If you aren’t aware of Arjen Lucassen’s project called Star One, you need to change that. His version of Progressive Metal has been an engaging effort over the course of three albums starting with Space Metal. Lucassen has developed a certain recognizable sound while enlisting the skills of a variety of vocalists. Here on Revel in Time, Star One has gone another step.
Continue reading “Star One – Revel in Time”
Today is officially Earth Day. While we go about our daily lives in an everyday routine, that doesn’t mean that our genre of music can’t spread awareness, for whatever that cause may be. The track, Equally Destructive from Dutch Power/Progressive/Symphonic act After Forever has been one of my all time favorite lyrical tracks for a while now and every time I watch this video, I get more and more inclined to do something about what’s going on in our world. Maybe you’re not sick of whats going on or too blind to see it, but I for one have been growing pretty tired and annoyed with what our world have been going through lately. We are just a part of this machine and its endless stream. I’m not trying to instigate a speech but in honor of the holiday, I really felt this video should be shared. On the more metal side of things, the group was fronted by famous lead frontwoman, Floor Jansen. I say was because the group is no more as they disbanded and broke up in 2009, which the group lasted for about 14 years. More artists really need to push issues that are influencing and changing our society all over the world not just on this side of the world. Theres some out there that do, but not enough, anyway I’ll keep it short and let you enjoy the track. Keep spreading awareness! Stay Metal m/
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhyTr9xKx04[/tube]
There comes a point where we all enter new eras and new chapters in our lives. Of course I am also describing the newest album from metal legends, Nightwish, and their latest album titled, Endless Forms Most Beautiful. After hearing this album, the group’s musicianship has matured vastly. With new lead front woman Floor Jansen and new drummer Kai Hahto, their refreshing take on symphonic metal has defined the group in a new light, one that will propel them to even further heights. Astonishing composure, vastly structured tracks, captivating moments throughout the album that are just oh so memorable, this is perhaps the group’s best album to date! Elements from their past album do make light appearances, being a hardcore fan, it was hard not to notice it. In fact, this album really puts the group in a whole new level of metal, this is not typical Nightwish folks, this is a new direction the group is taking, which is absolutely phenomenal. For those who were discouraged with the artistic and light track, Elan, don’t fret, this album gets genuinely heavy throughout and really took me by surprise.
The first two tracks bring in intense affairs, with high energy and anthemic choruses. Shudder Before The Beautiful, specifically is very speed driven and really active with some unexpected keytar/keyboard talent from Mr. Tuomas Holopainen. The hard hitting breakdown later on, boy what an opening track! If that wasn’t enough to get your dark adrenaline pumping, the proceeding track probably will. Weak Fantasy, comes with a more sinister edge to it, really bringing a message to the forefront. Rigorous Nightwish riffs, propelling drums and Floor Jansen’s vocals more direct and strong than usual this track, one of the recommended tracks of the album. Heck even the choirs and symphonic aspect is heavily present which make in impact on the listener. If you didn’t check out the released single, Élan, get on it! It’s been out for not to long now, and invokes a more artistic feel as the group decided to show off a more personal side to their music. Is it heavy? No, but sends out a deep message with it’s more folk inspired sound overall.
