Artist: Benedictum
Title: Dominion
Type: Album
Label: Frontiers Records

Some say that three’s the charm, and with this third full length release, now on a new record label, is it time for Benedictum to break out and increase their profile? The signs are there. Album opener and title track ‘Dominion’ starts off with an almost Disturbed sound before developing into a more traditional metal track, heavy on guitars, pumping fists, and perfectly pitched vocals. In some interviews I managed to find on line front woman Veronica Freeman cites both Tina Turner and the late lamented Ronnie James Dio as influences, and that distinctive mix of femininity, power, and balls is a good description. Avoiding the sub operatic posturing of some female fronted metal acts, her voice is a perfect front for this powerful and traditional band, having great sustain and clarity, but not afraid to throw in the odd growl.

‘Seer’ positively drips with the influence of Dio, a tale of magic and wizardry played over a wall of power chords and pounding drums all put together into a package guaranteed to have the hair of the traditional metal fan flaying the air whilst the pyrotechnics of the solos in ‘Grind It’ will have their studded leather gloves pumping the air.

www.myspace.com/benedictum http://www.benedictum.net

http://www.myspace.com/benedictum

Spenny Bullen

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