For those of you who are thinking ‘wait that was released by ENKELINATION’ you are right. For those who don’t know, they translated the name to Angel Nation when they were in the middle of writing/recording Aeon. They formed in the year 2011 by Finnish singer Elina Siirala after finished her studies in London, UK. Since then they played the local scene as a well as well as sharing the stage with BATTLE BEAST and LEAVES’ EYES, they also gained a slot at Bloodstock Festival.
Going onto the record itself, at first listen it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who they sound like. You can immediately hear a fantastic variety of sounds on the track.
The track ‘Enough Is Enough’ reminds one of an 80s anthem or the song you would hear on a Japanese Anime soundtrack; it’s incredibly upbeat, empowering and gives you a must needed boost of energy.
If EDENBRIDGE and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS were to duet together, the track ‘Wonder Who You Are’ would give you an accurate idea of how that would sound. The vocal work and the melody structure very much give that strong indication of this.
To find a song that provokes all sorts of emotions is a tricky feat to do. If you listen to this album you will find that track. It comes in the form of their completely stripped-down ballad ‘Music Plays’. This striking melody literally stops you in your tracks and helps you to reflect on thoughts; the simplicity of this song is absolutely stunning and you will not want to stop listening to the song once it has started playing.
To sum up this record as a whole, it was a great album containing some brilliant melodies. The songs were beautifully made up of sirenistic vocal work, slick guitar riffs/solos and fantastic rhythm lines from the bass and drums. This is the upcoming release will be a treasure for those fans of melodic and symphonic metal.
]]>Exit Eden are a recent development to the Rock/Metal world. The group consists of Amanda Somerville, who is a dominant presence on the scene, Anna Brunner, who formed her first rock band at a young age, Marina La Torraca, who has performed alongside the likes of AVANTASIA, and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS front woman Clémentine Delauney. With their impressive biographies and backgrounds in music, it’s no surprise this album delivers craft and beauty.
The album contains covers of a variety of hits from the likes of Rhianna, Depeche Mode, Adele, and Madonna to name a few of them. Each rendition of these superstar hits treat the listener to some spine chilling, hair raising beauty. The success of a great cover is that you make the song sound like your own and this is what’s delivered.
Examples of this are ‘Impossible’, ‘Heaven’, and ‘Paparazzi’.
The Shontelle anthem, ‘Impossible’, is a beautiful, uplifting song that has a lot of empowerment within the music and lyrics. The combined voices of this cover ensure the triumph and authority that the song brings isn’t forgotten. This is helped by the string arrangements and powerful backing music from the band. One can disagree, but this is easily one of the best covers of a song that one has heard for a long time.
As most people know, the ballad ‘Heaven’ is originally by Bryan Adams. It’s been covered by DJ Sammy (Club Mix and Candlelight), and now it’s been covered by Exit Eden. With this rendition, they capture the essence of the song and it sounds closer to the original. Given the genre, they still successfully give it their own twist.
‘Paparazzi’ is a smash hit from modern pop icon Lady Gaga, so you knew it was going to sound very different from the original. Exit Eden do a sterling job with this song. From the childlike music intro, to the natural sounds past the second chorus, this is a great cover of a pop classic. Let’s wait and see if this causes some debate between Metal heads and Lady Gaga fans about which version is better.
To say this debut is a launchpad into the vast universe of music, not just Metal and Rock, but for all music lovers, is an understatement. I highly recommended Rhapsodies In Black if you wish to hear international pop hits in a different way.
]]>The atmospheric start of the opening track ‘Primitive Baptism’ grips the listener immediately before treating them to the sound this cult are very well known for; finger blistering guitar work, prevailing vocals, a pounding bass line and thunderous beats. This particular track will encourage headbanging wherever you might be listening to it.
The thing about King Leviathan and their music is that it will provide an immediate uplift in energy. Their debut album does just that. This is done by their songs having quite a few elements to the point where you don’t know what’s about to come next, and this definitely works in their favor. Each track on the album certainly shows an example of this, and is heard the most in ‘Coffin Swallower’, ‘Doomsayer’, and ‘Kingdom’.
‘Coffin Swallower’ is a somewhat unusual track for King Leviathan. Yes, it has all the elements they are known for, like the great contrast between clean vocals and growls, and the rapid drums accompanied by the blistering guitar work. Within the track there is a doom like element where a slow tempo kicks in with a solemn guitar. Only briefly, but it works, adding depth to their already great sound.