While the first two openers were pretty hard hitting, Yours Is An Empty Hope, is hands down even heavier. A huge symphonic presense throughout, the track gave me goosebumps overall. I’m sure the group intended to show off a darker side to them on this one. Floor’s screaming chants later on combined with the headbanging drums made me want to mosh, this is a perfect track to play live. My Walden, brings back their special folk side. The progression is pleasing and the chorus is undoubtedly bold and strong. Towards the end of the track, the group comes together to play a special folk set that is pretty enticing and endearing. Continuing the tamer and vocally stronger set of tracks, Edema Ruh, taps on the brakes slightly. The memorable chorus proves why Floor was the perfect choice to take on these tracks as well as of course be the new singer for Nightwish. Every element on the track was pleasing, no empty moments, it’s nicely pieced together and structured.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPonioDYnoY[/tube]
While we all like the more intense tracks, let’s take this down a few notches and get a little more intimate and sentimental. Our Decades In The Sun, tells a story of their parents. Floor does a wondrous job using her voice to create that closer atmosphere and the emotional state. The guitars add on to the strength of how pivotal and moving the track can get in addition to the flutes that add on that final touch to create this special atmosphere. For those who’ve lost one or both parents, I think this track will hit harder to the heart. The title track does not disappoint either. Endless Forms Most Beautiful, brings in a rather perilous and striking ambience. We enter the heavy lane once again with wondrous symphonies. There’s a reason this track is the title track, as it is personally one of my favorites. Alpenglow is strongly anthemic. The group incorporates pretty much all of their elements as a group into this one. Symphonies, orchestras arranged perfectly, harder hitting riffs, great vocal range, amassing solos, unexpected killer keys, I highly recommend this one if you are thinking about picking up the album.
If you remember the photo of the Afghani girl with the striking eyes who was featured on the cover of National Geographic, an instrumental piece is dedicated to her. The Eyes Of Sharbat Gula, is a pleasing and gratifying six-minutes of instrumentals, no vocals and affectionate moments. This perfectly sets the stage up for the epic final track that comes in at over twenty-three minutes. Aptly and justly titled, The Greatest Show On Earth, is a legendary track full of epicness and is just out of this world. Get ready to put the helmets on as we are taken upon various journeys. The marvelous composure proves why the group are masters of their genre. Not one dull moment throughout, each portion of the track brings in a new component to the forefront, boy do those twenty-three minutes fly by. Everything Nightwish is capable of is present here, by the end I was craving more!
What a memorable journey this album is. I can tell you already the album will make you gasp, headbang, cry, shocked, proud, strong and more. It’s a roller coaster of events which is amazing when an artist can give you a gift that makes you experience a wide range of human emotion. I can firmly say that this is the group’s best album to date. As I mentioned before, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, has redefined them in a new light. A new era for Nightwish has begun and will propel them to further heights. They have outdone themselves this time and once you hit that play button, it will be almost impossible to stop. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to experience these tracks from a live perspective. Pick this album up when it comes out next week, or pick it up now if you’re in Europe. It will be some of the best money you have ever spent on music. There’s a reason why Nightwish are at the top of their game and this album proves it. The unquestionable elements and incredibly arranged tracks have set the bar for other bands to reach. Hands down my favorite album of the year so far, I can tell you it will be one of the best albums of the year. Thank you to everyone in Nightwish for such a precious gift that is Endless Forms Most Beautiful. Wow, Stay Metal m/
Endless Forms Most Beautiful: 9.5/10
More information can be found on their Official Website as well as Facebook and Twitter Pages. Don’t forget to follow us on our Social Media Pages as well, located on the top left of the page!
Well, well, well, it looks like the metal world is in current havoc and by that I mean, excitement. If you haven’t noticed, Nightwish recently released the first official video and single to their upcoming anticipated album, Endless Forms Most Beautiful. The beautiful track titled, Élan, boasts an eloquent atmosphere that promotes the well-being of a message. The album is scheduled for a March 31 release in the states and a March 27 release in Europe. This is the first album with new singer Floor Jansen as well as Troy Donockley who plays pipes and other instruments that also contributed to past albums. More new blood to add to the mix, Kai Hahto of Wintersun and Swallow the Sun, is the group’s new drummer due to the fact that longtime drummer, Jukka Nevalainen, had to take a health leave of absence from the album and tour to take care of his severe insomnia. I am very eager to listen to the album as there is multitudes of new talent, who knows where the music could lead to?
