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.
UK Progressive Metal Master To-Mera on 2012 via its own imprint Illusionary Records has published the third album “Exile”, so we took the challenge to ask some question to the founder and lead vocalist Julia Kiss (now in MacLean). When enquired about the most challenging task during the recording session, Julia confesses : “We recorded all the vocals ourselves, so it was very different.[…]But it’s also easy to obsess about tiny details and take 5x as long as necessary!”. About the split with Candlelight Records, the Hungarian singer said that “It was the result of a number of factors really, mainly the fact that we just wanted to do our own thing musically – without the pressure of a sales focused entity behind us”. Instead candidly Julia admits that won’t be touring for this album, ‘cause “we recently lost our drummer Paul” and due to the fact that “the band members just got other priorities, other projects to focus on”. As for To-Mera’s future nothing is clear considering what Julia declared in the following words : “I think we also feel that we’ve said what we wanted to say with this album and perhaps it’s time to take a break “.
Label : BadMoonBad Music/Solitude Productions
Review by Tony Cannella
It is odd when a band comes out with a 28-minute compilation EP. Such is the case with “Apple of Discord” by the Russian band Canonis. After a series of Demos – their first of which came out in 1995 – and a single, the band has compiled some of those moments on their new 7-song, 28-minute compilation. Musically Canonis began as Doom Metal band but has since evolved into playing ethereal, ambient music and that is the style that is showcased on “Apple of Discord”. On “Apple of Discord” the general tone is one of dark and beautiful music. Their Doom Metal period is clearly in the rear view mirror for Canonis as the songs display an ambience and ethereal splendor to them. There is also a bit of a Celtic, Folk flavor to some of the songs. Throughout “Apple of Discord” I was most certainly impressed with the overall presentation, sound and most of all songs from this talented Russian band. Hopefully a debut full-length from Canonis is not too far off.
Rating - 85/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
Label : RFE/Bad Reputation
Review By Tony Cannella
“Hydrogyn is going to be very, very big”, those words come from famed producer Michael Wagener who co-helmed the 4th and latest release from this Kentucky based outfit “Judgement”. After listening to this CD, who am I to argue with Mr. Wagener’s words. “Judgement” is quite possibly the best release of this young bands career. “Judgement” has everything that has made Hydrogyn such an excellent band since their beginning. Infectious melodies, pounding rockers, Julie Westlake’s powerful vocals and a whole lot more, it all comes together on “Judgement”. “Lost Reality” is a belligerent opener with singer Julie Westlake sharing vocals with aggressive sounding male vocals. This is probably the heaviest song Hydrogyn has recorded to date. “Right Thing Now” is a melodic and instantly likeable mid-tempo number. As always, Julie Westlake oozes personality and attitude in her voice. “Big Star” is a re-recording of an older Hydrogyn song featuring King’s X frontman Doug Pinnick on co-lead vocals. The limited edition comes with three bonus tracks, including a fantastic cover of the Michael Schenker Group classic “Assault Attack”. Other highlights: the ultra-melodic “Alone”, “Self Destruct”, the Fleetwood Mac cover “Gold Dust Woman” and “Too Late”. Since their 2004 debut, “Best Served With Volume”, Hydrogyn has released albums that have been consistently better than the last. The only question is how will they ever top this one?
Rating – 90/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
MySpace * ReverbNation * Facebook * Twitter * Site
Independent Release
Review By Tony Cannella
From Belgium, Ethernity play progressive power metal. Their latest output is the 2-song demo “Broken Memories”. Even though there are only 2-songs and 13-minutes worth of music contained here, it gives a perfect indication where this awesome band is headed musically. Ethernity’s last demo, “Quest of Forgiveness” was released in 2008. Sadly, this one only features 2-songs in comparison to the 8 that were represented on “Quest of Forgiveness”. Still, the band absolutely tear through the two songs, beginning with the opening title track and then ending with “Quest of Forgiveness” originally heard on their last one. The track “Broken Memories” is the more mid-tempo and symphonic of the two, while “Quest of Forgiveness” is a fast paced closer. Both tracks features some great guitar work and vocalist Julie Colin continues to be a solid voice for this band. The songs on “Broken Memories” continue in the vein set forth by Ethernity’s previous works. That’s alright by me. It would be nice to see some label step up to the plate and sign this excellent band.
