This stellar release has lots of little subtleties and nuances.

I've been considerably lucky since joining the 'Big F'; there has been a consistent flow of unbelievable female fronted releases from completely unknown acts; the likes of Dark Princess, Leah, Purple Nail and of course the very special Nera Nature. Now another potential gem has come my way from Spain called Rainover. They were founded in 2003, (called Remembrances), and released their debut 'Crystal Tears' in 2006. There four members split with the singer and went on to form Rainover and this 'debut' is out now.

I've seen Rainover's style described as "Melodic Gothic Metal with Pop influences" but however you class their music its bloody memorable stuff; I can't find fault with any track. The opener 'Rebirth' is built on a thick riff with enchanting, dreamy vocals that float along to a memorable chorus. 'H2SO4' is also a belter that has a revolving keys tune and a cool, chunky riff that eventually erupts into a bombastic chorus. The atmospheric 'In Free Fall' is another top tack but it's a little more unusual and starts with techno synth, grinding guitar and a climbing 'tick tock' vocal line. Andrea Casanova uses plenty of vocal echoes'/effects as the guitar adds depth with its crunch all leading to another catchy chorus. In fact as you listen the excellent songs just keep rolling out akin to a treasure chest of goodies. There's the bouncing keys and driven guitar of 'An Ocean Between Us' and also 'Dust And Dawn' with its fat riff and vocals from Casanova. 'Despair' and 'Cycles' both feature male vocals along with more progression fuelled axe work and rich female vocals. Guitarist Antonio Perea provides painful wails that beautifully contrast his leading lady in the 'Despair' chorus whilst 'Cycles' is more of a full duet between Casanova and Luca Starita, (Neuromantik). Other songs like 'Oh My Cross' and 'Hopeless' take the traditional Beauty & Beast route with death growls.

A good female fronted album will always get me excited and this beautiful and fantastic album has me more upbeat than a football agent whose client has just been signed by Real Madrid. Rainover reminds me of a cross between 'Unforgiving' era Within Temptation and Nera Nature with a little Lacuna Coil. Casanova is a talented vocalist who has a sound comparable to that of Sharon Den Adel. Whether it's the chugging riffs, the textured synth, the spritely rhythm or the lush vocals there's a lot to like about 'Transcending'. Those that despise growling should know that it features in four songs but it's certainly not as prominent as on many recent albums.

This stellar release has lots of little subtleties and nuances and more than holds its own when fighting for repeat play time with this year's top releases.

Dave Scott