Unfortunately, in recent news, the track was leaked a few days online and the group made a big deal about this issue, stating that this atrocity hurts the reputation of the talented people in the industry that help put this music out. I agree with the band 100% and back them in their statement, I mean does it really hurt to wait a few more days until the track is officially out?? You waited this long, might as well wait it out. The group ended up taking a screenshot of the Facebook account of the perpetrator who leaked the track and was posted on the group’s Facebook page. Their next post that was in all capital letters, made it seem like the perpetrator might have gotten many nasty remarks and emails from the fans. Boy, those Nightwish fans can get pretty crazy I tell you, I’m one of them! Anyway, check out this very tranquil track that is rich in emotion and folk ambience. Initially I was expecting some epic and symphonic goodness, but that is alright, its great when a band is unpredictable. I’ll admit the track has a bit of Imaginareum in it. Come into this track with intellectual thought, sometimes a track doesn’t need to be brutal or technical to convey an artistic message. It took me a few listens to truly appreciate the beauty this track emblazons. Check it out. Stay Metal m/
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZisUxkdnTo[/tube]
Happy Friday the 13th to you all. Today’s artist is more of a project. Ex-Stratovarius guitar player, Timo Tolkki has released the second album from his Metal-Opera Project, Avalon. This super group/project is associated with many well known names throughout Heavy Metal. Such names include Russell Allen (Symphony-X), Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater), Michael Kiske (ex Helloween), and this new album titled, Angels Of The Apocalypse, features even more well known artists. Some more names to add to the list, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire), Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Floor Jansen (Nightwish, ReVamp), Simone Simons (Epica), and Zachary Stevens (ex-Savatage). The instrumental components of the album are contributed by ex-Stratovarius members as well. The album was released about 3 weeks ago and is the prequel to the previous released album titled, The Land of New Hope. Thus far, this takes place about 40 years in the future, where the majority of the world has gone through destruction, communication systems have been long gone, and a small group of survivors band together to find a legendary land spoken and rumored of, named, The Land of New Hope. Those who encounter the supposed land, must go through a Gatekeeper and only those pure at heart may pass into the Ultimate Destiny. This is a remarkable concept for an album, while delivering around fifty-minutes of pure Symphonic and Power Metal.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VO49X_Ie4A[/tube]
A vocal only singing prelude by Rhapsody of Fire lead man, Fabio Lione, introduces the album to us, with the track, Song For Eden. No guitars, no drums, no instruments, solely his voice for fifty seconds and that’s it. Simple singing. Track two officially marks the first metal track of the album. Jerusalem Is Falling, plays to Classic and Power Metal. Iron Maiden was all that was going through my head, with the occasional pounding battle cries and chants. The vocal’s once again are present by Fabio Lione. The solo captivates that Jerusalem essence we can imagine it to be which fast forwards to shredding. A pretty decent track to introduce the album with, in my opinion. Track three immediately fell into my favorites, and after finding out who the guest vocals were, I had to chuckle for one of my favorite metal females is the featured singer in this track. Current Nightwish and ReVamp lead, Floor Jansen, beautifully and elegantly takes the track, Design the Century, forward to another plane. The eargasmic and guitar rich instrumentals backed by an Epic atmosphere mix for a perfectly executed track. David DeFeis from the band, Virgin Steele, is the featured vocalist in the next track, Rise of the 4th Reich. Fueled by Power Metal and the epic atmospheres again, the track has a doom end of the world feel to it. In addition to that, the lyrical content speaks of the Fourth Reich, a secret society whom are intending to influence the world, by ways of Nazism and putting forth those ideas through culture, business and Government worldwide, as opposed to military means, as history has seen that has failed. Fabio Lione, returns one more time in track five, Stargate Atlantis. Steady double bass, and the higher soaring vocals drive the track on and on, not one slow moment throughout.
