Just when you thought the genre might have run out of ideas and quality, something like this comes along. If you like this sort of music and want more; then check out Delain you won't be sorry.
Indigo Dying: s/t
Take the sensibility of the modern female-vocals led metal scene and combine it with the attitude and fun of the female heavy rock of the 80s to get something close to ID. There is none of the cheesiness that occasionally creeped in back then. However there are hints of Saraya, Heart, and even Baby Animals. Gisa Vatsky who has worked with a whole myriad of pop and heavy rock heavyweights. Clearly she can lend her voice to whatever she damn well pleases and pull it off. Whether passionate hard rock/AOR with an occasional drift into country ("Taken" could be a huge country hit) or full force metal this woman has the pipes to deliver. Mike Kiske and Mark Boals show up to lend some heavy rock male vocals on three duet tracks.
You will have no doubt why this woman has worked with everyone from Placido Domingo to Enrique Iglesias. Oh yes, in addition to amazing voice the song-writing is quite good as well. In the right hands, there are at least three songs on here that could be hits. "All I Ever Wwanted" and "Go" spring immediately to mind. On "Go" Vatsky sings like Gloria Estefan at her best. This is a quality heavy rock album that ticks all the boxes and delivers in spades.
Sandalinas: Fly to the Sun
With this name you won't be too surprised to hear that there is some Spanish singing on this rather good heavy rock album. Band leader and namesake has a good pedigree to boot. They attended Spain's version of the Berklee College of Music (where Dream Theater met), but don't let that put you off. This isn't over-indulgent musicianship but rather quality. Not at all proggy in fact; falling far more into the metal category. "Fly to the Angels" has a distinctive touch of Helloween-esque power metal.
There is a cover by Derek Riggs, with appearances from members of Savatage and King Diamond to name a couple. This guy is one of Spain's best regarded guitarists and it's clear to see why on here. Europe is producing quite a bit of heavy rock these days and this album is no exception. A varied album delivered with equal amounts of ability goes a long way.
Article comments
1 - The TuneFreak
Marty-I'm a HUGE Porcupine Tree fan and had never checked out Blackfield, but I'm gonna grab both disc's-thanks for selling me on 'em. Good Luck with the chemo-hang tough and NEVER give up...
P's,
Mike