Vandroya – “One” (2012)

Label : Inner Wound Recordings

Review by Tony Cannella

From Brazil, the band Vandroya has existed since 2001. They released their debut 2-song demo “Within Shadows” in 2005 and have finally returned with their power metal extravaganza of a debut full-length entitled, “One”. Lead vocalist Daisa Munhoz can already be heard on the last Soulspell offering “Hollow’s Gathering” and on “One” she proves to be one of the best voices in the power metal genre.

“All Becomes One” is the ominous intro track that leads us into power metal masterpiece “The Last Free Land”. The musicianship is up-tempo and lead vocalist Daisa Munhoz’s vocals are remarkable as they soar right along with the music. In an age when so many female fronted metal is dominated by operatic vocals and extreme vocals (not that there is anything wrong with that), it is refreshing to hear someone who just goes out there and sings in a power metal style. One of the songs that stood out for me is the stirring ballad “Why Should We Say Goodbye?” which is just phenomenal. Continue reading »

Soulspell – “Hollow’s Gathering” (2012)

Label : Inner Wound Recordings

Review by Tony Cannella

Soulspell is the all-star metal opera brainchild of Brazilian drummer Heleno Vale. The project got off the ground in 2007 with “Soulspell” an album that represented part I in the metal opera. It was soon after followed by Part II called “The Labyrinth of Truths”. Now this all star metal project is back with Part III “Hollow’s Gathering”.

First of all Heleno Vale has done a great job in assembling some hugely talented musicians for “Hollow’s Gathering” as he has on the previous albums. Next are the lyrics. You can check out the story on the official web site, but Heleno has written an incredibly detailed and complex story with each singer/musician playing a part. Third and most important is the songs. “Hollow’s Gathering” had me wanting to listen again and again. The songs are well written and range from pounding classic metal style numbers, prog, ballads, power metal and symphonic metal. Starting with the 9-minute title song, this really is an album that is unrelenting –several singers can be heard on this monstrous opener. Continue reading »

Envinya – “Inner Silence” (2013)

Label : Massacre Records

Review by Tony Cannella

The Munich, Germany based melodic metal outfit Envinya formed in 2006. After releasing a demo in 2007 they released their debut EP “Beyond the Dark” in 2010. Envinya now returns with their full-length debut via Massacre records entitled, “Inner Silence”.

Lead vocalist Natalie Perreira dos Santos has got a pretty diverse voice – that’s the first thing that struck me. She sings in mostly a clean style but she also adds the odd bit of growly vocals too, which are quite impressive, especially when you consider that she is capable of such different styles. The band adds touches of symphonic, power and prog metal sprinkled throughout the album but is always maintain a great melodic base on the 10-songs offered here. The opener “Faceless” comes out of the gate like a shot of adrenalin. A fast up-tempo riff works hand-in-hand with some solid vocals and it is a great opener. The next track “Forlorn” has a heavy, rumbling riff and the first appearance of the growly vocal style is heard. This is another good one. Continue reading »

NEWS : Envinya Reveals Artwork, Track Listing For New Album “Inner Silence”

Symphonic German metal band Envinya debut album “Inner Silence” will be released this coming January 25th, 2013 via Massacre Records. Also in addition the album’s release will be revealed soon the new female singer afte the split with the singer Natalie Pereira dos Santos.

Jan Yrlund (Darkgrove Design), who has previously worked with bands such as Apocalyptica, Manowar, and Legion of The Damned, is responsible for the artwork. Check out the art below, and the album’s track listing is:

1. Faceless
2. Forlorn
3. Inner Silence
4. In My Hands (stream the song right here)
5. Swallow
6. Satin And Silk
7. Mirror Soul
8. Too Late
9. Beyond The Dark
10. Demoralized

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INTERVIEW: Monica Primo – My Black Light

Interview by Ed MacLaren

Thanks to you!

Of course we are! We couldn’t imagine such a great enthusiasm and interest in our music and when we signed with Massacre Records it was so surprising we couldn’t believe it.

We were born as a Within Temptation cover band. This first step helped us play together and know each other better and grow up together. But we had so much more to say and show, so after a while we decided to write and play our own music. And you don’t come back when you start!

Well, like I said before we didn’t know each other, either as musicians or as persons, so we just wanted to see what playing together was like. Some of us were very young and I think we just wanted to test the band.

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