[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWKmrR-fKgg[/tube]
Floor Jansen, appears again in the next two tracks, The Paradise Lost and You’ll Bleed Forever. Paradise Lost, is one of the stronger tracks in the album instrumentally. A speedy progression with short brakes, do a prompt expression of feel. More so, the exemplary and superb breakdown and solo has authentic vibes that seize a well manifested title. You’ll Bleed Forever, takes on another route and goes 180. The slowest of tracks on the album, the instrumentals remain simple, the highlight of the track is the chorus with Floor’s strong emotional vocals and the emotional guitar performs an effective ambience for the sentimental folk. The last remaining tracks wind down and close the album in an escalating manner. While track nine, High Above Me, is a slow and vocally melodic track that bursts out of nowhere with heaviness towards the end, track ten, the title track, Angels of the Apocalypse, is the Epic nine-minute track that comprises of the signature epic choirs, and we slowly transcend to Power Metal glory and Opera enrichment. The Neo-classical guitars eloquently continue to keep the album true in theme and attitude. Both tracks feature Floor Jansen, Elize Ryd, Simone Simons, and new talent, Caterina Nix. Keeping with the concept of the album, we finally arrive to the Garden Of Eden, where a light enchantment is released and a strong vocal Opera nears for the moment, leaving the listener with reflection.
This album was a delight to hear. From guest musicians, to the powerful blend of Symphonic and Power Metal and epic choirs/vocals, I knew this was an album I was going to connect with. I would have liked to have seen more heaviness, but perhaps this album was not meant to go in that direction seeing as this is the midway of the trilogy that this album is part of. As this is a project consisting of many guests, who knows if Tolkki is planning on taking this project on the road. There are no Gigs scheduled for the moment. Perhaps once the trilogy is set, it will be ready to be unleashed live in person. I can’t imagine the potential live set-ups a concept like this would entail visually, it gives me goosebumps. What will the next album foretell? How did the survivors come to be? What does the next album hold for Timo Tolkii himself and his future projects? Stay Metal m/
Angels of The Apocalypse: 8/10
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Greetings to all you crazy and passionate metalheads. It’s time for another Top Ten List. I hope you readers have been enjoying what everyone has been doing thus far. Today, we will embark on a list full of talent, creativity, and beauty. What does that entail? Well for today’s Top Ten List, we will be going into the world of Female Metallers. Now I know not everyone is fond of female singers or other positions, in the female world of metal, but today I hopefully can maybe change your opinion on that, towards something more positive. The list is full of hopefully familiar names and also hopefully unfamiliar names that I can get you to recognize. I initially started with about twenty metal females and had to cut my list in half. That was very tough, considering I listen to a lot of metal with female leads. Who comes to mind when you think of women in the metal world? We will work our way from my number ten female, down to my number one female.
10 – The Great Kat
Without a doubt, the Queen of Speed and Shred, The Great Kat, has been named as one of the fastest shredders of all time. Her distinct metal music is unheard of 
coming from the female metal world. A name I have rarely heard in all my years of listening to metal, her performances and music are extremely underrated, and unfortunately with time, her recognition and fame slowly degenerated. Raised in New York, her effortless talents have been compared to that of Yngwie Malmsteen. Her name has been mentioned in many top 100, 50 and 10 lists, and now today in this list. What else can I say……she’s definitely a Guitar Goddess. Watch out for her crazy persona. Check out the songs Metal Messiah and Beethoven Mosh 5th Symphony.
9 – Lita Ford
Another woman that has been around for decades with her work with the band, The Runaways, in the 70’s, Lita Ford, went on a solo career in the mid 80’s. At the time, female solo artists was extremely rare. Her music ranges from Glam Metal to traditional metal. She released three albums before going on a very lengthy hiatus to raise her two children. In June of 2008, she made her comeback with a few appearances, then it was full speed again in 2009 with festival appearances and a full tour. Lita then went on to release two more albums in 2009 and in 2012 which really touched on her roots. For her time, she was one of the heavier female metal artists. Who knows what her next album will be like? Check out the songs Gotta Let Go and Betrayal.
