It is a concept that looks fantastic on paper.
Michael Kiske (former
Helloween singer, and currently smooth coating Place Vendrome into
AOR superstardom) and Amanda Somerville (most recognized from Kamelot's "The Haunting" track from "The Black Halo") teaming up for an entire album of duets. But not only would these be duets, these songs would be written by Magnus Karlsson (songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire) and bassist Mat
Sinner (Primal Fear). What a glorious idea... or is it?
Kiske has a hauntingly smooth voice. It is the melty butter on toast while Amanda is the whispered feeling of
midnight rain. They seem too suited for each other,
Kiske's light delivery does not have the masculine counterpoint that would pair up with Somerville to perfection, however on a few tracks they seem to be completely in synch, as if they had sung together for a million years. The songs are tailored to make way for the vocal assault, but also slip in some trademark catchy riffs that Karlsson is known for and the thumping bass of
Sinner. It is a showcase of singing talent, but with those two helming the actual crafting of the cd, you are reassured it is not going to skimp out on you musically. There are plenty of slick riffs and interesting instrument selections as they borrow from a wide array of metal/rock subgenres. These little nuances add an additional depth to the music.
"Silence" is the centerpiece that is attracting the majority of attention. A gorgeous orchestrated musical landscape with a mixture of effects give it a modern power-rock ballad feel.
Kiske hits those lovely falsetto notes as in Place Vendome, and most importantly, the song pours on the dramatic verse trading thickly, and is a lush breeding ground for raw emotion.
"End of the Road" fills the typical ballad slot, voices blending and playing off other like fire and ice. Don't forget the twittering wind instruments and the prettily rounded guitar solo that pierces the heart while more traditional strings surround the soul.
"Nothing Left to Say" cracks the album wide open, thick riffs and Michael taking the vocal lead, Amanda spreading her wings in the role of his supporting actress. They blend together here beautifully in the metallic structured rock track.
The female rock voice comes out to play for
"If I Had a Wish", showing her range and belting power. "
Devil In Her Heart" also cranks it, a flexible European metal track that flaunts a big rounded chorus and modern brushes given with a broad stroke.
"Rain" has another huge chorus, slotted into a straight up rock track. Magnus' pulsating guitar riffs are the cream in the coffee here. The touch of distortion added to the six string sound allows the song to close up shop on a modern-esque note.
"Don't Walk Away" catches you in an instant and wraps the listener around its pop metal sensibilities and delightfully bright and sun shining chorus. Amanda's breathless
"you touched my lonely soul" gives off this angelic feel that seals the deal on this candy-happy ode to joy. The complete opposite is the album closer (and bonus track)
"Set a Fire", that is as heavy as lead. An aggressive, vicious assault that has some creepy goth-like moments. The darkness licked thunder comes off in a power metal feel with a dark hearted slice of progressive for dessert.
Michael Kiske and Amanda Somerville have a great album to add to their resume with this
Kiske/Somerville collaboration. The song variety is commendable, as it allows the listener to experience a variety of settings to show off the vocal talents. It is an instant purchase for fans of
Kiske, Karlsson or
Sinner's work but it deserves a glance from every metal fan as there is likely something here that will please you.
Written by
Alanna Monday, August 23, 2010
Show all reviews by AlannaRatingsAlanna: 8/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
This article has been shown 3841 times. Go to the
complete list.
