Flames of Fury – “FoF” EP (2013)

Independent Release

Review by Tony Cannella

From New York City, Flames of Fury were formed in 2009 and in such a short amount of time they have already shared the stage with some great metal bands, for example: Doro, Rhapsody of Fire, Stryper and Kill Devil Hill just to name a few. They have a reputation for being a killer live band, well, with the release of this 5-song EP, they are sure to gain the reputation for being a killer band, period.

From the opener “Take It to the Limit”, Flames of Fury hit the ground running. They combine elements of classic metal with modern day power metal. The songs sound fresh and are brimming with confidence. In vocalist Angelica Vargas the band has a singer who delivers with all of the power and passion of Ronnie James Dio or Doro Pesch. Continue reading »

Effloresce – “Coma Ghosts” (2012)

Label: Generation Prog Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Effloresce is a progressive metal band from Germany. Back in 2009 the band released their independent 3-song EP “Shades of Fate”. Effloresce now presents their full-length debut entitled, “Coma Ghosts”. Musically this band is a mix of several different genres – most notably prog – but there is also a classic metal influence to their sound. I would describe them as a cross between Dream Theater and early Fates Warning with a singer who is reminiscent (at times) of Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil and then at certain points she unleashes this guttural, extreme black metal style – which is surprising, to say the least. She doesn’t use this technique often, but when she does it is quite effective. Continue reading »

Marie Fredriksson – “Nu!” (2013)

Label: Warner Music Sweden

Review by CriX

The queen of swedish pop-rock, Marie Fredriksson, is back with her 8th full length, “Nu!”. Marie is mostly known as the singer of Roxette but she has a long career as solo artist. All her albums are in Swedish and if you like Roxette’s music surely you will like her solo project too.

The album start with “Kom vila hos mig”  (“Come Sleep With Me”): it’s a very catchy song and its chorus stucks immediately in the mind of the listener, I really appreciate the part of guitar and I think they have made a good choice to take it as the first single. With the second track “Det bästa som nånsin kan hända” (“The Best Thing That Can Ever Happen”), the tones are slowing down but personally the best song of the whole album is “Det är nu!”, in this track you can hear all the different colours of Marie‘s enchanting voice and it’s very emotional. Continue reading »

Anneke Van Giersbergen

Questions by Ed MacLaren

Collected by Edoardo Fiumi

Dutch singer Anneke van Giersbergen is never one to rest on her musical laurels. Since leaving The Gathering in 2007, she has been tearing up recording studios on three continents releasing a string of successful albums with Agua de Annique and as a solo artist – not to mention the lengthy list of incredibly diverse musical collaborations. The constant recording and touring to an ever expanding audience around the world is great news for her fans, and thankfully it shows no signs of slowing down. One of the truly unique voices in music, van Giersbergen is looking to break out big with her new album, “Drive”. A heavy power pop album brimming with hooks, riffs and stellar vocals, “Drive” achieves the perfect balance with her metal roots and her ever-expanding musical palette. Femme Metal got a chance to talk to the groundbreaking singer during sound check on her most recent swing through Italy. Continue reading »

Leaves Eyes’ – “Symphonies of the Night” (2013)

Label: Napalm Records

Review by Tony Cannella

“Symphonies of the Night” is the title of the 4th full-length album from the German/Norwegian metal band Leaves’ Eyes. The band – which is led by the duel vocals of Liv Kristine and her husband, Atrocity main man Alex Krull – has forged a pretty consistent and solid career for themselves based on an excellent body of work and “Symphonies of the Night” certainly rates right up there with their previous efforts.

The opening number “Hell to the Heavens” is simply awesome and my favorite track. What a great way to start things. Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull continue to be one of the most unique vocal tandems who use the “beauty and the beast” technique. Continue reading »