Bel O Kan – “Birth of a Queen” (2009)

Label : Brennus Music

Review by Tony Cannella

Bel O Kan are a symphonic metal band from France. They first came into existence in 2001 and are just now releasing their debut “Birth of a Queen”.  Bel O Kan are fronted by the powerfully expressive vocals of Sarah Liodenot. The big symphony driven intro “Birth of a Queen” builds anticipation for the symphonic classic metal sound of “Children Call”. This is a mid-tempo number that boasts some bursts of power and speed around the chorus. At first I was a bit underwhelmed by the understated vocals of Sarah Liodenot by the end of the CD I grew to love her singing. “Dark and Light”, “Utopia” and “Six Men” continues on with heavier material. The ballad “Too Late” brings the tempo down a bit. Probably my favorite track was the Celtic influenced “Blowin’ the Wind”, this song offers something a little different than the rest of the material but it certainly works quite well. “Fire on Ice” is a straight-forward, energetic up-tempo metal tune and another highlight. Bel O Kan shows off their sensitive side on the final track, a piano version of the ballad “Too Late”. I think I prefer the other version but I am sure that there are those who will prefer this one. “Birth of a Queen” features 12-songs and over an hour’s worth of pure Symphonic Metal bliss. Although Bel O Kan has  been together for almost 10-years, it is good to see that perseverance has paid off and the proof is in “Birth of a Queen”.  

Rating – 80/100

Tracklist

1. Birth of a Queen
   
2. Children Call
   
3. Dark and Light
4. Utopia
5. Six Man
6. Too Late
7. Runaway
8. Ten Thousand Milliard
9. Salem
10. Blowing the Wind
11. Fire on Ice
12. Too Late (Piano Version)

Line Up

• Sarah Liodenot –  Lead Vocals
• Marion Gibello – Backing Vocals
  
• Krystov Ferrari – Rhythm, Lead and Acoustic Guitars
  
• Fox Brunet –  Rhythm and Lead Guitars
• Nico Deplanche – Keyboards
• Denis Nicolo – Bass 
• Lionel Pedrini – Drums