Maledia – “Your Angels Cry” EP (2012)

Label : Ravenheart Records

Review by Tony Cannella

From Rome, Italy the Gothic metal band Maledia released their debut album “She and Her Darkness” in 2009. It was quite impressive for a debut and now finally three years later they follow that up with a 7-song 38-minute EP “Your Angels Cry”.

At 38-minutes it is obviously longer than your average EP but not long enough to be considered a full-length. “Your Angels Cry” is a heavier album than their debut and a bit darker, and injects their Gothic sound with a bit of a Black Metal influence. This is never more evident than on “Obscura” which sees one of the more bizarre vocal duets of the year, with female vocalist Luana Imperatore teaming up with the Italian Black Metal growler Agonia Blackvomit. Continue reading »

Embassy of Silence – “Antler Velvet” (2013)

Label : Ravenheart Music

Review by Tony Cannella

Finland’s Embassy of Silence first burst onto the scene via their excellent debut album “Euphorialight” in 2010, impressive is an understatement when referring to that album, sonically; musically and melodically it was a stellar debut. Now, the band returns with their sophomore effort, “Antler Velvet”.

From the opening track “Trickster Queen” it is obvious that Embassy of Silence has not lost any of their ability to write good hard driving, melodic heavy rock songs. This song reminded me what I loved about their debut. “Unconverted” is next and quickly became another huge favorite thanks to its barrage of heavy riffs and vocalist Ines Lukkanen’s smooth delivery. Continue reading »

Delia – “Recollection” (2013)

Label : Ravenheart Records

Review by Vard Aman

Back in 2010 a band called Delia, from Kiev, Ukraine, released an album called “Spogad” (“Спогад”) – an album which I regard as one of the best Symphonic Metal albums ever recorded and released; an album that if it had been released by a band like Within Temptation or After Forever or any one of the other top bands in the genre would have gone down as one of the ultimate Symphonic Metal masterpieces of all time. But it wasn’t, it was released by a Ukrainian band called Delia; and the question I’ve always asked and am still asking is: does it make any difference whether it was released by a well known act or whether it was released by a less well known act? My answer to that question is “none whatsoever” and so “Spogad” goes down in my books as one of the ultimate Symphonic Metal masterpieces of all time. “Spogad” was sung in the band’s native Ukrainian, which may have counted against it (I know of at least one so-called “promoter” in the social media that exhibits an open and quite bigoted dislike of any bands that sing in languages other than English, flatly refusing to give them any promotion or even mention whatsoever). Continue reading »

Sakara – “Blood and Stone” (2011)

Label : Ravenheart Records

Review by Luisa Mercier

“Blood & Stone” is the debut of the UK based singer/songwriter Sakara and features several styles. Not only metal, but also more experimental stuff with an electronic vibe.
After the first track, which is quite classic metal sound follows “Rise” which is more based on electronic. Sakara‘s vocals are also versatile: she swings from clean high-pitched vocals to harsh growls. The whole concept behind the record is quite spiritual, her name too was inspired by the ancient Egyptian burial place, Saqqara. “Join You” starts as gentle piano and voice ballad, slowly building into a crescendo that blows in a rock explosion in the end.
“By My Side” is slightly shorter than the prevous ones and quite catchy, it would make a nice single. Continue reading »

At the Lake – “Mäyä” (2012)

Label : Ravenheart Music

Review by Tony Cannella

Formed in Warsaw, Poland in 2005, the band At The Lake combine elements of Symphonic, Gothic, Folk and Celtic music and an interesting mix of influences which can be heard on their debut full-length “Maya”.

The intro track “Tomorrow I Will Fly” starts things off with some melancholic violin and lead vocalist Natalie. This sets the tone and leads us into “Live Again” which begins with choir-like vocals before the violins and heavy guitars join in. “Forget” starts off with a slower tempo before progressively picking up the pace. “Like a Northern Wind” is another solid track that has sort of a marching vibe to it. “The Spring of Forgiveness” is perhaps a little on the more commercial side, but that’s what I liked about it. It has a memorable melody and a chorus that you can sing along to. By far, my favorite song is the 9-minute epic “Karma”. Continue reading »