So here is the first full album of the Dark Metal band from the Mainz area. Compared to the “Awakening” EP they have been able to take a big step forward, especially sound wise, as “Frozen Tears” has tons of power. At the beginning the very dominant use of the keyboards might be annoying, but in the end it turns out to be a very bearing element.

I would not put the band into the Gothic corner just because they have a woman on the mic and the music is dark. For my taste this is Eighties Melodic Metal with incredible catchiness. Neither really complex nor dumb. The golden middle way between Proggy arrangements and almost Poppy choruses. But this is positive, because the rather mid-pitched vocals of Darlana (formerly with AGATHODAIMON) is anything but mainstream and somehow reminds me of absolutely un-Gothic stuff such as GIRLSCHOOL.

Musicianship is impeccable (great leads and solos) and there are no total flops on this album. After several listens one could get addicted to songs such as “I Owe You Pain“ or “Lights“. But my personal favourite is “The Awakening“, which goes straight forward musically and is only accompanied by an evil whisper and Darlana adds her “erotic” musings..

Here I always get goose bumps and how many albums of late could claim that? An absolute secret tip for all, who want to support the underground and give a very talented band a chance.

(Online December 14, 2006)