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Review:
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This is Finnish/Norwegian Gothic Metal Quartet Imperia's
3rd album, their last 'Queen of Light' being released nearly
4 years ago. Fronted by the awesome Norwegian lass Helena
Iren Michaelsen, who sings in a variety of styles from deep
emotional feelings to extreme operatic expressions, the
music itself is full of vivacity, it is heavy, bombastic
and orchestral, but it also contains elements of pure metal.
The record consists of 12 songs and it was recorded in different
studios in Germany, Belgium, Finland and Norway, the mix
being done by Jacob Hansen in Denmark. The opening salvo
of 'Touch Your Hand' and 'Secret Passion' fire out of the
speakers like a turbo charged Rhino, with Helena on top
form, and the band firing on all four cylinders aswell and
excellent orchestration to boot. Of course this may be nothing
new, but if it ain't broken, why fix it? 'Fragile' slows
things down a bit with a Middle Eastern feel at times, while
'Out of Sight' is so catchy that it screams "play me on
the radio". 'Let Down' is a slow but totally dynamic ballad
featuring Tina Guo on cello. 'Violence' and the catchy 'Like
Rain' (awesome chorus) are further Gothic Epic Metal tunes
that blast out of your speakers and make you sit up and
take notice. 'Suicide' is a heavy but quirky tune that has
a brief bagpipe intro with Helena sounding a little like
Kate Bush on acid at times:) 'Hold On' is another cool power
ballad, with 'Greed' taking it up a notch or two with great
choral interlude. 'Missing It All' and the piano led ballad
'My Sleeping Angel' (a duet with Oliver Philipps from Everon),
end this album and to be honest, the quality does not slacken
at all throughout the 60 minutes. A totally dynamic release.
The digi-pak version by the way which is the one I am reviewing
having 13 tracks, the bonus cut being the electro sounding
and very danceable 'Mistress'. This album offers huge crossover
potential in both the goth and metal scene and to be honest,
and to my ears anyway easily betters their last release.
I have to say that for fans of the genre, there is no way
this record will disappoint. It gets released 25th March
so put it on your shopping list..9.5/10(Dave)
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