The track ‘Doomsayer’ is very King Levianthanesque, The name alone suggests worshipper of old gods already, and the early members of this cult know that this is what they are very well known for. This track commands authority from the word go with its marching beat, dirty riffs, and dominant vocals.
‘Kingdom’ is the track for those who love violent mosh pits and neck breaking headbanging. It contains rapid riffs and beats accompanied with aggressive vocals. The chorus with its more sweeping musical arrangements and clean vocals allows the listener to take a break before going in for round two.
With the album ending on a more than dominant note with the tracks ‘Like Wolves To The Throat Of The Lion’ and ‘The Grand Congregation’, to say this is a mighty follow up to their previous EP, The Shrine, would be a huge understatement. That is the mighty power of this cult.
]]>For those who are unfamiliar with these Power Metal giants, here’s some more information about the troupe. They formed in the year 1996 in Arnsburg, Germany and started off as a folk act. Over the past couple of decades they have released six studio albums, three demos, and a number of singles. Gunmen is their sixth studio album, and like the previous releases, it brings a lot of power.
The start of the album opens with the title track. This could be likened to the start of an epic film where you are immediately enticed from the first few seconds. Highlights of the album included ‘Vampire In Ghost Town’, ‘Come With Me To The Other Side (feat. Liv Kristine)’, and ‘Ashen Rain’.
‘Vampire In Ghost Town’ has the strong melody and memorable chorus that you will be singing in your head for days on end. With its fantasy title and elements, it is also the song that allows you to escape the stresses of reality if you turn it up loud enough.
‘Come With Me To The Other Side’ features Metal Siren Liv Kristine, whose voice seems to fit any track that she sings on. It was great how this track started off on a very tranquil note that leads the listener into a false sense of security before being treated to distortion and power that Orden Ogan are very well known for.
‘Ashen Rain’s’ dramatic intro reminds one of their almighty track ‘F.E.V.E.R.’ and this track proves its authority throughout after that. Everything from the powerful vocals to the thunderous musical arrangements reinforces this dominance and power that this troupe are very well known.
It ends on an extremely positive note with the track ‘Finis Coronat Opus’ which is incredibly sweeping and majestic.
Overall verdict of this record is that they have not disappointed and that they exert authority and power once again with an almighty release.
]]>Alestorm started from humble beginnings, playing in their homeland of Eastern Scotland, UK. Over the years, they have become an international party machine. Their albums are conquering the typical metalhead’s collections, they are stealing the show at festivals, they embark upon countless tours on a worldwide scale, and they have pioneered the brand “Pirate Metal.”
No Grave But The Sea starts off very gallantly in the typical Alestorm fashion with the title track. The sweeping melody and the beats that will see glossy hair swishing back and forth at their live shows is enough to lure the listener into hearing what the rest of the tale contains.
One of the beautiful things about this Scottish pirate outfit is that they have developed that trademark sound where you can tell who they are within the first few seconds of a song. No Grave But The Sea has no real change or evolution to their sound, except for harsh vocals on a couple of the tracks. As most of you know, you can hear this on their single ‘Alestorm.’ At first it seemed out of place and odd, but bear in mind, we are talking about Alestorm here. After another couple of listens their infectious sound grows on you very quickly.
There are songs on this record which those with a sense of humor will appreciate very much. Those songs include the second single ‘Mexico,’ ‘Pegleg Potion,’ ‘Bar ünd Imbiss,’ and ‘Fucked With An Anchor.’
‘Mexico’ is that party anthem that will have you shaking your hips and singing along like there is no tomorrow. ‘Pegleg Potion’ has that infectious melody. ‘Bar ünd Imbiss’ will be that drinking anthem at shows and with your friends wherever you happen to be. ‘Fucked With An Anchor’ immediately takes the listener’s attention away from reality with infectious melody and memorable chorus that will have you singing along after the first two plays of the track; so it’s no surprise that it’s becoming a firm favourite amongst fans.
This is no doubt one of the most anticipated releases of 2017 and it will not disappoint at all.
]]>This Dark Melodic trio form in the year 2013 after meeting at a gig in 2011. They spent those two years jamming and experimenting with this sound. With support from record labels Roxeavy Music and LA Riot Survivor, Immortal Machinery continue to perform across the UK. They even host their own self-promoted gigs in London with the aim of supporting other underground metal bands.
