(Renaissance Records) Reviewed 5th June 2008

I love this album. And it is nothing to do with me promoting the band here in the UK, as I only promote good bands and good music! 'The Truth Behind The Mask' by Italian rockers Tular (fronted by the lovely Francesca Martini, who is pictured right), offers 12 tracks of ultra melodic metal with orchestral elements, subtle gothic undercurrents and some decent guitar solos too. It kicks in with a short intro 'Walking Through The Line', that then leads us straight into 'Witch', which is one helluva track that will immediately give you an idea as to what to expect on this cd. This track has been earmarked as a single by the label, and indeed there is a video to this song aswell. Great guitar solo by the way. Every track offers something special on this album, and although it is difficult to pick out any highlights, I do like the extremely melodic and catchy 'We Rule The night' and 'Let It Rain' (these are real faves of mine I must add). Francesca's vocals sorta remind me on the odd occasion of a cross between Ayin Aleph and Kate Bush, and even at times Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation, but having said that, by and large Francesca does have her own vocal style and delivery, that I like so much! Basically, this album has to be bought by fans of the genre, and furthermore, if you are a fan of Nightwish and Within Temptation, you will be a fool to pass this one by. By all accounts and if I have my way, and I am sure going to try, this band will certainly be going places. Check out http://www.myspace.com/tularofficial  Great stuff....9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)

WITHHELD..SOLILOQUY

THEATRES DES VAMPIRES..'ANIMA NOIR'

(Aural Music/SPV)  Reviewed 22nd May 2008

This album is totally mind blowing. Who needs drugs when you can get a fix of Italian Vampyric Metal from these metal merchants!  Put into a blender a mix of the Bloodflowerz, The Cult, and Suzie & the Banshees, mix in a fair helping of melody, crunching guitars and some good doses of electronica, and we have the new record by Theatres Des Vampires for all you Vampires out there to get your teeth into. 'Anima Noir' certainly seems more accessible than earlier releases, and this album deserves recognition worldwide. The cd kicks off with 'Kain' and the pace continues with 'Unspoken Words'. Third one in 'Rain' is The Cult classic. And Theatres Des Vampires have made the song their own..totally awesome stuff. In-fact I cannot fault 'Anima Noir' at all, and it has sure been a pleasant surprise. Check out further the songs 'Dust', 'Blood Addiction' and 'Butterfly' and you will be hitting the repeat button at the end to hear it all again.  Great stuff throughout, and as for the vocals of Sonya Scarlet - lovely!!!! The cd can be bought from the major retailers, so there is no excuse. Get it now! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

GRACE SOLERO..'NEW MOON'

(Wohone Records) Reviewed 12th May 2008

Grace Solero offers up 12 tracks of accoustic driven melodic modern rock, and this record is a very fine effort indeed. I know very little about Grace, but vocally (and powerful vocals they are too), I am sort of reminded of Skunk Anansie, and indeed to a small extent Ayin Aleph and Alanis Morissette aswell. The musicians that make up this band have come from far and wide, and have made London their home. There is not really a filler on 'New Moon', so my advice is to track it down and listen to the excellent tunes and lyrics on the album. You will not be disappointed. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

PAMELA MOORE..'STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM '

(Independent Release) Reviewed 5th May 2008

Pamela Moore was the voice of Sister Mary on the awesome Operation Mindcrime album by those Seattle monsters Queensryche (one of my all time fave bands). And 'Stories From A Blue Room' is a very good effort indeed from the lass, the album featuring Michael Wilton (Queensryche) on the super track 'Take Me Down' and Teri Nunn (Berlin) on 'Get Off (American Way)' and 'Satisfied'. If a mix of electronica/rock/metal is up your alleyway, then this album will be a treat, and it all mixes together very well indeed. Check out the aforementioned 'Get Off (American Way)', 'Satisfied' and the awesome power ballad 'Forever In My Dreams' as proof of the pudding. And boy, this girl sure can sing, powerfully and seductively! Other faves of mine include 'Dive Into Me', 'Deeper' and 'Eyes Wide Open', although I must say there is not a filler on this album. I love the guitars on 'Eyes Wide Open' by the way! This record has no label backing (I have no idea why), but can be obtained from cdbaby. 'Stories From A Blue Room' comes highly recommended from us here at Ravenheart Music! And top notch production by Neil Kernon by the way. 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

