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It’s
like the band woke up
and
said, “Hey, lets play more metal.”
I must say that I
was just utterly shocked by this album. I remember listening to
“Ravenheart” and saying…”yeah, this band has a few really good
songs and a lot more sappy, slow, boring songs.” Then “India” came
out and it was kind of the same thing only the songs that were good were
really good like the title track and “In Love With the Darkness.”
But this album…sounds completely different from the other ones. It’s
like the band woke up and said, “Hey, lets play more metal.” And in
result, the band sounds like to/die/for and Entwine! Yes! I am serious!
90% of this album is metal or rock and doesn’t sound like any of their
past CDs.
The first track however is a little misleading on what you just
read above. Of all the songs on this CD, “Save My Life” sounds like
the typical Xandria songs, a mid-paced epic sounding of a song. Where
Lisa is singing it like a lullaby. It almost seems like they are giving
the listener the benefit of the doubt.
Despite this deception, “Vampire” kicks in and it completely
takes me off kilter! It has a rock beat and the keyboards don’t sound
like they usually do! The lyrics also sound different, it sounds like
they are describing someone in the second person. I was banging my head
not too long after listening to it.
“Beware” sounds as if Xandria were influenced by the bands in
Finland in song in particular. It’s a little more upbeat, it’s
distinctively Xandria, but with a rich-rock feel to it. It almost sounds
popish. The lyrics are somewhat catchy, but it’s deffinatly a
sing-a-long song.
My second favourite song on this CD is, “Only For The Stars In
Your Eyes.” It features the singer of Entwine (go figure right?) and
Lisa performing a duet throughout the song. The way it’s sung puts
goosebumps on my arms. The guitar riff sounds early 90’s American
metal, but the minute Mika from Entwine starts singing, it makes it
instantly European sounding. The chorus is sung with some of the best
harmonies I’ve ever heard between two singers. The guitar solo in this
song isn’t exactly technical by any means but it fits the song too.
What I like about this song is that it doesn’t sound like anything out
there right now.
Now, the most unique song on this CD and quite possible the most
unique that I have ever heard is “Sisters Of The Light.” It’s
unique that it’s combination of a lot of things, at least stuff that I
hear. When I listen to this song, I hear elements from India and other
Asian cultures like Japanese and Chinese. All this, blended with disco
and rock. The lyrics are very feminine where I could only see a female
sing this song. I envision, of all things, line dancing during this
song. All this seems negative but the song is quite addicting and I was
quite shocked when I heard it. I’ll be surprised if this song
doesn’t make it onto a movie soundtrack or radio. The only down part
is, is that it’s very pop sounding and I have a feeling that this song
could catch on real quick. And yes, this is my favourite song on the CD.
Sound quality:
What else is there to say? Everything was near perfect. There was
a track or two where the mix varied. Some songs the vocals would
encompass the whole song where as others it would be nice and balanced.
In other songs the guitars would be the main focus. In other words, the
mix wasn’t very balanced. I wanted to hear more drums in songs where
it was drowning. Some of the high points where in how the vocals
sounded. They sounded much better on this CD than they had on other
albums.
Overall:
This is a great CD. Hands down, it’s harder and bit more rockin’
than the other CD’s this band has put out and it will surprise you. If
this is your first time, you’ll love this CD. I really cannot compare
them to anyone, it’s kind of a toss up between Entwine, Lacuna Coil,
and The Love Crave. Get it, you won’t be disappointed.
rating: 9/10
Matthew
Haumschild 14.05.2007
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