What was particularly admirable about their previous release was the deep vocals and the beautiful dark melodies; An Imperfect Storm provides just that, it also shows people that the violin is a truly beautiful sounding instrument that adds emphasis on great music. The first track featuring Chasing Dragons vocalist Tank provides the listener with a false sense of security with its positive sounds, major tone melodies. After this track the album continues with it’s gothic, dark tracks that drew attention to the band.
Highlights on the album include ‘Tongues Of Fire’, ‘Apocalypse Forever’ and ‘Greater Love’; these particular tracks have ambience and beauty.
‘Tongues Of Fire’ reminds one of being on the edge of a cliff in the midst of a storm; yet it’s calming rather than frightening. The dramatic sting intro builds up anticipation along with the deep vocals, leading to quite a climatic chorus. The violin solo in the midst of all this is quirky and some may call it imperfect but it works.
‘Apocalypse Forever’ is an unusual yet beautiful track. The stripped down first part with no guitars or drums at all worked perfectly. It leads the listener into a false sense of security before the distortion of the guitars and beats from the drums capture you entirely. It reminds one of a waltz gone wrong but in this case, that’s a huge compliment. The imperfect waltz is actually perfect.
‘Greater Love’ has a stunning melody from start to finish. If best of both can be shown in a track, this would be the one. One moment you have sweeping, dramatic arrangements that create the storm, next you have the soft, mellow moment that tugs the heartstrings ever so slightly.
There is the saying nobody is perfect and that our imperfections make us beautiful. The Imperfect Storm is musical proof of this and this album is a must have for your music collection. For fans of The 69 Eyes and Type O Negative.
Tracklist:
01. I’m Not Sorry (Feat. Tank – Chasing Dragons)
02. Die With Me – A Soldier’s Song
03. Tongues Of Fire
04. Nail Me Upside Down
05. I Did It For You
06. Apocalypse Forever
07. Greater Love
08. Call me Cain (He Never Died) (Feat. Kieran McGourty – ex Sufferance)
09. Barbiturate Blues
Playing Time: 48:00
Release Date: 7th April 2017
Website: Official Website
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For those of you unaware of this troupe, here is more information. Edenbridge formed in 1998 in the town of Linz, Austria. Over the past 20 years, they have toured, released albums and have gone through line-ups. They still provide a strong presence with their bold sound.
The album opens on a grand note with the song ‘Shaiantara’. From that moment, the album is presented as a portfolio of material. It contains spellbinding vocals, excellent guitar work, beautiful synth melodies, pounding bass, thunderous drums and majestic orchestral and choral arrangements. Each individual track has something special, no track sounds the same as the last yet somehow they fuse together incredibly well.
Whether it’s the more up tempo tracks such as ‘The Moment Is Now’, ‘Return To Grace’ and ‘The Visitor’ or the slower, power ballads such as ‘Until The Of Time’ and ‘Only A Whiff Of Life’ each song contains power, passion and beauty.
Single ‘The Moment Is Now’ is an empowering track containing sweeping melodies that greatly emphasise the powerful lyrics that are along the lines “It’s never too late, so why do you wait? The moment is now to ignite the fire.” A great track to listen to if you need power and spark to get you back into the spirit.
Only A Whiff Of Life is completely stripped down song that highlights the beautiful vocal work given to us by Sabine Edelsbacher, one of metal’s underrated vocalists in Metal.
The Great Momentum will not only open doors, it will create a global phenomenon. Highly recommended for fans of Nightwish and majestic sounding Symphonic Metal.
Tracklist:
01. Shiantara
02. The Die Is Not Cast
03. The Moment Is Now
04. Until The End Of Time
05. The Visitor
06. Return To Grace
07. Only A Whiff Of Life
08. A Turnaround In Art
09. The Greatest Gift Of All
Playing Time: 55:00
Release Date: 17th February 2017
Record Label: SPV/Steamhammer
Website: Official Website
]]>Power Of Metal’s Lotty Whittingham spoke to front woman Noora Louhimo about this new release, her vocal techniques and her work out routine.
How are you doing this morning?
Noora Louhimo: Actually, I woke up an hour and a half ago; this is the life of a musician. Last night I was at a gig with one party band, it was a long night and we did five sets.
Wait five sets in one night?