SAINTS OF RUIN..'FAIRYTALE'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th May 2008

The Saints Of Ruin are based in San Francisco fronted by Ruby Ruin, and are a band that will take the world by storm. I have the honour of reviewing their 5 track cd 'Fairytale' that the band so kindly sent me. And this is totally awesome melodic gothic metal, and I cannot wait for a full length release. Why? because based on this little gem and if there is any justice, world wide recognition will not be too far away. This mini album will have a broad range of appeal too, appealing to the melodic rock fan out there aswell as the more gothy types. 'Fairytale' kicks off with the ultra catchy 'Inside My Head' (and the song will bounce around inside your head for ages), followed by one of my faves, 'Labyrinth'. The cd ends with the haunting ballad 'All For You'. And before you finish with this review, check the band out at  http://www.myspace.com/saintsofruin . This cd can be purchased from cdbaby.com and is well worth the purchase money, while record labels had better start forming an orderly queue here, to avoid disappointment! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

KAREN STEVER..'PLAYGROUND ISOLATOR'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 4th May 2008

Multi-instrumentalists Karen Stever and Frank Gryner (A Perfect Circle, Rob Zombie) team up to produce this solo record. Raunchy female vocals over a heavy rock/orchestral back-drop. And Karen has one helluva powerful and captivating voice too. 'Playground Isolator' puts the listener through a journey of the pain and persistence of battling one's demons, in a place of loneliness. There are many highlights on this album, kicking off with the awesome 'Sicko', that deals with one's addictions, 'Dream Baby Dream', 'Thanks To Me' and 'Ride Of Your Life' amongst many others. And the tracks merge into one another quite nicely on this release. This is a solid record that can be purchased at cdbaby.com. And I ask, why is this lass unsigned? I wish some label executives would crawl out of their caves and flippin' well wake up! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MIDNATTSOL..'NORDLYS'

(Napalm Records) Reviewed 8th April 2008

Midnattsol's debut 'Where Twilight Dwells' was a good album, but it lacked a certain ooommmpphh in certain departments. But 'Nordlys' is metallic and heavy, propelling this band into the premier league of female fronted metal. Fronted by Carmen Elise Espenaes (sister of Liv Kristin), this Norwegian girl sure knows how to sing, and the lyrics courtesy of the lass too, carry a message focusing on love and nature. Kicking off with the awesome 'Open Your Eyes', 'Nordlys' starts how it means to go on, and rarely lets of the gas throughout. Together with 'Open Your Eyes', the awesome 7 minute + epic and melodic 'Konkylie'is another fave track of mine, on an album that sees yet another great offering served up from the Napalm stable. This album has been described as Norwegian Folk Metal. That just about sums it up really. It's Folk, it's definitely Metal and it's cool! Buy! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

PANIC ROOM..'VISIONARY POSITION'

(Voiceprint) Reviewed 30th March 2008

Panic Room is a new band featuring current and ex members of Karnataka, Mostly Autumn, and Fish's band, and although the music does have progressive elements, it will appeal to a wider audience I would have thought. Their debut cd 'Visionary Position' combines, rock, folk, jazz and world music influences, being another impressive release, that can be found at the softer end of the rock spectrum. And I like this! It kicks off with the 8+ minute ultra catchy 'Elektra City'. It even changes pace midway, to end with a nice bluesy piano interlude to captivate your musical taste buds even further. Anne-Marie Helder (ex Karnataka) is an awesome vocalist, and a lot of the music here could cross over into the mainstream if given the proper support. Okay, it is not metal, but this is good stuff to chill out after a hard day at the office. Second track in, 'Endgame (Speed Of Life)' is another awesome epic running in at over 10 mins. But this cd never becomes boring. We have 8 tracks on offer here, with a running time of 65 minutes. Other highlights are 'Reborn', 'Apocalypstick' and the beautifully titled and rather haunting ' I Wonder What's Keeping My Truelove Tonight'. Basically though, the whole album offers a true sonic experience, and is worthy of ones attention, more so for fans who prefer the softer end of the genre. There is a special edition of this album that can be found at the band's web site, http://www.panicroom.org.uk/. We have posted some tour dates on our tour dates page aswell. But to summarise this release, just buy it! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MATTSON..'DREAM CHILD'

