Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
A lot of great female fronted metal bands are coming from Spain these days. With their debut full-length “Perception of Reality”, the melodic hard rock/metal band Antalgia is out to take their place among Spain’s best femme metal bands.
The 8-song, 47-minute disc opens with the fantastic “The Invisible Mechanism”. Antalgia’s use of keyboards (played by Xavi Sanchez) gives them a progressive metal influence at times. Lead vocalist Bella Dianez has got a high vocal range but is not operatic, she does have a strong voice and is definitely the focal point of the band. The next song “Realm of Pain” begins with a monstrous guitar riff and is a fast tempo song. This is one of the heavier songs, but like all of the others, Antalgia’s songs are all pretty melodic and therefore can be accessible. Other highlights include: “Embrace of Death”(which begins with another huge riff), “Line of Life” and the 8-minute closing song “Memories”. Guitarist Igna Jover does a great job throughout the CD and the interplay between guitars and keyboards is one the highlights of “Perception of Reality”. The songs are all pretty much in the same up-tempo direction, but they all maintain a strong melodic base. Overall, I have to say that I was impressed with “Perception of Reality”. Antalgia has released a strong and consistent full-length debut and proves to be a promising new voice in the realm of melodic hard rock and metal.
Rating – 89/100
Tracklist
- The Invisible Mechanism
- Realm of Pain
- Embrace of Death
- Lines of Life
- The Unseen Empire
- Broken Wings
- Seed in the Storm
- Memories
Line Up
- Bella Diánez – Vocals
- Igna Jover – Guitar
- Carlos Falomir – Bass
- Xavi Sanchez – Keyboards
- Albert Gasen – Drums