Diabulus in Musica – The Wanderer (2012) – Review

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At first sight, the Spanish band Diabulus in Musica sounds like yet another upstart in the Gothic / Symphonic Metal genre. Albeit a very talented one, judging by  The Wanderer, their newest concoction.

The name of the band derives from the famous tritone that was banned by the Catholic church to be used in their heavenly concoctions. Or devilish things will happen to the congregation. Like The Goat that will make an appearance on the unsuspecting churchgoers or something.

It really sounds like we got new guys on the block, right?

Well kind of – and after their first [...] Click to raid more!

Xandria – Ravenheart (2004) – Review

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The first time I came across Xandria was via their second album Ravenheart. Not sure what really got my interest going, to be honest. It probably was the unique style that this band displayed at that time.

A German outfit, rocking in a somewhat delirious and somewhat poppy brand of Gothic and Melodic Metal. And – on top – these boys and girls provided a much-needed counterweight to other upcoming bands like Within Temptation back then.

Their style – or more their interesting mix of styles – is somewhat addictive and has this tendency to grow on you. For sure, they were not groundbreakers … [...] Click to raid more!

Delain – Lucidity (2006) – Review

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Lucidity is the first time the Dutch boys and girls of Delain really started to manifest themselves. And – WHAM – they produce something this good and with their very own brand. This is astonishing in a way, and yet again not surprising.

The band was founded by Martijn Westerholt back in 2002, who – I am told – had to leave Within Temptation after Mother Earth for health reasons. Most definitely, the change has been a good thing. And – as the saying goes – sometimes things seem to happen for a reason.  

As of the first track [...] Click to raid more!

Within Temptation – The Silent Force (2004) – Review

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The album The Silent Force is a cool one, following Mother Earth in spirit, if not in sound. Albeit that the whole concoction comes across as a bit softer and more … mainstream.

Within Temptation have crafted a great 3rd studio album with The Silent Force that will hook you right from the beginning.

Some voices indicate that the metal is lacking (true), that Within Temptation has strayed from the true path of Gothic Rock to something more melodic (also true). And that they only did this to attract new fans (me, for example, so partly true). For the rest [...] Click to raid more!