(Lion Music) Reviewed 30th March 2008

'Dream Child' is a fine blend of interesting and deep compositions within great songs, and features new vocalist, Hungarian lass, Adrienn Antal (pictured elsewhere on this site). I like 'Dream Child' a lot. It features Lars Mattsson's intelligent musicianship, while at the same time it is melodic, in places metallic and also progressive. For the more melodic tracks, try 'Coming Home', 'Dream Child' and 'This Is Our Time'. For the more progressive flavoured morsels check out 'See The Dreamer Behold' and 'Heaven And Hell Unite'. 'Moonlight Dream' meanwhile is a nice ballad. This offering from Mattsson is what I would call thinking person's music and is well worth checking out. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MANDRAKE..'MARY CELESTE'

(Greyfall) Reviewed 7th February 2008

The thing I liked with this cd is that despite German band MANDRAKE having some gothic elements, the music is leaning towards metal with heavy guitars and a liberal sprinkling of keys. LACUNA COIL springs to mind in places. The title track talks about the story of the ’Mary Celeste’, that left the harbour of New York in 1872, and some time after this, was found floating around near Gibraltar, totally abandoned. Birgit’s voice is quaint, although I feel it is a little low down in the mix, being drowned out by the guitars on occasion. Nontheless, Mandrake has produced a varied album, from dark and heavy tracks like the near progressive title track, together with 'Adore', up to the more easy listening stuff like 'Masquerade'. Other faves of mine personally being 'Fragile' and 'Solace'. MANDRAKE has the potential here with their fourth album to make the big step forward, let's hope they do. Go check it out! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MAGICA..'THEREAFTER'

(AFM Records) Reviewed 21st December 2007

Here is a band new to me, although I think this may be their second release (?). These bands seem to be creeping outta the woodwork at the moment. That cannot be a bad thing, and you know what, this ain't a bad effort. Magica hail from that mecca of all things rock and roll...Romania! They are fronted by a lass, Ana Mladinovici, and have a keyboards player who calls himself 6 fingers. The guitarist, Bodan Costea is a competent guy, with the whole package being driven on by some tight drumming and bass work. Yep, this is run of the mill power symphonic metal here, nothing new, but it's cool nonetheless. 'No Matter What', 'Entangled', and 'I Remember a Day' are standout tracks in my book, but as I say, the whole package is a damn fine effort. This is a must for fans of the genre, and if you are not, well you won't be reading this anyway! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MACBETH..'SUPERANGELIC HATE BRINGERS'

(Dragonheart/SPV) Reviewed 14th December 2007

Macbeth are from Italy, and there are comparisons on occasion to Lacuana Coil on this cd. However, that cannot be a bad thing. The CD kicks in with the ultra catchy 'Don't Pretend' followed by the equally catchy 'To My Falling Star', both tracks featuring interplay between vocalists Andreas (throaty male vocals) and Morena (angelic female vox). Indeed, coupled with crunching yet melodic guitars and keys, this vocal interplay is a feature throughout the cd. Third track in 'Without You' is one of my faves, as is the Middle Eastern influenced 'Veils'. Actually, most of the stuff on offer here is good value for your hard earnt cash, including last track '(The World) In My Mind'. Ten ultra catchy tracks lasting about 40 mimutes in total. This is Macbeth's fourth cd so I understand, although I admit it is my first foray into their territory. Good stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

3RD ROOM..'FRAME OF MIND'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 3rd December 2007

