*Originally published on 3/25/09
It seems like taking a formula and trying to apply it to music would get old fast. Blending two genres together can result in innovative and enjoyable music. Often times, when this happens, other bands do the same thing and become nothing more than pale imitations. There is one formula that has not gotten old, not to me anyways. You start with heavy metal guitar riffs, add some dark and Gothic tones and themes, find a female lead vocalist with mad singing skills and you have a recipe for not only success, but great music as well.
It started with Evanescence, that's not to say that they came first, only that I discovered them first. They got mainstream exposure when two of their songs made it on to the soundtrack for Daredevil. They got compared to Linkin Park, not surprising as Bring Me to Life did have some resemblance to their style. It was more melodic and Amy Lee's amazing voice gives them a bit more cred, but the similarity was there.
The rest of the songs on their debut album, Fallen, were more in their own style and started to show us what their music was really about. It was more mainstream then their earlier LP work and their follow up album, but it was still solid. I enjoyed all of the tracks and found it was something I could enjoy after repeated listens.
Their sophomore release, The Open Door, was more in line with their individual style. It was darker and less formulaic.
Reading reviews, I found Evanescence frequently compared to a group called Lacuna Coil. I hadn't heard of them, but I gave them a listen and found their music enjoyable as well. Lacuna Coil, too, had a female vocalist with amazing skills. They utilized the dual vocalist set up more but it was still great music. It's not quite as gothic and there isn't as much choir singing or orchestral backgrounds so while the two do have similarities, they are distinct from one another. They are set to release a new album sometime next month.
Finally, and most recently, I discovered a group called Nightwish. They're from Finland. I've only heard a handful of songs, so I can't comment on them too greatly. From what I've heard though, this group kicks major ass. The music is beyond epic. It..it..it's epikickass! (tm). Seriously, listen to Ghost Love Score or Poet and the Pendulum and try not to be blown away by it. It is simply amazing.
What is it about this particular blend that makes it so easy to listen to? It may just be the amazing voice work from all involved. Nightwish even ousted their lead vocalist but replaced her with one equally capable. It may be the use of orchestra, giving it a more epic sound. It may be the fact that while all three draw their sound from similar ideas, they mix and match it to create something all their own. Either way, these bands are all worth checking out. Even if the music isn't to your liking, the pipes on these women are simply mind blowing. You'd be hard pressed not to enjoy hearing them sing.
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