Reviews
2006-09-16
Ex Zed Yago/Velvet Viper female vocalist Jutta Weinhold's second solo release is proof that not all female led metal album have to be Nightwish clones, in a metal scene dominated by male vocalists, Weinhold succeeds in creating a traditional melodic metal album that features here very distinct vocals.
One thing about Weinhold's voice, its very much a love-it or hate-it affair, strong and quite low pitched, she has a very dramatic presence that might not go down well with some metal fans, but I think the album's overall dramatic theme sits in well with her voice. The great sound and musicianship on the album is an added bonus, it does feel a bit over varied in parts, but most of the material is good enough to cover that fact.
The two opening tracks are some of the best here, heavy, mid-paced metal anthems with strong hooks, especially the opener – Storyteller. Eternity, the third track, is more of a traditional ballad with some American rock leanings, which I didn't like as much. Fair Is Foul – Foul Is Fair may not be the world's best track name, but its good melodic Euro-metal, some solid hooks here as well.
Nothing To Lose keeps on the album's dark vibe with a very minimalist tune, It didn't work for me, So I was happy to hear the next one – Gift Of Fantasy, another almost 80's flavored heavy track.
There's a good reason why Weinhold is a highly regarded vocalist, and this album is good fun for melodic metal fans, there is some excess fat on it, but overall it works well.
Alon Miasnikov