My friend Molly from ROTT brought this band to my attention. 3rd Room fronted by Khay Lenitas are from Italy, and the band very kindly sent me their 4 track cd, which is a very good showcase for this band's talent. The cd by the way does also offer a video to the track 'In My Room'. I like what is on offer in this tasty little package. This is one for fans of Nightwish and similar, although they do not clone Nightwish by any means. All four tracks here are strong efforts, but I do like the opener 'Falling Leaf'. Music like this again confirms to me how much good music is out there waiting to be snapped up by a label. If only the labels would take the chance and snap it up. Anyway, label or not, this is a pretty good effort and should be checked out by fans of the genre. Visit them at www.myspace.com/enterinmyroom . You know you should! 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TARJA TURUNEN..'MY WINTER'S STORM'

(Vertigo/Universal) Reviewed 24th November 2007

One thing is certain here. Finnish soprano singer Tarja Turunen has the voice of an angel. She may have been sacked from Nightwish, and indeed, I still do find all that shenanigans rather strange. After all, if you was manager of a soccer team, would you sack your star striker? Now onto the music..'My Winter's Storm' is one of the strongest albums you will hear this year! The single and opener 'I Walk Alone' will be one of the best songs you will hear this year too! The album itself mixes rock/metal & classical, merging it all together with Tarja's operatic and emotional vocal approach. More upbeat tracks like 'Die Alive' and the guitar driven 'Ciaran's Well' blend in well with the slower songs like 'Sing For Me' and 'Our Great Divide'. And that's not mentioning the cover of Alice Cooper's 'Poison', that to my ears even has a Queen feel to it. The limited edition version comes with a dvd and has three bonus audio tracks, including two other versions of 'I Walk Alone'. I love this cd, it has it all, and proves to me that female fronted rock and metal is well and truly alive and kicking. A definite must buy for fans of the genre. And if you are not, but you are curious, well buy it anyway, you may like it! 9.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TITTYTWISTERS..'IN THE SILVERY WATERS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 18th November 2007

Dave has given me this cd to review, and this is the sort of music that is right up Aimee Halford's alleyway! The lovely named Tittytwisters is a band from Livorno-Italy. Born from an idea of friends and musicians, they started playing together in the year 2000. Their musical style has evolved over the years becoming more melodic using electronic melodies, together with heavy guitar riffs. Fronted by Ele with male vocals by their bassist Dani, 'In The Silvery Waters' is ok. My only gripe however, is the rather at times annoying screamo vocals by Dani. But I can live with that. 10 trax of heavy gothic melodic mayhem on offer here, with an electronic twist. This album may not get you the first time, but it will eventually! Get it at cdbaby. Not bad at all. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee).

MEGAN MCCAULEY..'BETTER THAN BLOOD'

(Wind Up Records) Reviewed 11th November 2007

I am not 100% sure about the previous releases from this lass. I do however, have a 4 track Wind Up Records sampler of some Megan McCauley material, that I came across a couple of years ago, and that I believe is fetching some high internet prices. Released on the same label as our friends Evanescence, 'Better Than Blood' features three tracks from that sampler EP, plus a further 8 very good modern melodic rock songs. The sort of album Avril Lavigne should have released last time out, but didn't. 'Better Than Blood' is a pretty strong release and is deserving of your attention. Available on US import, and can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk. 8/10. (Reviewed by Dave).

SAGE..'IN VAIN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 9th November 2007

Molly brought this band to my attention. Sage are fronted by Tracey Sage and are a power metal band. This lass they call Tracey has a helluva voice. 'In Vain' is only a 5 tracker that presumaby showcases this band's ability. And that ability ain't bad either. My fave track is the sorta latin influenced 'Graves'. This mcd is worth looking into further via cdbaby, or check them out on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/sage4. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MANZANA..'NOTHING AS WHOLE AS A BROKEN HEART'

(TRC Records/Playground Music) Reviewed 15th Oct 2007

Great title me thinks! Who are Manzana? Well, they are a melodic metal outfit from Finland fronted by Piritta Lumous, and 'Nothing As Whole As A Broken Heart' is a catchy slice of melodic metal. Some good stuff on offer here including opener 'Pain', 'Falling To Pieces' and 'Cripple Heart'. The album is a must if you enjoy Lullacry or HIM. One gripe, it's only 35 minutes long. Come on guys and gal, I want a little bit more for my hard earnt cash next time. Other than that gripe, a half decent effort. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Aimee).

