the floor!! That's all great and it makes me want to hear more from that version of Constraint. Unfortunately when things slow down (and lead singer Beatrice goes from full-tilt opera mode to normal singing) this disc simply doesn't work. It's not simply a case of the album losing some of it's momentum, but it's overall appeal. Truth be told  it's a tale of two cities when it comes to "Enlightened By Darkness". On one hand there is top-notch symphonic metal that is enthusiastic& hard driving. On the other hand there is something that is more akin to mediocre melodic metal. Obviously the one side of this band works and is great while the other side feels blah. If Constraint can become more consistent across the board then this female-fronted band could be the real deal. And yes, I could see that happening. Especially as there is more to like*** about this album then there is to dislike....


*No insult meant there as Beatrice Bini could be a opera singer if she so desired.

**Pedal to the metal as they say! 

 ***In addition to Bini's opera-like vocals (or rather that side of her voice) top points should be awarded to all of the musicians involved with this album. There's was strong musicianship all over this disc. No matter if the album was fast or slow that aspect of Constraint never changed. Add in some solid songwriting and a overall good production job and you've got one disc that despite it's few flaws is still recommend. 

After Apocalypse-After Apocalypse

Logic(il)logic
2015

Formed in the summer of 2014 by lead vocalist/opera singer Elena, rhythm guitarist Seba, and clarinetist/backing vocalist Varghar, After Apocalypse is a Brescia-based symphonic metal band with one album to it's name thanks to this 10-track, self-titled affair. A six-piece band, After Apocalypse is rounded out by Zendra (guitar), Megres (bass), and Al (drums) with the aforementioned Varghar contributing harsh/growl vocals to the mix. Said growls offer a nice alternative to Elena's clean voice with this young Italian act's symphonic-style often times filled out by other metal subcategories such as goth, doom, and blackened death (mostly by way of Varghar's bleak vocals). Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Oscar Burato at Atomic Stuff Studio, "After Apocalypse" works well as a debut album in that it establishes a solid foundation while also showcasing the full-potential of this six-piece act. With high-points awarded for it's production, overall musicianship, atmospheric vibe, and the nice interplay of it's two vocalists, "After Apocalypse" should easily appeal to fans of Gothic-tinged symphonic and classically-infused metal.      
For more information on this up-and-coming outfit be sure to check out the group's Facebook page by heading here.

The Murder Of My Sweet-Beth Out Of Hell

Frontiers Music srl
2015

Formed in 2006 by drummer, keyboardist and producer Daniel Flore, The Murder of My Sweet is a charismatic metal band that is based in Stockholm, Sweden and well known for the stunning voice of front-woman Angelica Rylin. Back in 2012 I covered this band's wonderful sophomore album, "Bye Bye Lullaby", and now this sensational group is back with a new concept album and a new band-member in bass player Patrik Janson (Platitude). Self-described by band founder (and all-out rocker!) Daniel Flores as "an apocalyptic love story between good and evil", "Beth Out Of Hell" is both a expected return (in terms of this band's high-class cinematic heavy style and their overall top-notch ability as songwriters and performers) and an unexpected return (not only has The Murder Of My Sweet grown as a band in the songwriting department, but album number ends up being a slightly heavier and more dynamic experience!!!!). In addition to the already mentioned players, "Beth Out Of Hell" (which incidentally is a title that I flat out dig!) features the key work of guitarist Christopher Vetter (a highly-underrated musician is you ask me!) as well as voice actors and a children's choir! It works well with the band's rather distinct cinematic nature (everything from the band's name to their sound is heavily inspired by movie scores) and the (by now familiar) symphonic metal and heavy rock elements that The Murder Of My Sweet has become known for. Granted this is also a band that likes to sprinkle classic heavy metal and melodic hard rock into the mix so there is never a dull moment to be had when it comes to sitting down with this exquisite lot! With all of that in the mind here's the final score. Album number three is the album that should make people stand up and take notice of this Swedish metal band. Somehow The Murder Of My Sweet has improved upon what was already perfection and in the process they have given their fans a classic album in the making. Because of the obvious care that went into the making of this new album it is a release that is grand in scope and vision. It is all at once a thoroughly complex and technically amazing release and one that shows off this group's ability to write enchanting music. In a nutshell "Beth Out Of Hell" is a album that is chock full of style and substance and it's one of those great metal releases that should appeal to a wide range of tastes. To the band I say welcome back and congrats on this sweeping release! And to all our readers I suggest not only getting this album when it drops in August, but if you get a chance to experience this band live then by all means DO IT!

