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Review:
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I have known these German symphonic folk metallers
Lyriel for many years and their previous two releases, whilst
good, lacked that indefinable je ne sais quoi, perhaps it
was the quality of the production, or songs, or something,
they just didn’t scream ‘buy me’. Now on a new label, with
a new opus, can they step up to the plate? The first thing
that strikes you is the stunning sleeve art, an enormous
amount of time and effort has been put in to the scrap book
style surrealist Magritte (there is a top hat, but no bowler)
like artwork and booklet. The second thing to strike you
is the scene setting opening welcome, I love it when a band
treats an album as a complete listening experience, rather
than just a bunch of songs. So I am already impressed, well,
what about the music? The second track ‘Opening’ shows that
they have really upped the ante, the production clear and
powerful, the rough edges smoothed off and the diction of
the delectable Jessica Thierjung much improved. I already
know her pure, effortless voice from her guest appearance
on one of my favourite songs of all time, the deeply moving
‘Like a Rose on the Graveyard of Love’ on Xandria’s album,
India. The songs are not a million miles away from Mother
Earth period Within Temptation, mixed with Steeleye Span,
highlights include the previously mentioned ‘Welcome’, ‘The
Regret’, ‘Another Time’, the appropriately beautiful folk
ballad ‘Lullaby’, and the lovely melodic ‘So Long, My Love’.
The folk influence shines through in the storytelling quality
of the lyrics, mainly written by violinist Joon Laukamp,
which is such an important part of the folk tradition, and
makes a welcome change from the norm. This CD sees the band
make massive strides forward, creating a mighty challenge
to the acknowledged leaders of the pack. If you like Within
Temptation and Nightwish, you will really enjoy this, but
that folk infusion gives them a unique and refreshing selling
point, which sets them apart from the crowd. Available from
all good retailers,
9 out of 10.
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