Within Temptation: Silent Force

I have been reading quite a bit about this lot in the press but had never heard anything of theirs until this CD fell into my lap. Bloody hell what was I missing! The whole CD is amazingly good combining goth, symphonic, and metal touches with the frankly amazing female voice at the front and a stonking band. Think a more metal HIM with a female singer and you might come close to this. This CD rather dumps all over Evanescence and would give Nightwish a good run for their money.

Songs like the hit single "Stand my Ground" and the frankly amazing "Angels" which follows the cracking "Jillian" just shows you how much talent this lot have going for them. Amazing stuff from an amazing band; Ms Lee and the new look Nightwish have a lot to prove next time out; that is for damn sure.

Iron Maiden: Matter of Life & Death

Iron Maiden have released yet another album that is declared by some their best for 20 years while others, yeah that means you Mr Popoff, have found it to be lacking. I sincerely believe this is their best release since Seventh Son (originally proposed by my mate Rob) and furthermore has marked their complete surrender to their numerous prog influences. They have released an excellent value edition which contains a 60 minute documentary filmed and recorded by the album's producer via video camera.

The band seemed relaxed and pleased with not only what the band has produced but more crucially how it was produced. It was one of the quickest sessions for the band which helps the CD retain a live feel. The bonus disc also includes the videos for the first single "The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg" and for "Different World."

This is solid album through and through but my personal favorite track, lyrically especially, has to be the truly awesome "These Colours Don't Run." This is the best thing Dickinson has been involved with since "Chemical Wedding" and shows that Harris has let him run with his healthy imaginative writing style. If you have not bought an Iron Maiden for a very long time; then this is one to get. It is really that good. And as with most, Blaze Baily era-exepted, Iron Maiden albums, it only gets better with repeated plays.

With a bit of time on my hands I have finally gotten a bit of PR out the door for the new EP. More importantly over the last week or so I have discovered my betrothed has a voice that can match that of the best Goth female singers around which gives me a whole bunch of interesting ideas songwriting wise. Let's put it this way; she is able to sing Tarja's parts with ease. Colour me blown away.

Well that is your lot for this week. Much of it tilts on the heavy side but not without lashing of emotion and sincerity. Next week reviews including the much-hyped new Mastadon album and most probably the new one from Evanescence together with whatever else has landed on my doormat.