Antonello Giliberto-Journey Through My Memory

Minotauro Records
2015

Recorded over the span of two years, "Journey Through My Memory" is the second full-length album from Sicilian guitarist Antonello Giliberto. It follows in the footsteps of 2013's "The Mansion Of Lost Souls" and finds this amazing guitarist/keyboardist teaming up with bassist Dino Fiorenza (Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Slash, Zack Wilde, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) and John Macaluso (Yngwie Malmsteen, Symphony X, ARK, TNT, James LaBrie, Riot, Jennifer Batten, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Union Radio, Joe Lynn Turner, Uli Jon Roth, George Lynch, etc.). Together this powerhouse trio works it's way through ten instrumentals including the stellar opening track (and first track written for this album!), "Demeter". Inspired by a viewing of Frances Ford Coppola’s Dracula (with "Demeter" being the name of the ship on which Dracula arrives in England in the film.), guitarist Antonello Giliberto easily captures the listener's attention with this number before working his way through top-tier instrumental metal. Musically-speaking there is a little of everything on "Journey Through My Memory" with each track serving as a reflection of Giliberto's own personal experiences (hence the title). There's neo-classical material along with symphonic metal and music that seems as if it could have been cut right out of some music soundtrack.  As Antonello Giliberto goes about putting his own distinct stamp on these ten instrumental tracks the pairing of Fiorenza and Macaluso seems inspired. The rhythm section on "Journey Through My Memory" is simply fantastic and at the end of the day Gililberto's second instrumental album flows nearly seamlessly from the aforementioned opener, "Demeter", to the aptly titled closing cut, "The Art Of Ending". Primarily geared toward instrumental rock and metal fans, "Journey Through My Memory" nonetheless offers more than enough action for traditional metal fans so this one is certainly worth checking out!

ShadowIcon-Smoke and Mirrors

Self-Release/Independent
2015

Active since 2006, with the well-received "Empire in Ruins" LP having preceded this EP by several years, ShadowIcon is a six piece symphonic power metal/melodic metal fronted by the incredible lovely Ana Prijatelj Pelhan. With a angelic voice to match her outward beauty (see pic right below!) this fabulous (and dare I say enticing?) lead singer is nothing short of captivating in the video for this EP's lead single, If I Was the One.

Surrounded by expertly-skilled& highly-metalized bandmates, with keyboardist Peter Smrdel (Divine Illusion) providing a certain amount of stylized energy (by way of not just keys, but smooth synth passages!) to what could otherwise be view as a mash-up of melodic metal and European power metal, Ana Prijatelj Pelhan works equally well whether on her own either or when she is joined by someone like Helloween’s Sascha Gerstner on the (power rocking!!!!) opening track, "(Now I See) Through A Mirror Darkly". That particular duet is both powerful and poetic and with the rest of her band (guitarists Tomaž Lovšin and Bojan Kostanjšek, bassist Matej Ravšelj, the aforementioned Peter Smrdel and drummer Žiga Ravšelj) in fine form the track in question becomes arguably this EP's heaviest moment. At just shy of the four minute mark both "If I Was the One" and the lead single's follow-up number, "The Edge", almost come across as pop material dressed up in heavy metal clothing. Given the charming appeal of these warm and comforting pieces it's easy enough to find yourself lost with lush arrangements giving way to guitar-driven hard rock. Meanwhile we have the fantastic (hard & heavy) ballad "The Beauty Of A Rose" and if you hadn't found yourself head over heels in love with Ana before hand then this nearly five minute gem will likely be the moment to finally break your will power once and for all! With the haunting "My Plea" and "(Now I See) Through a Mirror Darkly (Reprise)" ending this EP on a high note this Slovenia-based six-piece is on the path to something quite special. Mixed and mastered by Charlie Bauerfield and Thomas Geiger (Helloween, Blind Guardian), "Smoke and Mirrors" comes with my highest recommendation! With a re-release* of sorts planned for March 16th (the band will be releasing a 2CD version off this sharp-dressed EP with the second CD due to feature instrumental versions of the tracks 1-5 so for all you karaoke fans out there!) this EP should enthusiastically be scooped up fans of symphonic/power metal and/or female-fronted metal. Between the talent and the look of ShadowIcon one could easily envision this band catapulting over the competition before long with world conquest all but resting in the hands of the right PR with the right marketing. It's too bad that there isn't a stock market set up for acquiring "shares" in bands as an early invested in ShadowIcon could have you set for life!    

*The Metal Archives makes mention of this EP original coming out on December 15th, 2014.   

For more information on ShadowIcon be sure to check out their Facebook page or their official site.