Noora: Yep [laughs]. I am professional singer so I don’t do just Battle Beast, I do different kinds of stuff. I’ve always wanted to be that kind of singer that does different kinds of music, for most musicians that’s normal as they don’t want to stick to just one style.
What other styles of music do you sing other than Heavy Metal?
Noora: Well Heavy Metal is actually the newest thing for me as a vocalist, I’ve listened to it since I was a teenager but back then I didn’t think I’d be able to be a Heavy Metal vocalist. My history as a vocalist; I’ve been singing since I was a kid; so pop stuff, blues and soul music, a lot of different genres.
At some point, I started singing more blues and rock music then I started singing Janis Joplin and that was where I found the raspiness in my voice. That was when I was about nineteen years old, I’m now 28.
That’s surprising to hear since you are new to metal when I think you are one of the best metal vocalists around.
Noora: It shows that you don’t have to necessarily be a heavy metal singer to start singing heavy metal. For me personally, it’s about using my voice as much as possible in different ways and to use different sounds. That’s an interesting thing about the human voice, there’s such a variety of sounds in your voice alone. So, that is something I am really interested in. I also give vocal and performance coaching because I feel it is very important to pass it on, the knowledge that I have.
I have a question from a fellow vocalist: she wants to know what techniques and strategies you use to get that fire and passion in your voice.
Noora: She can find my contact details on my coaching page Sing Like A Beast by Noora Luhimo, she can actually have some Skype lessons with me if she wants to. In the future I hope to have a Sing Like A Beast clinic for groups of people who want to have a workshop in performing and vocals. My main goal is that I want to go touring with that concept and spread the talent around.
In Finland is quite hard to become a professional musician? In the UK, it is quite hard to become a professional musician.
Noora: It’s not too complicated but you have to have so much passion and determination. You have to be compulsive with it; when I go to sleep, I think about and when I get up I think about it. Music is the most important thing in my life and it has to be if you want to become a professional musician, in a good way it’s a disease. You just have to do it, those people who have that mindset tend to become professional musicians.
People should always think about this perspective; what is success? Is success to do with money, with fame or with being happiest person on the planet? I would pick the last option, it doesn’t come from the money and the fame. When you keep being good to people that are close to you, that is the most important thing. You must remember, even if you get the money or the fame the people are the most important thing. Nobody likes to celebrate alone.
I also think giving people tips helps, people feel so much pressure about getting successful or you know becoming a professional musician. That is something you stress about but I think you shouldn’t stress about it, you just have to do a lot of work; that means you have to sell yourself all the time. There are times and places to do it, just not funerals or weddings. Weddings can be a good place to do it. You always have to sell yourself as you never know where you will find contacts, so always keep your business cards with you, always talk to people about what you are doing and don’t talk down on yourself. Don’t say things like ‘I’m not so good’ or ‘I do a little of this’ because people don’t want to hear that, so always bring up the best qualities about yourself. That is not lying, that is selling yourself and you don’t have to lie if you tell the truth about yourself when you say ‘I am good at this and that’
That’s what I have been doing all my life and that is why I’m here now.
Let’s talk about Battle Beast’s upcoming album ‘Bringer Of Pain’; I read in the press release that your music relates to what you have said so far, about doing your best and not giving up. I take it that’s the message behind ‘Bringer Of Pain’ too.
Noora: Yes, that is true, this is the first album with the latest line up of the band. Before this album, there was only one song writer but we had to go separate ways with him two years ago, due to artistic and personal differences. So, we couldn’t fix the situation but think after the two years it was the best decision we could make because we are now doing the stuff we love to do and in the way we love to do it. So, in the end I think everything went quite right
This album has that touch of Battle Beast and it contains that something for everyone. You don’t necessarily need to be a Heavy Metal fan or a dancing queen to not like this record. I think having different kinds of music on the album is good as you can have it as background music. It’s not just heavy guitars and it’s not just disco music; there’s different elements to the record that is our thing and I think you can hear that signature sound in the album that Battle Beast are known for.
I found that too when I was listening to the album on the way to work; from the first listen I felt that power that Battle Beast are known for.
Noora: Yes, and as a vocalist I felt I could bring all I got on that album, I thought I can show people how many different sounds I have. There are also many kinds of moods in the album and that is something as a vocalist when I interpret the song. That’s the most important thing that I interpret the way the song demands me to do. If the song, for example Beyond The Burning Skies I want to give that feeling of flying over the ocean and being full of hope. That is something that has to reflect from my voice.
