German Symphonic Metal band Heaven’s Guard are relatively new to the scene. This is in fact their debut which was preceded by a couple of demos and a single over the past couple of years before being snapped up by Boersma Records. None of the members of the band have been in any other recording bands as far as I can gather, so the band emerge with no previous baggage, full of determination and unbridled enthusiasm.

So, the first thing that leaps out from this debut-wielding five-piece is that they don’t shy away from intricate symphonic arrangements. The orchestration is synthesised and therefore the keyboards are probably the lead instrument on the whole, though usually they have excellent interplay with the guitar, as they should. The mix is possibly a little on the ‘treble’ side, and beefing up the drums/bottom end would make the keyboards and vocals stand out a bit more, bringing the band into line with more of the front-runners in this style, but I’m sure that will come in the future with a bigger budget and more experience.

The vocals, courtesy of Doreen Fleck, fit well with the music, delivered in a semi-soprano style, with just enough personality to make them distinct and effective. Again however, the mix may not do the vocals any favours, as they maybe lack a little confidence (or studio time) in delivery, sometimes overpowered by the keyboard orchestration and only really punching out particularly when twinned or harmonised. That’s not to say they aren’t well delivered, they just don’t get the chance to shine out like I’m sure they will on subsequent releases when our old friend experience pays another visit.

There’s a really nice aspect of traditional, turn-of-the-Millennium Symphonic Metal about Heaven’s Guard, like the bands that got lumped in at the time with Gothic Metal but obviously had more to them like early Xandria, Sengir, Lunatica – even Midnattsol or Leaves’ Eyes spring to mind at times – but Heaven’s Guard are very much from the modern Symphonic Metal era, backed by plenty of galloping double-kick and that exuberant orchestration, bringing their sound bang up to date. I’m sure this is just the beginning of a lengthy road for this interesting new band, and I very much look forward to hearing how their sound matures.

(7/10 Andy Barker)

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