Not sure how I swiped some symphonic metal from under Mr Barker’s nose but I did. I was intrigued by these fifteen year plus Italian veterans because I genuinely hadn’t a clue about them but they started as a Death SS covers band I found their name wryly amusing (death ss, death-less? Oh, only me then…). And I guess I fancied a change.
So with wonder I pressed play. ‘Ora Pro Nobis’ is goth as hell with a pulsing pounding rhythm that will have all fans of Scooby Doo chase music (if you know you know) salivating. But then in swoop the frankly superb vocals of Steva and we are swept into early Nightwish with rich keyboards and glittering guitars. It’s a lovely production for it too and a perfect opener.
Ok, so I know they are class at least.
‘Nightfall’ has a heavy feel of Type O Negative’s ‘My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend’ in the opening and refrain keyboard melody until the vocals come in on breathy soft tines. I notice a lovely rough edge to Steva’s vocals here which is amplified as the song picks up and we end up with truly lovely mix of Tarja and Bonnie Tyler. ‘Hollow’ just amps this up, Nightwish or very early Lacuna Coil with a heavier metal feel. The vocals are always going to be centre stage but this band is excellent – fluid keyboards, some great high in the mix bass work and the fine guitar runs like Yule lights on the top. The drums never overpower the song but are just the right amount of drive for these grandiose songs.
I think, as the album goes on, the biggest issue I have with Deathless Legacy is the song structure seems to be a little inflexible: slow juddering intro with quieter vocals until we rise into the catchy chorus with the powerful vocals arching over everything. Similar pace, no surprises. So by the time we get to the final eleventh track despite still being in awe of those vocals and liking the sound of the band it’s all got a little much for me.
However, the stirring, epic and melancholy strains of that final title track bring me right back. Symphonic, choral and brimming with bleak emotion it is a stunning song to leave us on.
There is so much to like about Deathless Legacy, they have such class and presence that it actually hurts that a few too many mid album similar songs made my attention drift. But they’ve also reminded me why I used to listen to Nightwish and will always love a powerful female voice, particularly when it has just that slight harsh edge to it.
Gothic, horror, symphonic, metal. Oh if you’re into the genre go get this. It is despite my moans a reason to celebrate metal in all its guises.
(7.5/10 Gizmo)
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