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Edenbridge are a female fronted band from Austria and
this is their 5th full length album. Take a look at the cover
and you will know what to expect: epic, symphonic metal with
fantastic lyrical themes and big production. I have always
bought all of this band's releases, and they never disappoint.
This is different from the recent, more popular bands like
Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, etc. in that Edenbridge eschew the
harder edged power sound for a much more symphonic and grand
approach that seems more.... "progressive" I suppose. The
fantasy element always seems higher to me also with this band.
Much more keyboard-heavy as well - keys permeate the music
in back and foregrounds.
Guitarist/keyboardist/chief composer Lanvall (of Gandalf
fame) writes the music and is the standout musician here.
His solos are very well crafted - you can tell he is not simply
going through the scales as there is an intelligence to the
soloing with this band that usually will result in your jaw
dropping. Sabine's voice is one of my favorites - for some
reason it seems very soothing to me and not at all jarring
ike some female vocalists in this genre can be. Her voice
glides along with the music.
The problem with this band is the same problem I have
with Ozric Tentacles (although they sound nothing alike).
Every album is the same. You could put all 5 on shuffle and
have no idea which album a particular song came from. I suppose
this isn't such a bad thing (I also complain when bands change
their sound). The thing is - the melodies on each album sound
similar too - it is one thing to write in the same style with
different sounding songs - quite another to change genres
(which is when I usually begin complaining). No worries of
genre changing here - but also no worries of any new ideas
within the same style.
So to fans of the band - will you find anything different
here? Not much. They seem to be using more of a Queen approach
with some layering of vocals from time to time (Terra Nova
for example). The production may also be a bit better than
on their earlier albums. That is about it, however. If you
own any of their albums and like them - then you will like
this release. Solid album.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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