On 'Now Or Never' Veronica Freeman proves (without a doubt) that she is the full package.
Some of you might remember a Metal band called Benedictum? Led by the diminutive chanteuse Veronica Freeman, this band have a reputation for making great Metal albums and in Freeman they have a singer with a vocal presence that could easily level a mountain.
If you do remember them fondly, you'll be glad to know then that the lady in question has now recorded her first solo album, but it's a big departure from the Metal she is previously known for. Okay, in places, the music is still heavy but equally the music has more of a Rock 'n' Roll, Melodic/AOR, Hard Rock feel to it than you would find on any Benedictum album.
And when these songs are joined with that glorious Freeman voice, you know as soon as this album starts playing that you're in for a treat. In addition, helping her out on this release is a plethora of musical talent including Tony Martin and Chastain's Leather Leone (both of whom she duets with), Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner), Mike Lepond (Symphony X), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Michael Harris etc and those names should be enough for you to know that you're going to be listening to something a bit special.
Check out the Melodic brilliance that is 'Line In The Sand' and you will immediately hear that Freeman doesn't have to tear your face off when she sings, her wonderful understated performance on this track alone shows just what a flexible singer she is and it doesn't end there.
'L.O.V.E', 'Love Should Be To Blame', the Rocking 'Kiss My Lips', 'Spellbound' and 'Below Zero' are further evidence of just what a talented singer Freeman is. Changing vocal styles like a chameleon changes colour, she breathes life and love into these songs and at the same time seems to be enjoying herself immensely throughout.
That old adage "never judge a book by its cover" is particularly apt here because you might expect Freeman to be nothing more than a dyed in the wool Heavy Metal singer, with no other strings to her bow. On 'Now Or Never' she proves (without a doubt) that she is the full package; not just a good song-writer but a singer with great versatility and one that is not scared to try new things and fully able to conquer them.
As a fan of this lady, I'm not surprised that she's made such a good album but those of you who only know her as Benedictum's vocalist, should grab a copy of this release and be prepared to have your preconceptions blown away.
Ian Johnson
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