Of all the bands from France that I’ve received albums to review Venturia must be the only prog metal band in the bunch. It's normally hardcore metal or punks that the French seem to be into, but this release from Venturia is something a bit special.

With the added bonus of having both a male and female vocalist, the band bring a fresh new approach to the progressive metal scene. Usually the male vocals are harsh and growl like, against the female operatic voice, but this is not the case with Venturia.  Both vocalists deliver a sharp melodic sound that mix really well.  Said vocal duties being undertaken by Marc Ferreria and Lydie Robin.

The album opener and title track ‘New Kingdom’ show both styles of vocalist combining well on the track.  This mixed with some excellent keyboards provided by Kevin Codfert make this a first class opener and wets the appetite for what’s to follow.

The album continues with ‘The Unholy One’ a much more hard rock orientated track with Ferreria taking over the vocal duties and doing a sterling job.  ‘Words of Silence’ has Lydie joining Marc on this track, which is very commercially viable as a single.  If there was one track off the album that stands out as single material then this is it.  It's very catchy and is very Now commercially.

‘Take Me Down’ brings a more electronic dance feel to the proceedings with its powering bass, while still remaining stead fast to its metal roots with the occasional rampaging guitar riff thrown into the mix for good measure.

Where as the last track puts a modern spin on things, ‘Fallen Words’ is pure European metal, with great melodies, huge guitars, and great vocals both form Ferreria and Robin.  ‘Walk in the Daylight’ takes things to another level with its immaculate harmonies between Ferreria and Robin making this a truly majestic song.

The only instrumental on the album comes in the form of ‘Candle of Hope through the night of Fears’.  This time both vocalists are given a rest and it's now time for the rest of band take center stage and show us what their capable of, with some clever keyboards and flowing guitar solos, while keeping it all together are the drums and bass.

As the album comes to a close with the charmingly titled ‘Dear Dead Bride’ with its haunting melodies, it's plain to hear that the future is bright for Venturia and French progressive metal as a whole.