VELVETSEAL

Hungary is not renowned for producing rock or metal bands but Velvetseal, a female fronted gothic metal band formed in 2006 by Gabrielle Fóti (Vocals) and Csaba Rátz (Guitars, Orchestration and Synths), will be doing their utmost to put their country on the map. This 4-track sampler is taken from the band's 9-track debut album. The opening song is the album's title track and it starts with a powerful and dramatic intro before leading into Gabrielle's vocals, which are quite reminiscent of Nightwish's Anette Olzon. She maintains this vocal style throughout the disc. This may help the band appeal to a greater audience within the gothic metal market, the popularity of which is ever growing. The second track "The One" opens up with a distinctive Eastern European feel, which is generally maintained throughout the track. Unfortunately it lacks dynamics as do the other two tracks "Desperati" and "The Divine Comedy?". This sampler suffers from being too similar and your attention soon wavers. Gabrielle's voice, although good, seems limited, particularly when you consider the incredible vocal range and variety of styles of her peers such as Sharon Den Adel, Floor Jansen and Simone Simons. Whilst this sampler is a credible effort all round, it doesn't quite reach the standards that need to be achieved to make an impact in this highly competitive genre of metal.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

Album sampler

LEND ME YOUR WINGS

Review by Dave Crewe

RUNNING TIME:

-

RELEASE DATE:

2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Lend Me Your Wings
2) The One
3) Desperati
4) The Divine Comedy?

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Hungary

"Whilst this sampler is a credible effort all round, it doesn't quite reach the standards that need to be achieved to make an impact in this highly competitive genre of metal."