I have been a fan of Amanda Somerville ever since she appeared on my radar. Mainly perceived as a background singer at first. This when starting to review Epica‘s tribulations in The Phantom Agony. Then her other talents and projects came to light. Such as the Kiske/Somerville records that have brought her some considerable fame. And here she is with her own production and début album Alloy‘of her gig ‘Trillium‘.
So, excitement reigned and I could not wait to listen to this new record. Looking at the excellent album art and some samples found on YouTube – expectations running high. But – hells bells – whilst attempting to place itself in the Gothic Metal arena (without growls, much to my relief..), Alloy really bends towards a rocky version of the Pop Metal universe (I am leaning far out the window here..).… Got hooked? Raid this some more...
Screech! Angela Gossow in full form and going strong, like an angry cheetah. Expertly delivering Melodic Death Metal at its best really is the specialty of Arch Enemy. And it just blasts you out of your reverie into paying attention of what is going on in your earphones.
I have no idea where all these mediocre reviews come from I tortured myself reading. And why the fuck I did this to myself is beyond me. The 2011 album A World So Cold from the Austrian band Illuminata is simply refreshing. Perhaps apart from the bodged intro that just wants to make you scream and kick the walls, that is. 
Ah, yes! Sleepless music for the sleepless, made by the Sleepless Ones from Finland on their newest One for Sorrow. And from where else? The land of eternal night. A bit subdued, I would say, but still trademark Insomnium fare. 