“Why do you always make a point of saying Female-fronted in your reviews?” a friend of mine commented recently. “Because you don’t say Male-fronted Metal do you?” continued my friend (rapidly hurtling toward the rank of acquaintance…). Despite me thinking this line of conversation was just a delaying tactic as it was his round next (it wouldn’t be the first time…only kidding mate – I realize I can question someone’s conversational subject matter but never lie about him getting his round in!), I did wonder if he had a point. So maybe I should try to address the situation, even if the reason I distinguish the sex of the singer is because some people actually want to know. Some people are more (or less) interested in a band if it has a female singer – it’s pretty much a genre in itself!
I mention this because Australian Symphonic Metallers Divine Ascension have a non-male singer (better? No, I didn’t think so…) and in their Press Release they point it out a lot! And, to be fair, it’s a voice worth pointing out! There aren’t many un-male (nope, still doesn’t work…) singers any better than Divine Ascension’s Jennifer Borg. Versatile, powerful, accomplished, note-perfect and heartfelt – what more could you ask for? Well, some good musicians and songwriters too I guess. Luckily, Divine Ascension have those too. The songs lean more towards the heavier end of the symphonic spectrum, reminding me of bands such as Angtoria, My Inner Burning, Amaran (and a little Amaranthe for that matter), latter-day After Forever into Revamp and maybe Echoes Of Eternity, but with more powerful vocals. That said, the opening track initially made me think of a weightier Lunatica – but the echoes of the aforementioned bands spread themselves nicely over the tracks that follow.
There’s a depth of talent within the band, both in the performance and in the song-writing that I realized I don’t hear quite as often as I used to. It seemed like there was a new Kamelot/Stratovarius/Rhapsody/Sonata Arctica cropping up relatively regularly, but the individual musicians within Divine Ascension made me think that there is just that step above mere technical ability and some bands do have that little something extra. I also like the fact that their song-writing isn’t buried under an incessant wave of orchestration and guests – it’s just six talented people – the band. There are memorable moments for each member – great riffs, intricate rhythms, striking lead-work and some fabulous vocal hooks. Really catchy vocal lines that rather than rail against the heaviness, totally compliment it. It’s a fine line and Divine Ascension walk it excellently. ‘Sorrow’s Sacrifice’ is a damn fine example, but you could randomly pick any track and there will be something to snare you in.
I’ve been really lucky this month – Triosphere and Divine Ascension – two of the best (oh, to hell with it!) Female Fronted Metal albums of the year – if not in the last few. If this is indeed a genre and not just a review writer’s cop out then that genre is alive, fit and healthy…and if the rise (pun intended) of Divine Ascension is anything to go by, getting stronger all the time!
(8/10 Andy Barker)
Leave a Reply