Nuclear Blast
Symphonic Metal
Release Date – January 13th 2023
Line Up:
Jennifer Haben – Vocals
Tobi Lordes – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Chris Hermsdorfer – Guitars/Backing Vocals
Kai Tschierschky – Drums
Track List:
1 – Is There Anybody Out There
2 – Reincarnation
3 – Free Me
4 – Winter Is Coming
5 – Into The Light
6 – Wide Awake
7 – Dancing In The Dark
8 – Raise Your Head
9 – Not In Our Name
10 – I Remember Dying
Here we go with some symphonic metal from Germany’s Beyond The Black who are steadily climbing the ladder and heading towards the likes of Nightwish etc.
Kicking off with some excellent metal on ‘Is There Anybody Out There’ things get kind of Celtic on ‘Reincarnation’ and just shows what a fine voice Jennifer Haben has. ‘Free Me’ gets the acoustics out for a folky renaissance style and a heavy chug backing. The multi-layered Haben rises and falls wonderfully over all the sounds which develop and progress into a huge climax. ‘Winter Is Coming’ races along on a fabulous riff before it settles into a melodic metal gem then things get darker on ‘Into The Light’ (eh?) which will get the fists pumping no doubt and the crowd joining on the chorus. ‘Wide Awake’ has the acoustics out again for a stunning ballad which builds into a tour de force before ‘Dancing In The Dark’ takes over on a tribal rhythm and prepares you for battle. ‘Raise Your Head’ is another call to arms before ‘Not In Our Name’ gets us rockin’ on a heavy groover complete with some gruff backing vocals. Final cut ‘I Remember Dying’ is a haunting ballad that again builds to a wonderful climax.
Of the symphonic metal I have heard – which gets a bit samey for me – this is at the top of the tree. Haben has a truly wonderful voice and shows her full range here. Musically the band is totally together with some superb riffs and excellent melodies all given a huge, lush production. I’ve said this already – 2023 is already looking like a great year for music and this is another to add to the list.
Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Smudge
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