Rating - 86/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
Ethernity is a female fronted power metal band from Belgium. There has been a positive buzz circulating around the Internet for a number of years and after listening to their new demo “Quest of Forgiveness” I am beginning to see what all the fuss is about. First let’s get into the introductions. The band line-up looks like this: Julie Colin (Vocals), Julien Spreutels (Keyboards), Nicolas Spreutels (Drums), Gregory Discenza (Lead Guitar), Francois Spreutels (Bass) and Thomas Henry (Guitar) rounds out the band.“Quest of Forgiveness” is a release that was made by the band using their own means and the band plans to re-record the songs for their next studio album, so not much focus should be spent on the production. Having said all that, the quality of the production is not bad at all and it takes absolutely nothing away from the songs and the strength of the material.The frenetic riff of “Shadows On the Wall” opens the CD. This is a high energy up-tempo song that is the perfect way to start the CD. When singer Julie Colin joins in the song really takes flight. Her voice soars and she has a great voice that is a perfect compliment to the classy metal that is being played. Add in the excellent guitar solo by Gregory Discenza and beautiful interplay between guitars and keyboards and you have a solid opening track. The next track “Alone” starts off slowly before settling into a nice mid-tempo number on the back of a rock solid guitar riff. Julie turns in another fine performance on the vocals as she proves that she can do more than just the classic wailing style of metal singing. She is a technically proficient singer that can do different styles. This is one of the songs that really stand out for me. I especially like the way the keyboards are used on this CD. They don’t overwhelm anything and they are perfect enhancements to the song. Keyboardist Julien Spreutels does a really great job. Next up is “Angels Are Calling”. This song begins with another powerful guitar riff and it is more of an up-tempo song than the previous track. It has a great chorus that you can imagine a packed hall full of fans singing along to. The back and forth between the guitar and keyboards make this another definite highlight. “Your Darkest Hour” is another change of pace for the band. Beginning with drums, bass and then the guitars and keyboards join in. It starts off as a slower number before speeding up a bit and just settling into a solid mid-tempo tune. The music and keyboards give this one an orchestral vibe. “Back to Life” keeps things well on track. The next song “New Horizon” is a beautiful mid-tempo number and another huge highlight for me. The next track is the classical influenced instrumental “Ex Dominatus Ad Liberatio”. It is a beautiful piece that sounds just so huge. “Quest Of Forgiveness” brings the CD to a close on a bombastic note, bringing things around full circle. A fine way to end things. To these ears Ethernity are a band that are on the verge of really making a name for themselves in the realm of power metal. Hopefully with the proper support and backing from a label, the band will make that happen. Ethernity are the type of band that I have been waiting for and from beginning to end “Quest of Forgiveness” is a solid release with beautiful melodies, cool guitar riffs, solos and strong vocals, I could go on and on, but ultimately it’s up to the listener and I am confident that the band will secure a size-able following once their next studio release is unleashed. I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.
Rating: 90/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
Ethernity is a female fronted power metal band from Belgium. There has been a positive buzz circulating around the Internet for a number of years and after listening to their new demo “Quest of Forgiveness” I am beginning to see what all the fuss is about. First let’s get into the introductions. The band line-up looks like this: Julie Colin (Vocals), Julien Spreutels (Keyboards), Nicolas Spreutels (Drums), Gregory Discenza (Lead Guitar), Francois Spreutels (Bass) and Thomas Henry (Guitar) rounds out the band.“Quest of Forgiveness” is a release that was made by the band using their own means and the band plans to re-record the songs for their next studio album, so not much focus should be spent on the production. Having said all that, the quality of the production is not bad at all and it takes absolutely nothing away from the songs and the strength of the material.The frenetic riff of “Shadows On the Wall” opens the CD. This is a high energy up-tempo song that is the perfect way to start the CD. When singer Julie Colin joins in the song really takes flight. Her voice soars and she has a great voice that is a perfect compliment to the classy metal that is being played. Add in the excellent guitar solo by Gregory Discenza and beautiful interplay between guitars and keyboards and you have a solid opening track. The next track “Alone” starts off slowly before settling into a nice mid-tempo number on the back of a rock solid guitar riff. Julie turns in another fine performance on the vocals as she proves that she can do more than just the classic wailing style of metal singing. She is a technically proficient singer that can do different styles. This is one of the songs that really stand out for me. I especially like the way the keyboards are used on this CD. They don’t overwhelm anything and they are perfect enhancements to the song. Keyboardist Julien Spreutels does a really great job. Next up is “Angels Are Calling”. This song begins with another powerful guitar riff and it is more of an up-tempo song than the previous track. It has a great chorus that you can imagine a packed hall full of fans singing along to. The back and forth between the guitar and keyboards make this another definite highlight. “Your Darkest Hour” is another change of pace for the band. Beginning with drums, bass and then the guitars and keyboards join in. It starts off as a slower number before speeding up a bit and just settling into a solid mid-tempo tune. The music and keyboards give this one an orchestral vibe. “Back to Life” keeps things well on track. The next song “New Horizon” is a beautiful mid-tempo number and another huge highlight for me. The next track is the classical influenced instrumental “Ex Dominatus Ad Liberatio”. It is a beautiful piece that sounds just so huge. “Quest Of Forgiveness” brings the CD to a close on a bombastic note, bringing things around full circle. A fine way to end things. To these ears Ethernity are a band that are on the verge of really making a name for themselves in the realm of power metal. Hopefully with the proper support and backing from a label, the band will make that happen. Ethernity are the type of band that I have been waiting for and from beginning to end “Quest of Forgiveness” is a solid release with beautiful melodies, cool guitar riffs, solos and strong vocals, I could go on and on, but ultimately it’s up to the listener and I am confident that the band will secure a size-able following once their next studio release is unleashed. I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.
Rating: 90/100
Tracklist
Line Up
Links