8 – Otep Shamaya
Her name is a complete given as to what metal act she screams and sings for. To this day her band has released 6 albums, 
and their lyrical theme reach out to the realms of Religion, Politics, War and other controversial aspects in our society. Her lyrics are very intense which I admit, I admire. She has been active for over a decade now and according sources, lives a vegetarian lifestyle and is an open lesbian. Her vocal ranges go from average singing to screaming. Over time I notice that her brutal vocals have been toning down and now keeping a general sense of scream. As well as being a singer, she was an actress, is a poet and also does painting in her spare time. She spoke at the 2008 Democratic Convention as well as being on a live televised poetry show. I am impressed for a band that has been highly active since their debut over a decade ago. Check out the songs Warhead and Rise, Rebel, Resist.
7 – Sharon den Adel
One of the founding members of Within Temptation, singer Sharon den Adel, is placed seventh in my top ten list. Her vocals range from semi-high notes to regular rock vocals. She has been with the band since their beginning in 1996. She begun her singing career when she was 14, collaborating with local and national artists in her native country of Netherlands. Her vocals really fit with the Goth scene, which many of their songs do tend to follow a Goth trend. Then on after that, her singing career took on a full speed ahead direction and up until now, the band has released 6 albums. Her presence also collaborated with other famous artists and acts. She is slowly making a name for herself internationally and she is still making music with her band. Check out the songs The Howling and the epic song, Our Solemn Hour. The review on her band’s latest EP can be found here.
6 – Tarja Turunen
Perhaps one of the biggest names in metal overseas, Tarja Turunen, is a former singer for the band Nightwish and now
she has gone solo. I did a review on her latest album not long ago, hopefully you read it. If not, check it out here. My review there pretty much sums up the Operatic singer. Her works with Nightwish will always be remembered, but her solo material is not as recognized as much. Credits to her for going the route that she wanted, instead of doing what the majority wanted, plus sources say that she was not really fitting for her former band anymore. She has worked also with the previous female on this list, Sharon den Adel. One majorly impressive bit of news is that in one of her songs, she can reach a scale from F3 to D6. That is quite the register there. Lets hope no one has any glass nearby. As of now, her solo career is still booming and moving along, so I am quite certain we will hear more of her in the world of metal.
5 – Simone Simons
What an interesting sounding name. I’m sure she has had that said to her many a time, for Epica singer, Simone Simons, is my number 5 female on this strong list. Her works with Epica, begun in 2002. Up until this day her band has released 5 albums, soon to be 6. They recently released a DVD of their tenth anniversary as a band. Her voice also ranges in many notes. Her voice also has been described at the perfect bridge between Gothic and Symphonic Metal. Their music also has been described as aggressive, and bombards you with progression, and pure epic majesty. I also did a review of their last album which can be found here. Also check out their vigorous songs Unleashed and Martyr Of The Free Word , a must for all the headbangers.
4 – Floor Jansen
Another artist to collab with other artists, Floor Jansen, has been associated with many acts such as Ayreon, MaYan, 
After Forever, ReVamp, and now more recently, she was announced as the new front lead singer for legendary band, Nightwish. Her work with After Forever, lasted for about twelve years until about 2009 when she started a new project with other musicians and later revealed to be named, ReVamp. The band is still around and has released two albums so far. The band is still highly active to this day. Then it wasn’t announced until closer to the end of 2013 that she would be replacing the lead singer of Nightwish permanently and securing her spot with them. Her next project now is the lead singer role for the second album for the band, Avalon. Boy, is she taking on many roles or what? She is working double time plus overtime. Let’s hope her works don’t all blend together and start sounding the same. For now she is really becoming a big name in the metal scene in Europe. Keep it up at this pace and her name will be legendary, she is gonna make a bigger name for herself, watch out. Check out the song Equally Destructive from her former band After Forever, and check out one of her first powerful performances with Nightwish, with the song, Storytime.
