Continuing my backlog-clearing efforts of the new year, lets chuck in some symphonic metal courtesy of US-based Empress. Fateweaver is their debut full-length release, and they’ve somehow managed to get the legendary Dan Swanö on board to cover production. Wow. We’ve talked to him a few times if you need an idea of how impressive his resumé is.
Empress don’t waste any time kicking things into gear with opener “Legion” and equally impressive belter “Beyond the Sleep”. They change tack somewhat with “Chimera” which runs to over 7 minutes and gives the chaps on instruments a chance to spread their wings. Unsurprisingly, this being a symphonic band, a lot of the focus is otherwise on the singer – in this case one Barbara Blackthorne.
Throughout “Legion” I was thinking “Good… perhaps a little limited to the lower range”. A strong voice who had firmly defined her niche in terms of octaves. And then I was humbled as she absolutely nailed the high notes in “Beyond The Sleep”. By the time we reach “Monarch”, she’s hit highs, lows and breathier sections… and basically blown me away.
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I always feel a little sorry for the musicians in a symphonic band as the singer does tend to rule the roost a little, but their vocal talents would be nothing without their bandmates. Certainly Empress aren’t lacking in talent in this area as well. While the bass and drums keep things trundling along nicely, the guitars are alternately chugging and soaring. There is more than a bit of a prog sound throughout the album, little twiddles and tempo changes here and there, which keeps things interesting.
For a band demonstrating their wares in a genre filled with some of the most talented performers out there, Empress can hold their heads high. This is an impressive debut, and if they can transfer this quality to the live setting then there could be no stopping them.
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Fateweaver is out now
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