Solisia - UniverSeasons

Another female fronted symphonic/power metal band that really knows how to headbang? Nice!With bands like Denmark's Within Temptation and Finland's Nightwish flying the flag of symphonic/power metal bands fronted by powerful female vocals, it's no surprise that Italy's Solisia should come vying for their place in the genre. And make no mistake, they're not just going through the motions; these guys are good.

The most striking difference between Solisia and its sonic brethren is its more varied style. Culling different bits from thrash, progressive and symphonic/power metal, and combining it with the voice of new singer Elie Syrelia, these crafty Roman metalheads have forged a unique sound that comes together nicely on their ambitious concept album, UniverSeasons. Having not heard their debut album, I can't truly speak to their dodging a sophomore jinx, but after listening to it, there's no way they can't have topped it. This album kicks ass.

There are moments of brilliance where their use of dynamics breaks up monster grooves, showing a masterful sense of tension. And in fact, you'll find a great many moments of metal inspiration calling to mind the works of bands as varied as Dream Theater, Megadeth, Evanescence, and Anthrax. There's no question that this band is well set with talented musicians and I look forward to their next work.

The Bottom Line: Solisia takes a cue from the female-fronted sym-power metal playbook while adding their own heavier leaning influences from thrash and prog metal to make a gothic sound with a more throughly metal edge to it. The result is very impressive. Fans of Lacuna Coil who want more heavy grooves should check this out.

Tracks to Headbang to While Applying Your Heavy Eyeliner: UniverSeasons, Mind Killer, Dirty Feeling and Symbiosis

- Genghis was really impressed with this one...