3 – Liv Kristine
And now, we enter my top three Metal Females. If you have been keeping up with my reviews and the website, this name should not be new to you. But just incase, let me refresh your mind. Liv Kristine is the former vocalist for Theatre of Tragedy and more importantly and more known, the singer for Leaves’ Eyes. She has been the singer for the band for ten years now. Her works and vocals are indistinguishable. Her lyricism with the band goes through the realms of Norse Mythology and the Viking Era, among a few other areas in history. Talk about doing your homework there. Not many bands pay homage to such events, which I very much respect. She has been in the world of metal since 1994, so this year will mark her 20th year in the music industry. What an accomplishment. Her vocal skills also range many degrees and notes. Without her voice, the band would not be where it is at at this point in time, plus she is married to co-singer Alexander Krull, so it would be a bit awkward if she were not there, not to mention difficult. She also has collaborated with big names like Cradle of Filth, Delain, Tyr, Atrocity, and Primal Fear. I truly hope that her and her band do not leave the metal scene anytime soon. For the band has only begun their long journey of heavy metal. Check out my reviews of their last two albums here and here. Also check out the songs Elegy, Melusine, and Legend Land.
2 – Angela Gossow
A fan of Arch Enemy, since as far as I can remember, singer…errr should I say, growler/screamer 
Angela Gossow is the powerful frontwoman for the Swedish Melodeath quintet. She became the singer for the band in 2000, when the former singer was forced to leave the band. 2 years later, her health took a turn towards bad luck for she was having issues with her throat which almost cost her, her voice. Luckily after some vocal training and therapy, her voice growled like new. Her vocal influences include large names such as Chuck Billy of Testament, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Rob Halford of Judas Priest. I believe she paved the way for women to use the growl, after her rise with Arch Enemy, other females begun to use the growling technique as well. If you were to listen to her, you would think a man was growling. She also collaborated with my number one Metal Female on this list, don’t scroll down just yet. Angela’s name is very big overseas and in the world of death metal overall. Next to Power Metal and Symphonic Metal, Melodeath is my ulitmate sin. She is the Queen of Growl. One small bit of interesting news, she made a guest vocal appearance on the show Metalocalypse. Check out the songs We Will Rise, Nemesis, and Yesterday Is Dead And Gone.
1 – Doro Pesch
And now my #1 rated Metal Female is here! Doro Pesch or Doro as she is more commonly known, is another woman I believe, deserves to be at the top of the metal females. In the metal scene since the early 80’s, she begun with the metal band Warlock. She was the front for the band until the late eighties when the rest of the band members left and she was forced to change the band name to Doro. She eventually regained the rights to the name of Warlock in 2011. After the eighties occured, she begun focusing her talents in native America for a short while then hit high success in Europe in the 90’s. Many of her albums hit top charts in Europe and toured with other famous metal acts from overseas. Nearly a decade later and she would leave her former sketchy record label for a new one as well as signing another deal with a record label in the U.S. Finally in the 2000’s, she was known as the Queen of Metal. As of now, she has released sixteen albums under both names, and has worked with many other famous metal acts, including many of the ones I mentioned here in my list. She has accomplished so much in the 30+ years that she has been in the metal scene. Why is she my #1, you ask? For me, hard work, dedication, and more importantly, talent, all come together and describe Doro. She certainly without a doubt is a major name in metal worldwide. Hopefully she can give us many, many more years of metal with her. Check out the songs Raise Your Fist In The Air and I Rule The Ruins.
That is it. That is my list of my top 10 Metal Females. Hopefully I have inspired you to seek out more info on these lovely, talented, strong women. The main things I looked out for that decided who made my list were dedication, length they’ve been in the biz, and again, talent. Please leave any comments on what you thought about my list, I worked very hard to put this together for all of you readers out there. And as I hoped from the start, I hope I sparked some interest so you can check out the variety of talent that is out there. The world of metal is always expanding. Stay Metal m/
The Metal Alchemy 