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.
Label : Nuclear Blast Records
Review by Tony Cannella
Whether you like them or don’t, the one thing that you have to admire about Epica is that they never ‘half-ass’ it. Not when it comes to the song writing, lyrics, production and overall presentation of their new material; they are all-in. Their albums are always packed to the fullest and that trend continues on their newest album “Requiem for the Indifferent”, which features 14-songs and a playing time of 77-minutes. There is something to be said for knowing what you are going to get from a favorite band and Epica is one such band that delivers on what their fans have come to expect. Not that they are predictable or contrived, but you know you are going to get quality as well as quantity. “Requiem for the Indifferent” sets the scene with the opening intro “Karma – Prelude” and leads into the blistering – and dare I say awesome, “Monopoly on Truth”. Simone Simons sounds great as always and delivers another awe inspiring performance, as does extreme growler/screamer Mark Jansen –but in a different way of course. Next is the equally potent yet more subdued and accessible “Storm the Sorrow” which the band shot a video for. “Requiem for the Indifferent” is classic Epica mixing grandiose, symphonic epic songs with shorter, more easily digestible material. Probably the crowning achievement on this here release is the 10-minute “Serenade or Self-Destruction”. This song is like a musical journey with peaks, valleys and tempo changes. It is what is great about Epica crammed into 10-minutes; it may actually be their most ambitious song to date. The rest of the album is not bad either: “Delirium”, “Internal Warfare” and the 8 ½ minute title song should please long time fans and new ones alike. So, is this the best Epica album ever? I would never say that, but it sure as heck stacks right up there with their best work. I love the new Epica album and I think it rates right up there with the rest of their audio outputs. “Requiem for the Indifferent” seems to follow the same blueprint that the band has used over the years, but hey, it works and the band continues to fire on all cylinders, and deliver their music with a sincerity and passion that cannot be faked.
Rating - 95/100
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Label : AFM Records
Review by Tony Cannella
From Hungary, the Folk Metal band Dalriada has been in existence since 1998. On their 6th album, “Igéret” the band is perfectly capable and willing to showcase their skilled Folk Metal style. The lyrics on “Igéret” are sung exclusively in Hungarian and are the perfect showcase for a band that has tons to offer the Folk Metal genre. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Dalriada is only capable of playing Folk-ish type material. There are plenty of blazing and heavy guitar riffs, and a nod to Power Metal here and there, throughout the 50-minute disc. In fact, I would compare them musically to the great Folk-Metal pioneers SkyClad. The tribal flavored “Intro” opens things and segues into the pounding “Hajdutanc”. Right off-the-bat, this is music designed to get you moving. The song has a great melodic, up-tempo feel to it. The duel male/female vocals are just perfect for the music that is being performed. The next track “Hozd el, Isten” has a cool mid-tempo vibe to it and immediately became a favorite. The song even features some Uriah Heep type organ at about the mid way point. Other highlights: “Mennyei Harang”, “Igéret” and “Igazi Tuz”. The fascinating thing about Dalriada is that they goe beyond the folk-metal genre and allows various bits of other influences and genres to seep into their music. It is actually one of the things that make “Igéret” such a fun listen. Of course there is plenty here to appease the folk-metal crowd, like the use of violins as a prominent instrument but even fans who aren’t necessarily a fan of Folk-Metal may find something about Dalriada that they like.
Rating - 95/100
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