INFOS : webzine@femmemetalwebzine.net
Webzine dedicated to the metal band fronted by girls. We also like ambient,darkwave,rock & electronic music.
INFOS : webzine@femmemetalwebzine.net
Webzine dedicated to the metal band fronted by girls. We also like ambient,darkwave,rock & electronic music.
Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
VelvetSeal are a 4-piece female fronted band from Budapest, Hungary. Musically the band lies in the realm of Symphonic power metal, with some touches of classical, gothic and progressive metal thrown in as well. The 4-songs presented here are just a taste of what we can expect on the band’s forthcoming 9-song debut release, titled “Lend Me Your Wings”. The band are fronted by Gabriella Foti on vocals. The rest of the lineup goes like this: Csaba Ratz (guitars, orchstration, synths), David Kalmar (bass) and the quartet is completed by Balazs Hornyak on drums. The title track “Lend Me Your Wings” sets things in motion with a heavy guitar riff and some big sounding orchestration. The vocals of Gabriella are very strong and emotional. This is a solid opener with a huge chorus that is both catchy and dramatic. This was one of the definite highlights for me and at only 3-minutes long it is over too soon. Next is “The One”. This is another dramatic sounding number. It still maintains the heaviness of the previous song, but it is slower in tempo. The vocals on the chorus sound very cool, almost like a choir. It definitely provides great atmosphere and emotion to the song. The song keeps a steady pace throughout and never wavers. it is just a solid track. Next up is “Desperati”. This song begins with some eerie sounding intro music and then launches into a heavy riff accompanied by rhythmic chanting and the vocals of Gabriella Foti once again take center stage. I should also mention that the production is very good. They have obviously put a lot of effort into the overall presentation and that effort definitely pays off. The final track, “The Divine Comedy?” is a perfect way to end things and leave the listener hungry for more. This is an epic and dramatic sounding song and one that had me reaching for the play button once again. The only negative I can really say about this is that I wish it was longer than just the 4 songs. VelvetSeal are a great, talented, up-and-coming band, that I would suspect that we will hear more from in the months and years to come. I hope we do anyway. The 4-songs offered here are a perfect teaser for what it is to come. I am not too familiar with the Hungarian metal scene but I would describe the music contained here as just pure, classy metal. Excellent vocals, great musicianship and most importantly fantastic songs, what more can one ask for? If these songs are any indication of the future than I am eagerly awaiting the day that I get to hear the full version of “Lend Me Your Wings”. I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.
Rating - 85/100
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Label : Dark Balance Records
Review by Tony Cannella
I first became aware of Budapest, Hungary’s VelvetSeal via their 4-track “Lend Me Your Wings” sampler CD, which came my way in 2008. The music contained on the sampler hinted at a world of potential for this band and really wet the appetite for their full-length debut. Well, now in 2009 the band have finally issued the complete version of “Lend Me Your Wings” and I think it is safe to say that the promise that was hinted at on the 4-track sampler, has now been realized. Lead vocalist Gabriella fronts this 4-piece band and they play a sort of mix between dark, gothic and symphonic metal. It’s a strong mix of styles and it works quite well. The orchestral intro “Opening” begins things and manages to do a good job in building anticipation for the next track “Lend Me Your Wings”, which also includes some symphonic orchestration. “The One” is next and it keeps up the level of consistency of the previous song. It has a nice groove to it and a strong guitar riff that remains throughout the track. “Desperati” begins with a choir-like vocal intro then the song really gets rolling. The choir vocals pop up here and there throughout the track and their is some more cool orchestration. “Where Statues Cry” is just plain phenomenal and maybe my favorite track. This might sound crazy but I think this song has a real shot at having some commercial appeal if given the right kind of support, that is not to say that it is a commercial song, but it’s potential and melodic sensibility cannot be denied, and I think if given the chance to hear it, people will really dig it. Other highlights include: “Torn Within” (featuring an awesomely catchy and powerful melody), and “FreeFall”. Perhaps the main highlights for me are the songs: “The Divine Comedy ?” and “The Tragic Overture”. The material contained on the CD is very strong, but those two songs (as well as “Where Statues Cry”) just seem to really stand out for me. The vocals of Gabriella are really strong and confident, just great for the material on the CD. The songs have plenty of layers and depth to them and are also very well written and the musicianship is quite impressive all the way around. “Lend Me Your Wings” features 9-songs that never fails to make quite an impression. The songs are just loaded of ambiance, atmosphere and plenty of bombast that only seems to get better upon repeated listening. Perhaps the only complaint I have with this CD is that at 35-minutes long maybe it is too short, but that is indeed a very minor criticism. The overall material contained on “Lend Me Your Wings” is strong and of a very high caliber and also quite professional. It will be interesting to watch this band as they continue to grow and progress. “Lend Me Your Wings” is a powerful statement that should send VelvetSeal well on their way.
Rating - 80/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
Rating - 85/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
