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Artist: Edenbridge |
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Edenbridge were formed by guitarist/keyboard maestro Lanvall in Lin, Austria during 1998 and released their debut album 'Sunrise In Eden' in 2000. Since their 2004 release Shine the band have explored and refined their sound, a darker guitar sound for Lanvall and introducing choral arrangements alongside Sabine’s characteristic vocals. Now they are about to unleash their sixth album on the world. Featuring the 65 piece Czech Film Orchestra (consisting of muscians from the Prague Philharmonic and Czech State Popera orchestra’s) led by orchestral conductor Jaroslav Brych, they are a prominent feature throughout this album. The album was mixed at Thin Ice Studios, by Karl Groom (Threshold), mixed by Mika Jusilla at Finnvox and the stunning artwork was created by Anthony Clarkson, who has previously worked with Blind Guardian among many others. Since the album’s completion, drummer Sebastian Larner has been replaced by Max Pointner and for live work, the band have added guitarist Dominik Sebastian. Now some people may say that there has been a glut of female-fronted metal bands over the last few years but I always say that class will always show through in the end and with 'MyEarthDream', Edenbridge have come up with something special. Now I have seen Edenbridge live and was suitably taken by them, but to say I wasn’t prepared for this album would be an understatement. 'My Earth Dream' is an absolute MONSTER, and if there is any justice in the world, this album should cement the Edenbridge reputation throughout the genre. This is an album that shows a growth and maturity in sound and the enormous potential of the band. The gets underway with the orchestral 'The Force Within', a huge, bold bombastic piece building to a crescendo before the listener is assaulted by 'Shadowplay', a heavy, fast-paced song. Lanvall’s guitar sound has an edge to it and he fires off a wonderful solo, the orchestral arrangement is heavily evident and adds dimension to the track while Sabine Edelsbacher’s vocals are pure poetry. The album continues with 'Remember Me', another pacy number with it’s anthemic chorus, outstanding attacking guitars and Sabine’s vocals swooping and soaring throughout the song. 'Paramount' is up next and once again Lanvall’s guitar sound drives the song, departed drummer Sebastian Lanser provides some fabulous skinwork, the song has an urgency about it, an energy, as does the whole of the album. And so it continues with 'Adamantine', a melodic staccato guitar opening, Sabine’s vocals seem to have a 60’s vibe to them, and Lanvall produces and absolutely beautiful guitar solo on this one. Then we are treated to the spellbinding 'Whalerider', with it’s prominent orchestral and keyboard arrangement complimenting the emotive vocals, a truly beautiful song. 'Undying Devotion' is a slower-paced number, stunning vocals from Sabine once again, pounding drums from Sebastian Lanser and thundering bass of Frank Bindig, a song that ebbs and flows. 'Fallen From Grace' has an abundance of energy and urgency to it as Lanvall’s attacking guitar carries the song while the orchestral arrangement gives chase and the chorus is tight and melodic. Then we’re onto a 'Place Of Higher Power', probably the most melodic and straight-forward rock song, anthemic in it’s structure and elevated by the orchestra, Sabine’s vocals flowing across the landscape, Lanvall producing some exquisite guitar work. And so we’re onto the final song, the title track, 'MyEarthDream' in 6 parts, bringing together everything in an absolute spellbinding finale, Sabine and her melodic vocal lines, soaring, delicate and emotive, Lanvall’s guitars, punchy and driving, death growls from Frank Bindig as well as his pummelling basslines, Sebastian Lanser laying down a thundering backbeat, the bombastic 65 piece orchestra weaving a dreamscape across the song. An impressive finish to an epic album. As I said previously, this album caught me unawares but I want to state right now that it will be in my top three albums of the year come the end of 2008, it is that good!!. The music has a wonderful feel and energy to it, the songs are well structured, creative and seem to flow with ease. Lanvall’s driving, in-your-face guitars, Sabine’s soaring, romantic and sometimes gothic style vocals, Frank Bindig’s thundering, simplistic bass lines, powerhouse drumming from Sebastian Larner and, of course, the truly wondrous and bombastic 65 piece orchestra, make this a must have purchase for all. Check out the samples on the band’s website then go grab a copy, you will not be disappointed. *Review by Brassy |
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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