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Weinhold: Below The Line
Weinhold - Below The Line - [Armageddon Music]

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



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