(Symphonic Power Metal) [CD] Edenbridge - Shine (Japanese Edition) - 2004, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Ahh Edenbridge! comforting thoughts come to mind! Is there a band in my cd collection that can evoke such emotions, such pleasant thoughts when it comes to enjoy an album? Hardly, I would dare to say Falkenbach does that on me, Ayreon, Lacrimosa, etc. I am not saying their entire catalogue is good, but most of it and that I totally enjoy their albums and I get especially anxious when I know a new one is coming out. With this is mind, when I purchased ‘Arcana’ a few years ago I was blown away for this musical orgasm and I definitely felt in love for the band. Up to today they are without a doubt one of my favorites and ‘Shine’ certainly shines in my cd collection.

Opening with the title track is nothing new, but that IT is an almost 9minutes epic masterpiece, can be considered RISKY. It can actually make you fall for the album or drive you away. In this case they totally manage to get you interested. It is not fast and they focused on the epic vibe and atmosphere (magic and ethereal) that the band is known for. The vocal lines are absolutely killer and it does get overdubbed of the orchestral arrangements, but more on the rhythm department, although I am not particularly bound to the voices on the chorus. Sabine uses a lot of textures on her voice and the soloing is, as well, very good and fits perfectly the already magical flow of this song. The piano accompanying the song throughout is used exactly the way it is supposed to be and when the middle rhythm part comes up

‘Move along home’ has some amazing Arabic influences and melodies which give the song a very different sound to what they have been doing. I think this is a really cool song, especially because it is a mid tempo and it switches to fast tempo with double bass drums and the riffing part is again very strong. ‘Centennial Legend’ is the first ballad and it is a common power ballad from this band. That is not a bad point because I love the vocal lines but the solo…that is just from around this world for a ballad!

The Arabic melodies are again heard on ‘Wild Chase’ and although it is a sort of slow song it has a powerful mood. They did manage two things on this recording: 1.This is not as extensive and repetitive as ‘Arcana’. Due to the different styles (hard rock, progressive, power metal, and power ballads) it does not bother you as ‘Arcana’ (although I love that recording) it could become sort of monotonous. 2. They diversified the sound including many influences, some even folky, so all the songs sound different and that is what makes it so enjoyable. When you get to the other epic track ‘And the Road goes on’ you have gone through a journey of pure ecstasy, pure entertainment and pure high level musical skills. Of course this song is again a masterpiece, not up to the title track but equally good, and this I believe is because ‘Shine’ is catchier. I am not going to detail all the songs except that ‘October Sky’ is the fastest track with cool drumming and the guitar solo is excellence itself. Thus, do you want more details on the songs? Those described above should give you a pretty good idea of what this album is all about: excellent production, excellent ballads, epic tracks, progressive flavored songs, and amazing vocal skills not in an operatic way but totally angelic and cool guitar solos.

For the record, this album is almost perfect. The only reason I am taking 6 points out of it is because the guitars should have, IMO, more punch, which is exactly what they did on ‘My EarthDream’ but they definitely improved tons and pounds from past albums and were in the right direction. But for any female fronted symphonic metal fan, Edenbridge are a dream came true…on this Earth Dream that Shines with their own light! You will not regret what you will hear and if you are a sucker for these bands like me, welcome to the club!

Review written by Kalelfromkrypton for www.metal-archives.com

Links:
http://www.edenbridge.org/
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Edenbridge/1843