People have asked why there isn’t the raspiness in my voice for some of the tracks; if the song doesn’t require it I won’t use it.
Do you have a personal favourite song on the album?
Noora: I really love each song in different ways, they are our little babies. It really depends on the mood; right now, my feeling is the same as Beyond The Burning Skies as it reflects the situation we have right now. We’re going on a new tour in USA and Canada, we’re also going on our second headline tour across Europe. We have so much hope for that. We have a lot of great stuff coming that we’re really excited for. Sometimes I can feel the same mood as Bastard Son Of Odin, it’s a fun song to sing and I can’t wait to perform it with Battle Beast.
What can fans expect from ‘Bringer Of Pain’?
Noora: They can expect ass kicking music, I think this is more powerful than before. When you put the first track on, say on your way to work, you can’t stop smiling and you get this sort of energy punch. Even you get off on the wrong foot this album will give you that energy back.
Finally, a fellow fan wanted to know what your workout plan is?
Noora: Different kinds of exercises and good nutrition always works. I love cycling, that is my favourite thing to do along with other cardio stuff. I also like running and jumping with a rope; that’s particularly important as I jump a lot on the stage. Sometimes I do boxing, I go to the gym. I like to try different stuff. The most important thing is to keep active.
Thank you so much Noora for taking time to talk to the Power Of Metal, good luck with album release and tour.
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BATTLE BEAST are one of Finland’s rising stars; their music reaching the airwaves on an international scale, headline tours across Europe and support slots with some of the biggest names in metal including SABATON.
From the first opening notes of ‘Straight To Your Heart’ you feel the fire and passion that BATTLE BEAST are well known for, it’s enough to bring a warm smile across your face.
Each track contains an outstanding arrangement of dominant vocals, blistering guitar riffs, excellent synths and pounding drums; all these elements create an eclectic selection of tracks that suit every mood under the sun. Strong examples of this can be heard in the songs ‘Beyond The Burning Skies’, ‘Lost In Wars’ and ‘Familiar Hell’.
‘Beyond The Burning Skies’ gives the listener a sense of hope and fulfilment with its majestic musical arrangements backing the gratifying vocal work. ‘Lost In Wars’ is a powerful duet between Noora Luhimo and AMORPHIS frontman Tomi Jousten, the harmonisation between these two powerful voices is extraordinary. ‘Familiar Hell’ is an empowering song that encourages that inner rebel to start a revolution.
The album concludes beautifully with the moving ballad ‘Far From Heaven’ that shows the softer side to Noora’s versatile vocals.
Like its predecessors this record contains power, passion and a lot of tenacity. That encourage behind the music not to give up and to keep going no matter what.
Tracklist:
01. Straight To The Heart
02. Bringer Of Pain
03. King For A Day
04. Beyond The Burning Skies
05. Familiar Hell
06. Lost In Wars
07. Bastard Son Of Odin
08. We Will Fight
09. Dancing With The Beast
10. Far From Heaven
Playing Time: 39:27
Release Date: 17th February 2017
Record Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: Battle Beast Official Website
]]>This album contains an array of adventurous tales and quests to create this record. It starts off very well with the tune ‘Black Skies, Red Flag’ in a very RUNNINING WILD with the sweeping guitar riffs, husky vocals and the rapid drums. This varies throughout the album in a great way.
There’s sassiness, brashness and no nonsense in a lot of theses tracks. These include ‘Stick To Your Guns’ that will bring the inner stripper in everyone, ‘By The Blood In Your Heart’ an empowering track that will encourage rebellion and ‘Last Of The Mohicans’ a sweeping melody with slick guitar riffs and prevailing vocals, this particular track has a similar vibe to ‘Ballad Of William Kidd’.
If you are ready to sail the seas with experienced Metal Pirates, than this is certainly the record for you.
Tracklist:
01. Black Skies, Red Flag
02. Warmongers
03. Stick To Your Guns
04. Rapid Foray
05. By The Blood In Your Heart
06. The Depth Of The Sea
07. Black Bart
08. Hellectrified
09. Blood Moon Rising
10. Into The West
11. Last Of The Mohicans
Playing Time: 58:01
Release Date: 26 August 2016
Label: Steamhammer
Website: Running Wild Official Website
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