ROTT..'OUT OF TIME'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 11th October 2007

ROTT are from Idaho, and are an awesome outfit fronted by Molly Sirenne. They have just released this little piece of plastic, and what a great piece of plastic this is, featuring slow and mid paced rockers. We have the distinctive and somewhat haunting vocals of Molly, coupled with Dan Profitt's crunching guitar riffs. I myself really love Molly's vocal style, which seems to mix in so well with the music on offer here. There are eleven superb songs, and I immensely enjoy what I hear, with my fave tracks being 'Eternal', 'Clearly Blind', 'Drowning', 'Just Like You' and the foot tapper 'Out Of Time'. I actually woke up one night with 'Out Of Time' swimming around in my head! This cd may take two or three plays before it hits you, but it is worth it when it does. Rott are yet another independent band that has blown me away, and it shames me to think that a band like this can remain unsigned. However, Molly informs me that Rott may be attracting interest from a London based label, with another label in Greece keen on this band too. If you like Lacuna Coil and similar female fronted bands, plus may be Tool aswell, then check this out. It can be purchased at cdbaby.com. Also for band info..catch them at www.myspace.com/rottband and www.rottband.com . Roll on the next album. Meanwhile, I have said it before and I will say it again..support independent female fronted rock/metal. BUY!..8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

DOLORES O'RIORDAN..'ARE YOU LISTENING?'

(Sanctuary Records) Reviewed 11th October 2007

This cd by the former Cranberries singer is a tasty morsal of pop rock. Just listen to opener 'Ordinary Day', and then 'When We Were Young' and 'Human Spirit' for the simple proof. 'Stay With Me' is a slow accoustic based song that builds into a guitar based heavy sorta chorus, while 'Apple Of My Eye' is a tasty ballad. This girl can rock too, 'October' being a fave track of mine, this song bearing similarities to my ears musically to U2. Although there was no disputing they was good, The Cranberries never quite hit the spot with me. Tell you what though...this cd does. Great stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

RELAY..'CIRCUIT BREAKER'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

This cd has just drifted my way. And am I glad it did! Relay can trace their beginnings back to 1975, and are from my old hunting ground of Essex. They so happen to be a very good AOR/melodic hard rock band, with the 21st century version of this band fronted by Alison Taffs. If you like no nonsense, no frills melodic hard rock, then Relay is for you. Awesome vocals by the way too. Kicking off with 'Bankrupt Heart' it is obvious what path 'Circuit Breaker' will tread. And I like it! And the ballads on the album, check out the power ballads 'All For You' and 'Love and Desire' as corking examples of this genre. If that is not enough, just listen to the 70's vibe on 'Liar'. Further faves are 'Lost City', 'New Sensation', 'Danger Zone' and 'Free' . This album is another example of fine female fronted rock with an excellent production, which again gets me asking the question I ask of many awsome unsigned bands..why are they not signed? I got into this genre of music years ago because of bands like this. Absolutely essential for lovers of this type of music! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TRAUMA PET..'YOU CANNOT FEEL THIS'

(Line Out Records) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

Trauma Pet are a four piece dark electro rock band from the UK. And a good cd they have given us here too. Not for the metal heads out there. But if you like your music with an electro poppier edge with loads of atmosphere, then check out Trauma Pet. The songs are strong, catchy and very danceable. And couple all that with the seductive and angelic vocals of Eleanor Scerri, and you know you are onto a winner! I could even imagine some of this material being played in the clubs - probably is, should be!!. Ravenheart's Rebecca brought this band to my attention, and I am glad she did. I like all types of music, this included. A very moving and very good 40 minutes of melodic electro pop. Great stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

PASSIONWORKS..'BLUEPLAY'