Primalfrost-Prosperous Visions

Maple Metal Records
2014

Active since early 2012, Primalfrost is a one-man band/project from Toronto, Ontario. With Dean Arnold (ex-Will of the Ancients, ex-Lesion) being the sole member and with just one other release to the band's name (2012's EP, "Chapters of Time") "Prosperous Visions" makes the proper full-length debut from this Canadian band. At 55 minutes plus the album, which was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Thomas Ireland at Icehouse Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada in late August of 2013, aims at covering as much ground as humanly possibly and by the Gods of all things metal if it just doesn't accomplish that and then some! It's a toss up as to what is more amazing here. Is it the fact that Dean Arnold not only composed all of the music and lyrics on "Prosperous Visions", but handled all of the instruments, vocals, and programming or is it the overall epic feel of everything that makes it so great? "Prosperous Visions" finds Dean trekking through the untamed forests of folk metal while simultaneously embracing blackened power metal, death metal, orchestral music and symphonic metal. In Dean's Arnold's skilled hands everything bounds together nearly seamlessly and as a debut-LP one couldn't ask for more graceful and well-timed material then this!  With Dean's harsh vocals steering the music at hand into dark and uncharted waters and song-structures that beg to tell the story of a longer-established act Primalfrost (as a band) is near the top of it's game and they've only just begun! 


PS. Did I mention that Dean Arnold is only 18? I didn't? Well, he is and as good as he is now just imagine how scary it will be when he really hits his stride! Yeah.....

Bjarm-Imminence

Fono Ltd.
2014

Strangely it has been more than a bit of a struggle getting this review transferred from my thoughts and onto the written page. That's by no means a fault of this Russian band or their music. No, it actually has more to do with trying to get all of the proper notes about this band typed out in a somewhat reasonably fashion. As we're talking about a band that are named after a territory mentioned in Norse sagas up to the Viking Age and one that has the tempting selling point of "The perfect combination between Beauty and Violence" it is a tad hard building up the right kind of introduction for this band that was formed in 2009 and is based in the city of Severodvinsk, in the north of Arkhangelsk Oblast. Regardless, Bjarm first hit the scene in 2010 thanks to the a ten-track demo entitled "Defect". Lead by vocalist/lyricist Andrey (Garmskrik, ex-Fenrir, Splendor Solis, Vedun) and rounded out by Mikhail Shatnyi (Bass), Alexey (Guitars), Egor (Guitars) Vitaliy (Drums) and Anastasia (Keyboards and Vocals) the basic "structure" of this band is something like this-male (harsh) vocals and female (smooth) vocals are effectively employed over-top of strong (METALLIC) twin-guitar parts, symphonic (occasional black mostly death) metal orchestration and (in general) extreme metal in order to provide as physically an intimidating presence as humanly possible. Oh, and let's not forget that ambient nature of Bjarm's debut album either! Besides being well-constructed in it's execution and well-rounded musically "Imminence" is (no pun intended!) an immense emotional journey! One listen and I was hooked! I wanted to hear more and to feel more of what this Russian act had to offer and for someone who usually doesn't care for such a term as symphonic metal  this album pulled me in directly and made me open my eyes to new discoveries. Bjarm is another one of those (newish) acts trying their hands at something a bit different and off the beaten track. The thing is they are doing that while still holding firm to some of the industry's already establish hallmarks and by the Norse gods it's working for them!  Need some links? Well, here you go!

 http://vk.com/bjarm
 https://itunes.apple.com/ru/album/imminence/id889323814
 https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Bjarm_Imminence?id=Bwddmmiuarhnt7p4nz3b6v4z5va
 http://www.facebook.com/bjarmofficial

Eternal Silence - Raw Poetry

Underground Symphony
2013

Are you a stickler for new releases and nothing else? Looking at the release date and wondering how fresh this LP really is? No worries. Don't let the date persuade you from checking out this female-fronted act from Varese, Lombardy. That's all part of the game when it comes to discovering new gems. Or in the case having them thrust upon you out of the blue and (oddly enough) with no hope of an English translation! So digging I went (and knee-deep in the hoop-la to boot) looking to see what was what with this remarkable symphonic metal collective and you know what? Soon enough I received another e-mail with some English text. And here's the deal friends. This one actually dropped at the tail end of 2013 it seems (meaning it's no more then six months old really and well within it's "Best By" date!) and it is the follow-up to the 2012, (self-released) 5-track EP, "Darkness and Regret". Oh, and it's pretty snazzy too! Amazingly enough vocalist Ophelia (Marika Vanni) is much more then mere beauty to the eyes (not that such a thing is all that growdbreaking0 as she can really sing and with some male band-mates that more then hold their own this thing really shines! Fairly creative, sparkling metal with a classy symphonic edge "Raw Poetry" proved to be such a care-free, easy going listen that I found myself drifting away into something fairly unknown to me these days-a state of restful, relaxation! How nice is that? So, to reiterate we're looking at classy, symphonic heavy metal with really nice female vocals and a sound that is soothing in a heavenly way. Works for me!

