Artist: Edenbridge
Title: My Earth Dream
Type: Album
Label: Napalm Records
To go beyond simply maintaining interest, the key quality of the kind of female-fronted “Symphonic Metal” which Edenbridge produce has to be the creation of nerve-jangling epic soundscapes. It could be said that “My Earth Dream”, the 6th full release from the band, has a certain predictability about it, and is strongly reminiscent of other bands of a similar ilk, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s not true either when you look at it closely. It’s not as bombastic or operatic as Epica, Within Temptation or Tarja-headed Nightwish, nor as sugary-ethereal as Leaves Eyes, nor as quirky as Eths. “My Earth Dream” isn’t cutting edge either, but it does have power and attraction. Yes, the singer’s voice is prominent but there’s also a solid (but not really more than that) musical range and accompaniment going on too. The symphonic part is all too familiar and in fact when I first heard it, in places I was half expecting Dimmu Borgir’s “Puritanical” to follow. At the other end of the spectrum, the ninth track “Place of Higher Power” is like an Abba sing with its harmonies and range. I suppose I can’t complain about a lack of variety. Yet from the outset it was a pleasure to listen to. Indeed, it’s all well done and the album has presence.
The intro could have been lifted from an epic soundtrack. “Shadowplay” is the follow-up. The singer doesn’t overdo it but within the context of a simple Rammstein-like riff, the power builds up gradually. This sets the tone for the album. “Remember Me” neatly ups the emotional tempo. The fluid chorus is made for the singer’s silky voice. It’s not excessive, just pleasant. “Paramount” continues the mood with a strung-out chorus, allowing the singer’s voice to be aired in the tranquillity of a mild Power Metal background, developing into a symphonic soundtrack. The beauty lies in the never ending flow of each track, aided in large part by the singer’s calming voice and the understated riffs. The difference with Edenbridge compared to other bands like them is that even though the singer gives the impression of standing on a hilltop, they do not try to dominate us with operatic showmanship. For that reason I felt more part of what was going on. So it is with “Adamantine”. “Whale Rider” is the obligatory ballad, emotionally charged, powerfully delivered and clichéd. But this isn’t a work of revolution and stunning originality. It’s ok. Back to flowing power with “Undying Devotion”, then some slick instrumental work on “Fallen from Grace”. Then comes the Abba sound-a-like “Place of Higher Power”. Hackneyed references to “Just a world of make believe” are to be expected in this genre, I suppose, but this actually is a really good track. The singer hits us with each line, a bit along the lines of a singer in a musical with something to say. The chorus is powerful and catchy. Then … Chinese music. It’s not just the usual “Eastern Influence” to attract as a cheap means of attracting a bit of acclaim, but it’s integral to the track, works well and serves as an interlude before the track sweeps back to the chorus. “Place of Higher Power” is a great track and would be huge, I’m sure, if exposed to a wider pop-loving audience. The album ends with the six-part track “The Earth Dream”, which has a progressive underscore and a Dimmu-style symphonic section before developing the Power fluidity to which we have become accustomed. There’s time for some epic orchestral work and then it mutates into a frenzied Progressive Power piece, featuring the omnipresent vocalist of course who ends with an emotional flourish.
I came from the stand of knowing about Edenbridge and not being particularly for or against them, but compared to what I have heard previously from them, I’d say this was more mature and rounded in its production. Credit then to the band and their producers for an enjoyable Symphonic Power Metal experience.
http://www.edenbridge.org
www.myspace.com/edenbridge
http://www.napalmrecords.com
Andrew Doherty
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