(Golden Core Import) Reviewed 28th Sept 2007

Passionworks are fronted by Harry (Harriet) Hagglund and come from Finland. And there is some very good stuff coming from that neck of the woods. And this cd is no exception. Harriet it seems is not just a pretty face. She is also involved in the songwriting, the production and even keyboards on some tracks too. This is a strong melodic release. I notice that this cd is being labelled as female fronted gothic rock. Okay, there are subtle similarities to a female fronted HIM in places. However, let's forget the word gothic here. Too many female fronted acts get shoved into the gothic stable, by virtue of the fact they are female fronted. I would call this cd female fronted melodic rock. And yep, I do like it, some good material here. Check out the tracks 'Flying', the title track 'Blue Play', 'The Swallow', 'Liar', the single 'Falling' and final track 'Sad' as proof of the pudding. This is a well recommended release. It took a time to reach us here, but it was worth the wait. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MADRON..'OUT OF NOWHERE'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th Sept 2007

My mate Becky asked me if I had heard of Mad Ron (Madron). To which I told her that I thought he had been locked up. Anyway, seriously, Madron have come out of nowhere (!), and offer another solid independent release, and from the UK too. They are fronted by the distinctive vocal style of Nicky Gilbert. This cd (their second) so happens to be very addictive, kicking off with the rocky 'Out Of Nowhere' followed by the equally as good and very catchy 'Why'. Listening to just the first two tracks, it becomes obvious we have a helluva band on our hands here. 'Heavens End' is another catchy monster, while 'Hush' slows it down a bit. 'Voices' so happens to be an addictive track too, and one that wouldn't be out of place in the clubs. Madron II (The Quest) is as epic as the title suggests, while the remainder of the album carries on the good work. As I have said before, and I will continue to say it, there is an awful lot of GOOD unsigned talent out there. Check them out on myspace, and order the cd. Impressive stuff! 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

SKYTAH..'GYPSY MENTALITY'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th Sept 2007

This album is a pleasant surprise. Adrienn Pastzor's powerful vocals remind me in places of Anneke Van Giersbergen, formerly of The Gathering. But there again, like The Gathering, Skytah is from that rock mecca they call Holland. This cd is a mix of mid paced and slower accoustic based tracks, although with some strong electric guitar work aswell by Ben Humpig. Just listen to the awesome title track...I hear Boston influences there. The momentum is carried through 'I'm Not' and one of my favourites 'Chi-Flow'. Ben Humpig (who so kindly got this cd to me) it seems is a pretty decent guitarist by all accounts. The album varies in pace throughout, with the slower 'Iron Solace', the reggae influenced 'Liberation' and the rockier Te Vagy Nekem being other faves of mine. I do very much like this cd. It may not be one for you 100% metal heads out there, but it is yet another strong independent rock release, together with a decent production. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

NIGHTWISH..'DARK PASSION PLAY'

(Nuclear Blast) Reviewed 3rd Sept 2007

The new era Nightwish is here, featuring the heavenly voice of Anette Olzon. Let's do away with the formalities. So what about this new album then? Well it kicks off with 'The Poet and the Pendulum'. A near 14 minute epic track of grand proportions. This is cinematic, pompous, operatic, epic, melodic and has just about everything including the kitchen sink. Totally mind blowing stuff - and this is just track one! 'Bye Bye Beautiful' follows and bounces along quite nicely, featuring the vocals of both Anette and bassist Marco. The awesome factor so far is high, very high. And then we have 'Amaranth'. This song is near perfection! Thereafter, there is absolutely no let up, track after track of superb craftmanship, with Anette proving how well she fits into the Nightwish fold. We won't go into every track in detail, but in short, this album is an epic, cinematic, gothy, beautiful melodic metal release. Fave tracks - they ALL are, but check out, the aforementioned 'The Poet and the Pendulum', 'Amaranth', 'Eva', the AOR ish 'For The Heart I once Had', 'Meadows of Heaven'...hell, the list goes on. Just buy the album for f**ks sake when it's released. Excellent music is not only to be heard, it is to be felt and to be experienced. This is the sound of Nightwish reborn. To put it quite simply, 'Dark Passion Play' is a complete and utter masterpiece. A MUST BUY! 10/10 (Reviewed by Dave&Aimee).

