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Vera: Helena Iren Michaelsen made her flamboyant entry in the (gothic) metal scene as singing diva on the first two Trail Of Tears albums. After a failed adventure with Marc Janssens in Sahara Dust (a band that later became Epica), it got silent around the self-willed Norwegian singer. That appeared to be a silence before the storm, for behind the scenes she worked hard on a new project. The in the meantime in the Netherlands living vocalist gathered new musicians around her and under the moniker of Imperia 'The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh' was released in 2004. Yet at that time a rumour was spread that Helena worked on a second project Angel. In April 2005 a first EP was released with four tracks. Angel was brought to life to sail a less metal course. All kinds of styles are possible, the orchestration of Audun Gronnestad remains present though, and the lyrics are much more personal, though using metaphors is another thing what happened. A notable fact is that Helena works in Angel with exactly the same team of musicians like in Imperia. Jan Yrland and Audun wrote some songs too. The music is obviously recognizable by her matchless voice, which she uses in very different ways. The album has a number of songs that we may call pop music and these songs are made for radio airplay. Proceeding on the diary subject, one perceives different phases and emotions of a lifetime. Songs like 'Little Girl', 'Little Princess' and 'Butterfly' have a lovely, innocent timbre. Gothic metal fans will find their liking in the heavier tracks, such as the revolting 'Lead You Through Fire' or the Sins Of Thy Beloved alike 'Fallen Angel'. An absolute emotional highlight (or the deep-most if you like that better) is 'Mother' where Helena asks desperately why her mother had to die. Sublime vocals! And there are some more surprises, like the 'mixed but succeeded' 'Flames Of Desire'. Gothic layers are mixed with real dance beats, but Helena does some straight opera vocals in between. The price of most unconventional track goes to 'Darkness' which is so over the top that it becomes funny. Here she sings and moans and groans as a cross-pollination between a frenzy Kate Bush and a juvenile Nina Hagen (think about the track 'Natürträne'). A wide range of styles indeed, but Helena can get on with them all pretty well. Rating 80/100 (details) |
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