Excellent symphonic metal album with a nice folk / classical twist.
Arven is a new melodic/symphonic metal band hailing from Germany.They incorporate classical instruments and folk melodies into their sound.Each member of the band brings different musical influences and tastes; whilst some of the group are themselves classically trained musicians.The band has been honing their sound on the live circuit including many festival appearances.Arven comprises Carina Hanselmann (vocals), Anastasia Schmidt (guitar), Ines Thome (guitar), Lisa Gieb (bass), Lena Yatsula (keys) and Till Felden (drums) and they released a demo in 2008 amd some of the songs from this reappear here.
Right from the opening few bars, played on a violin and an acoustic guitar, it is evident this album intends to offer a slightly different take on the symphonic sound.The opening number also happens to be the album’s title track ‘Music Of Light’.After the classical intro, Hanselmann’s soaring voice is joined by a flute during the verse.The chorus however is a grand harmonic and guitar affair.The riffs are chunky but this track is not especially heavy and is the softest of the faster tracks.Others such as ‘Dark Red Desire’ and ‘World Of Hatred’ deliver more metallic progressions and melodies.‘Ruined Castle’ is one of the earlier demo tracks and is possibly the best track on this release.It is also a good summary of the band as a whole.Arven are also not afraid to experiment a little, the medieval/folk sounding ‘Raise Your Cups’ shows the band lyrically and musical exploring the distant past.Between the chord fuelled metal they have sprinkled a couple of highly emotional ballads.‘Till Death Do Us Part’ is a particularly powerful one beginning softly with harp and vocals before exploding into an epic riff and harmonic chorus.
‘Music Of Light’ is a delightful and thoroughly enjoyable symphonic debut.Fans of everyone from Nightwish to Leaves Eyes to Delain should certainly take a look at this album.It may not grab all listeners instantly, but after a couple of plays the quality of the music will be clawing at you through the speakers.They are not quite as heavy as some of the afore-mentioned acts, sitting squarely between melodic and symphonic metal.But there should be enough of each genre to keep all fans happy.Musically it is well performed whether it’s full out rocking or playing softer classical interludes and intros.Hanselmann has an excellent voice and clearly a varied vocal range whilst Schmidt and Thome have some wonderful abilities on the six strings.They do produce some momentous progressions and riffs throughout.On the production side, the album has a clear crisp finish allowing the depth of the music to be enjoyed.
All in all an excellent symphonic metal album with a nice folk/classical twist.Arven is a band with great promise that all fans of female fronted metal should keep an eye on.
Dave Scott
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