MOJAVE..'STORIES'

(Download only) Reviewed 21st August 2007

When Ravenheart Music was born, one of the first bands I came across was Canadian hard rock outfit DAMSEL FLY. Their debut cd 'WHAT LIES BENEATH' is a melodic masterpiece, and it blew me away. There has been subsequent dialogue with Lisa their singer, who seems a very nice down to earth gal! Now moving on...Mojave originally began with the two founding members, Lisa and Paul (Black Canvas) meeting for the first time, not realizing that the journey, their story, was being written. And what began as two Vancouver hard rock bands (Damsel Fly and Black Canvas), paved the road for MOJAVE – just as intense, but without distortion. They jumped at the chance to try something new, something that had no musical boundaries. Mojave's debut cd 'STORIES' is an unplugged effort...stripped to the bones to reveal something like I have never heard before. This effort by MOJAVE is awesome. OK, it is not one for you metal heads out there. But to wind down after a hard day at work, and to soak yourself in the atmosphere and the emotion of the music and the lyrics, knowing that you have been blessed with life - well what more can I say? The cd kicks off with 'Faultline', one of my favourite songs on the cd, while the cool 'Light's Out' is a duet between Lisa and Paul. 'Not Obsessive', another good one is sung by Paul himself, while further faves of mine are 'Unbroken' and 'The End Of Heartache' (a Killswitch Engage cover). 'Old Dale Road' is an instrumental which connects 'One Will Fall' and 'The End Of Heartache' towards the end of the album. Furthermore, Mojave will be releasing their debut album in digital format only. Why? every month more than 100,000 lbs of CDs become unwanted and end up in landfills. Billions of CDs are purchased every year, eventually getting thrown out – they are not recyclable or biodegradable and are made from toxic materials. Mojave has made a decision to leave the planet the way we found it (or possibly better), so more stories can be told. It is a pity some of our political leaders do not feel the same way! I do love this cd, Lisa's voice has never sounded better, and we have every track bearing fruit it's own little story. The album will be available soon on itunes and other online stores. Meanwhile, check out http://www.mojavemusic.ca/ You know you should. This is a strong effort indeed!! 8.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

NEMESEA..'IN CONTROL'

(Sellaband) Reviewed 19th August 2007

I do not know what the Scandinavians and the Dutch put in their water, but there sure is a vast array of decent bands coming from that part of the world. NEMESEA appeared on the scene a couple of years or so ago with their debut opus MANA. This cd was a strong operatic gothic metal album, not too disimilar to Nightwish in places. In-fact, being a Nightwish fan, I enjoyed that cd very much. And then I heard about NEMESEA recording a new album. Obviously, I was interested in hearing the new material. Now, let's get something straight here. Anybody reading this review that is expecting and wants MANA mark two, I am afraid they are not going to get it. I am though bowled over by the new cd. I would call it electro rock/metal, with the odd touch of techno for good measure. I like all types of music, and I never get stuck in a rut. I myself love 'IN CONTROL'. OK, it is totally different to the debut, but the potential for the album is enormous, even over here in the UK, if it was pushed in the right directions. It is only 34 minutes long though, comprising 10 tracks, but I believe in quality not quantity, so I do not have a problem with that. Favourite tracks are a plenty, but I particularly like seventh track in, 'BELIEVE'. Any open minded person should check this album out. It is a strong release! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

REISM..'LIFESTYLE PRODUCT'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th August 2007

REISM are a Liverpool based band fronted by a Norwegian Lass called Kirsten. I have seen a review of some Reism material in an English Rock Zine, but it seems the review referred to a 12 minute EP by this band. I actually have the full length CD, This is a another independent band worthy of one's attention, and this is a good effort. I read the Powerplay review as suggesting that Reism sound like Evanescence. Cannot quite see it myself, but it seems all female fronted bands pick up these Evanescence comparisons. That puzzles me a wee bit. Back to the cd in question. 'Lifestyle Product' is gothic rock/metal with electronic elements. The cd plods along with 'Nothing to Lose' being a good un, with a heavy guitar 'bit' in the middle. I also enjoyed 'Burn Brighter', which reminds me a little in places of Avril Lavigne, 'Waiting' and 'Any Other Way. In-fact I find Kirsten's voice quite captivating throughout. Reism is another good gothic indie band worthy of your support. It's an 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

