ION INDIE MAGAZINE April 2015, Volume 11 | Page 73

EMBERSLAND is Symphonic/Gothic Metal band from Barcelona, Spain, formed in 2009. They have released their
debut album “Sunrise” in February of 2013 and their latest album, “Dark Ages”, was released February 6, 2015.
I am loving the track “The Mirror of Your Soul” and it is my “reviewer’s pick” out of this CD--with its energetic machinegun precision drumming and rich bass vocals that descend into growls! The change of pace mid song is a nice
surprise—the calm interlude is unexpected. Nice guitar work in this section! I can hear influences of RHAPSODY OF
FIRE in the track “When I Die”. Stellar drumming opens “Closer”, with the fantastic duo vocals carrying this song
throughout. A memorable track is found in “Be There for Me”--with its wonderfully rhythmic opening bass lines and
heavy guitar riffs; coupled with expert drumming. What a full sound! “Where Are You” has a slower, more deliberate
pace buoyed by a driving beat. The song “Deadweight” puts the “power” in Power Ballad--with elements that are
reminiscent of THERION; coupled with the rate changes and climatic drama of DREAM THEATER echoing throughout.
Vocalist WILL has deep resonating vocals, with a similarity to VILLE VALLO (HIM). The marriage of both growling and
the clear vocals of Will and the vocally operatic stylings of MAY are most impressive, adding wonderful textures to
the music! The musicians do not disappoint…delivering stellar instrumental support—as evidenced in the guitar
work in the track “Hope”. The melodic singing and lyrics are thoughtful and captivating. This song was present in my
mind long after I finished listening…which qualifies it as “catchy”. This is a true Symphonic song with elements of
NIGHTWISH’S style definitely present. Opening “Sunrise (Part II)” is the longest track on this album, lasting over 9
minutes. What an epic performance! It is a study in contradiction, between the gravelly growls intermixed with both
the male and soprano vocals and a dash of rich choir work…Death Metal mingles with Symphonic elements—very
theatrical! One can close their eyes and imagine a “Metaller’s Night at the Opera”! Really quite brilliant.
EMBERSLAND combines and meshes elements of Heavy Metal, Symphonic Metal, Hard Rock, Gothic Metal,
Progressive and Death/Thrash Metal, with modern touches and melodies. The result is PURE POWER. Summing up,
this Spanish band creates excellent music and claims their presence in numerous genres…sure to capture the hearts
and ears of ‘new fans of many musical tastes. Each song stands on its own in Dark Ages…and the sum of the whole
is MAGIC.
http://www.embersland.com/
www.facebook.com/Embersland