A fantastic traditional symphonic metal release.

Those into their symphonic metal will probably have heard of Whyzdom, I came across this French band online through their stunning rendition of ‘Bonny Portmore’. Whyzdom was originally founded in 2007 by Vynce Leff; and released an EP entitled ‘Daughter Of The Night’ six months later to massive acclaim. Their first album ‘From The Brink Of Insanity’ came out in 2009 but the original singer left the following year. Elvyne Lorient has now been recruited and their second album ‘Blind?’ was recently unveiled.

I downloaded my promo and immediately noticed the length of it with eleven tracks lasting an astonishing 76 minutes. Now exceptional length doesn’t necessarily equal an exceptional album but that’s not the case here. ‘Blind?’ is full of differing riffs, approaches and pace yet still retains grandeur throughout. It opens in truly bombastic style with ‘The Lighthouse’. A gloriously deep riff churns away like a frothing sea with striking strings before the lead rises with a repeating scale. Lorient soon appears out of the maelstrom as the song builds in intensity to a chorus with some very catchy lyrics. With a real affection for them I’m pleased ‘The Wolves’ was another that stuck in my head. Prowling guitar work mixes with the choir and orchestra running into a chugging progression. The six string bounds through the verse before an amazingly uplifting chorus in which Lorient’s singing raises the whole outlook. Along with these two, there were a couple of others that stood out including ‘On The Road To Babylon’ with its eerie opening of gothic choir and striking strings. It has a slow wind up, building in power, to the chorus which is massive and cheery and one of my favourites. The last track worthy of an individual mention is ‘Lonely Roads’. Soaring Celtic infused vocals rise and fall along with some bounding drums. There’s long held notes from Lorient with a slight echo in the memorable chorus. There is so much more to dissect but I have run out of room to fully describe this near 80 minute opus.

I’d like to use a quote from Red Dwarf’s Rimmer to sum up and say that this record is simply “maaaarrrrrrrvvvvvvvellous” and also utterly majestic. For those unfamiliar with Whyzdom, the best comparison would be with Epica without Mark Jensen’s growling. Lorient is a perfect fit; she has a varied range and can perform tender and delicate or wail away with power. Leff and Regis Morin have whipped up a real storm on the guitars with progressions that are furious in pace and colossal in depth keeping this epic journey interesting. The production is exceedingly polished and clean which is important for such rich compositions.

If you’re a fan of symphonic metal this could well leave you with a whole new love for the genre and if you’re not, then it might well thrust a love for it into you.
This is a fantastic traditional symphonic metal release and one of the best of the genre this year. 

Dave Scott