Rumania’s Magica are apparently named after the album of the same name by Dio. The lofty vision which the band’s name conjures up is represented an operatically-trained female vocalist and a lively musical output. Melodic Power Metal is at the front, and it is mixed with a darker Goth underscore. “Dark Diary” is the band’s fifth album release.
The album starts in melodic tones and works its way in a similar vein through to the final track “Dear Diary”. The concept of “Dear Diary” is not original of course. Pink have a track of this name but the version I’m more familiar with is the one by the Moody Blues. Ray Thomas’s version is quirky and speaks to the diary, and in doing so the listener. Magica’s “Dear Diary” has the same aim and has a melancholic feel but it’s neither quirky nor original. This is the problem with the album as a whole. Clear comparison can be made to Nightwish, After Forever, Within Temptation and other bands of this ilk, but whilst the singer’s voice is clear, and instrumental work is of a good quality, there’s nothing exceptional here that would distinguish the band from their generic counterparts.
For the most part we hear the high pitched but well controlled tones of the singer singing a pop tune in an operatic way. “Wait for Me” is heavier and darker, “We are Horde” is a melo-romp, while “On the Side of Evil” takes has an anthemic rock angle. Unfortunately it’s also anaemic and repetitive. Some of the songs are better developed, though. “Need” goes along the lines of “I don’t need you, don’t need to ask you why, don’t need to say you’re sorry ..”, so as you’ll gather, it’s not taxing but it’s easy to listen to. It’s clear to see that the band is attempting to create an atmosphere but the songs are not always strong, which doesn’t help. “Tonight” is one of the better ones. It’s slower, flows well, has a darker edge and gives rein to the singer’s sweet voice. It has a good solo too. “My Kin My Enemy” is like a Power Metal lament. It’s quite Goth in its way. The singer conveys angered bemusement. Like “Tonight” it’s flowing and dark and manages to convey atmospheric interest value, rising above the aimless constancy and uniform pitch which dominates this album.
For me, “Dark Diary” has very little to say musically or lyrically. I’m sure it will appeal to those who like this style as it’s a template of female-fronted Power-Melo-Goth Metal, but I just can’t see Magica attracting hordes of new fans on the strength of this album.
http://www.magicaband.com
http://www.myspace.com/magicaband
http://www.afm-records.des