Hollow-Mordrake

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Montreal's Hollow (the symphonic black metal one and not the now defunct thrash metal version) offer up their full-length debut album with "Mordrake". Serving as the predecessor to their 2010 EP, "Cynoptic Eschaton", "Mordrake" (due to be released on the 30th of this month) is the sound of a band that knows fully well what they are capable and then not only doubles the task at hand, but triples it! Having already shared the stage with such heavyweights as Marduk, Suffocation, The Agonist, Sword, Jungle Rot, TYR, Aborted and even Canadian legends Voïvod, Hollow are now primed to conquer the world of studio recordings thanks to this fifty minutes or so long, wake and shake the dead collection of extreme material know as "Mordrake". Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope) and co-produced by Dan Lauzon (Entropy) and the band members themselves (Mott-vocals, Cadaver-guitar, Snow – bass and Blaac-drums) "Mordrake" is absolutely brilliant as a debut-album! The songs on "Mordrake" betray this band's (musical) maturity as each and every track here seems to have been painstakingly crafted so that no minor detail has been overlooked! The skill-level of Mott notwithstanding, it's the music, between the hash marks, that is this band's true strength. Subtle, cleverly placed notes demonstrate the clear-cut effort that went into this release and it's all the more impressive when you take into account this little note that came pasted along with the promo:  Hollow's "Mordrake" was recorded "without the use of any triggers, midi or copy/paste editing, the album features true-to-life performances". How about that?  Amazingly that's not something you come across every day. Especially in regards to a symphonic black metal release! "Mordrake", as precise and detail-oriented as it is (Cadaver's guitar playing is stunning!), is a real album with no studio tricks/slight of hand maneuvers! Instead this brave and bold outfit did it all on their own making a release like this one (one which soaks up the sun while it partakes in adventure after adventure-not just through the fields of black metal, symphonic metal, melodic death metal and even progressive death metal(!), but by way of traveling in new directions such as taking a jog through the valley of classic heavy metal!) all the more satisfying and filling! More and more I find myself falling in love with beautifully assembled/creative black metal like this (even at it's bleakest which is something that could and should be said about Hollow's delivery!), performed with razor blade like precision (technically speaking) as it savagely stabs at the listener (emotionally speaking) with material that is at it's core equally fierce and frightening as well as freeing! Destined to be looked at as one of the defining moments of Hollow's career, "Mordrake" comes across as a must-have addition to the collection of any self-respecting black metal fan! 

https://www.facebook.com/hollowcanada

Xandria-Sacrificum

Napalm Records
2014

Having checked over my old posts it seems the closet that I have ever come to Germany's Xandria was when I covered Wolfpakk's self-titled album. And that was only because that particular pet project featured Xandria's (now former) bass guitarist, Nils Middelhauve! From the looks of it Xandria has a long list of former members. And with "Sacrificium" this female-fronted symphonic metal act has new members in place so the line-up changes continue. All of which makes it ever more amazing that the group's latest is as sound as it is! That's not to say that I'm suddenly a huge fan of all of this. Symphonic metal has always been a bit hit or miss with me. Still, I'm going to call it as I see it and on "Sacrificium" this band sounds blessed to have tapped a new vocalist like Dianne van Giersbergen (Ex-Libris)! Whether she is a step forward or a step back from what the group had I honestly do not know as this really and truly is my first taste of Xandria. That in and of itself is kind of sad seeing as this outfit has been around (in one form or another) since 1997 when Marco Heubaum (vocals, guitar, keyboards) first assembled the project! Since then the group has released their fair share of demos, singles and even a compilation along with this release, the group's sixth overall full-length studio album! Straight to the point, what I like about this album is how "Sacrificium", despite being awash in symphonic moments, maintains a metal edge. Even if it is a bit too keyboard cluttered for my taste the album has a clear cut appreciation for actual heavy metal and when you combine that with the powerful vocal delivery of Dianne van Giersbergen it ends up being a nice match. What I didn't like about the album (besides the over-use of keyboards) is how it sometimes seemed a bit too fancy for it's own good. It wasn't enough to turn me off, but that (the over-glamorous/glittery nature of such a genre) can be the downside of symphonic metal. Not for all, but when you find yourself sitting on the fence about such a style of metal it can be the deciding deal breaker. If I had to grade it I'd likely toss out a B- or an B+ although I can't quite decide if I'm being too generous or not generous enough? For simplicity sake, symphonic metal aficionados should gel with an album like this one while the traditional heavy metal crowd most likely would have a  momentary shrug of the shoulders followed by a "OK..." response.