Artist: Pythia
Title: The Serpent’s Curse
Type: Album
Label: Golden Axe
I have been keeping my beady eye on Pythia since they formed back in 2009 and released their debut album ‘Beyond The Veiled Embrace.’ They had that spark about them that went way beyond the fact that they were a metal band with a good looking female singer behind them. This was, I quickly worked out, all about the song writing and the musicianship as well. It needs to be these that work in conjunction with vocals and image for a band to succeed and there are far too many who forget this and although having an aura about them are bland and uninspired. Pythia must have been doing something right to get support spots with Ministry and Fields Of The Nephilim (somewhat misaligned as these placements were) and Tarja and Arch Enemy who they no doubt gave a run for their money but in a way it is this album that is the test and the one that can make or break them.
Well let’s put it this way, an album with songs on it that end up in your head several days after playing it can only be a good thing. It’s not just one song either here it’s a fair few of them; Pythia are far from broken here!
A few maudlin strums and then opener ‘Cry Of The Nation’ batters in at full bombast with the thrash laden pace blistering away and Emily Ovenden’s voice riding over the top like an all conquering Valkyrie. When not going hell for leather the vocals boom over glistening shards of ice like majesty from the keyboards and reach lilting operatic peaks. There is plenty going on in the song, room for twin guitar histrionics from Ross White and Tim Neale and a cracking melody riding roughshod over the whole thing. My dislike of power metal is well renowned and I tried to brush it off saying this is different and symphonic metal. I may not have entirely won the argument but there is something about Pythia that really works its magic for me. Perhaps it is the tempestuous, bodice-ripping passion and romance behind songs like ‘Betray My Heart’ or the magical melodic intrigue behind the rampant ‘Just A Lie,’ which once it gets its claws in simply won’t let go.
Sometimes simple repetition works well and again ‘Dark Star’ is completely unforgettable with its “under the sea of blood” chorus (at least that is what it sounds like is being sung). The one time the group do come about as slightly on the girlie side is ‘Long Live The King’ but even when saccharine coated this does not have my tolerance waning or the skip button being pressed. ‘My Perfect Enemy’ reminds a little of Therion with its pomp and glory all that is missing is a rich baritone male vocal and we would be there. As for ‘Heartless’ it’s another epic chorus with the vocals spat out spitefully demanding you join in.
The Serpent’s Curse is no snake in the grass it makes intentions felt quickly and does not hesitate to bite. Whether that’s a curse or not is debatable but for me its venom is delirious.
(7.5/10 Pete Woods)
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