2005-07-09
The last few years have seen a growing number of bands built on the combination of classical oriented power metal, with female vocals.
Nightwish may have brought the style into the international l arena, but bands such as Epica are the ones that create the most interest these days.
I have Uri from Israeli metal legends Orphaned Land to thank for this band, which he came to know during a tour in the Netherlands.
Nemesea are not one inch lesser then Epica, or any other band operating in this highly melodic genre.
Their brand of heavily symphonic metal, almost Therion like at times, combined with a stellar performance by vocalist Manda Ophuis, brings forth one of the better symphonic albums I've heard in quite a while.
Starting off with the short and mood setting, Genesis, the band burst into Threefold Law and immediately establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with,
Sound is very clear, certainly much better then one would expect from an unknown band on an unknown label, another surprise is the richness and capacity of the classical instruments and vocal choir, giving the music a very adult and well-built flavor.
Songs such as Angel In The Dark are definite winners, immediately catchy and recognizable , with Manda giving some amazing vocal performances, never shying away from new and interesting vocal approaches and colorful passages, she is no less a singer then vocalists for such bands as After Forever and Epica.
The band deserves a good distribution deal, one which will make them an household name in the symphonic metal oriented circuits, judging by this album, they are destined for greater things.
Alon Miasnikov
