2004-02-12
I have to admit that usually I’m not exactly a big a fan of gothic music, even when having metallic elements.
That is why Xandria’s debut album was such a pleasant surprise.
The album’s cover does not give away its chosen genre, a somewhat expressionistic piece depicting an upper torso, in hues of red, but straight out of the opening track “Kill the Sun”
It becomes evident that the direction is distortion draped Goth music.
The difference between Xandria and many other, lesser bands is in the uncompromising musical quality and with their biggest advantage being the vocalist. Lisa.
Her angelic voice can lighten up any music, but here it sits especially well, a soft, emotion filled voice, reminiscent in times of Nightwish’s vocals, but even though she lacks Nightwish’s
Vocal range, she more than makes up for it in the amount of feeling she is able to convey.
Lisa can touch the finer points, which Nightwish’s grandiose voice cannot hope to reach.
The song writing is another strong façade of the band, metallic riffs, tinged with darkish keyboards, combined with not overly complicated songs, makes for an enjoyable listening experience.
The title song “Kill The Sun” relies at first solely on Lisa’s voice, but gathers its own momentum as it progresses, “Mermaids” is Goth at its best, a relatively fast pace, a clear chorus, one of the album’s finer tracks.
“She’s Nirvana” leaves a bit to be desired, the male vocals are sub-par and downgrade the song slightly, but since its middle section, things pick up and Lisa’s vocals carry it through as an over whole good track.
The Production is impeccable, crystal clear, and I can honestly say that the album is recommended not just to Goth fans, but also to a much wider audience.
Alon Miasnikov