TEMUJIN..'1000 TEARS'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 7th August 2007

Temujin is a gothic metal band from Australia. An independently produced cd, which I have quite taken a fancy too. The band being founded by Karl Lean, who was with an Aussie band called 'Nothing Sacred'. In 2004 Karl began solo writing of new material. With several arrangements underway, the next step was finding a vocalist with the sound and style to complement the music. A single session with the angelic sounding Kelly was all it took to confirm that something rare was taking shape. The arrival of Kelly instantly transformed the songs under development. Working from a collection of 25 completed arrangements, the final track listing of 13 songs was chosen for the debut CD "1000 Tears". And these atmospheric sounding songs are very good too. It is a real pleasure when something like this arrives at Ravenheart Towers. Please visit their myspace site at http://www.myspace.com/temujin1, and as I have said numerous times before, support a band that are unsigned and that fully deserve your attention. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

THE PENNIES..'THIS WORLD UNKNOWN'

(Independent Release) Reviewed 26th July 2007

This mini cd by The Pennies has taken me totally by storm. The story goes like this. I received a friends request on our myspace site from an unknown band (to me anyway) called The Pennies. I accept, go to their page at http://www.myspace.com/thepennies and listen to what they have on offer. I promptly order this cd. 5 tracks and nearly 30 mins of music. Penny sounds a little like Dido to my ears, particularly on 'Shine Within Sadness'. And that is not a bad thing. In-fact Penny has one hell of a voice. I like the whole of this cd. It's rock, laid back but not too laid back. I reckon given the right exposure, The Pennies would go down well here in the UK. Listening to the cd, I can imagine myself at a rain soaked Glastonbury, with The Pennies on stage. The independent music scene has some awesome artists if you look. PLEASE support this band. 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

MARION RAVEN..'SET ME FREE'

(Eleven Seven Music) Reviewed 29th June 2007

With names like Niki Sixx (Motley Crue), Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace) and Art Alexakis (Everclear) amonsgt others involved with this recording, it becomes blatantly obvious that this Cd has to be worthy of a listen. And yep it is. Norwegian lass Marion Raven has produced an interesting slab of modern melodic rock here. The title track 'Set Me Free' gets the cd away in rockin' fashion, quickly followed by 'Falling Away'. And basically, the album rarely let's up. And seventh track in 'Break You', is the sort of tune Avril Lavigne should have recorded for her latest effort. 'Set Me Free' tapers away a wee bit towards the end, but this is a very good recording nonetheless. 8/10 (Reviewed by Dave).

XANDRIA..'SALOME AND THE SEVENTH VEIL'

(Drakkar) Reviewed 1st June 2007

This year seems to be producing some superb female fronted releases. Sirenia, then the awesome Within Temptation opus, and now this from our buddies Xandria. I admit I have liked Xandria from their very first cd. And every one seems to get better. I thought their last offering 'India' was going to prove a difficult one to better, but yep, Xandria have produced a cd that I think does better it. 'Salome The Seventh Veil' is a very good cd indeed. It kicks of with the catchy 'Save My Life', that has an intro that reminds me a little of Sirenia (Nine Destinies And A Downfall). And the album just seems to get better from then on, with some far eastern influences creeping in from time to time. That is of no surprise considering the album's title! Track 5, 'Salome' reminds me of the Xandria of old, which is followed swiftly by the up tempo 'Only For The Stars In Your Eyes'. Thereafter, the cd seems to remain up tempo, with the exception of the rather lovely 'The Wind And The Ocean'. There are some great tracks taking us to the end of the cd, including the ultra catchy 'Sleeping Dogs Lie'. I cannot stop playing this album, which offers 48 mins + of gothic metal. Any fan of female fronted rock and metal will lap this up. The album has a great production by the band itself. It's already out in Europe, and it gets released in the UK on June 11th. Go and buy! 9/10 (Reviewed by Dave).