NIGHTQUEEN - review added 8th March 2012
Album Review: For Queen And Metal (2012)
For fans of: Power Metal
"For Queen And Metal" is the debut album by metal band Nightqueen. As the title suggests, this is a kind of female-fronted version of Manower, albeit with a few twists and turns along the way.
The sound has the rattling drums and bass characteristic of over-the-top power metal, and those speedy guitars and there too. The main differences are the strong symphonic edge which takes the music away from the "battle" end of power metal, and obviously the female vocals.
I find it hard to know what to make of Keely Larreina. One minute she sounds potent, tuneful and vaguely easy on the ears. The next she sounds below average and doesn't key in with the music in the slightest. She sums up the music in some ways. It's haphazard, moving from brilliance to nothingness and back with abandon, leaving me more confused than a chicken wearing wellies.
In Summation:
Not a lot stands out on this record. It's okay but nothing more. Possibly worth checking out by fans of female-fronted metal, but don't expect to be set on fire with excitement.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Into The Night
02. Nightfall
03. Mystical Night
04. For Queen And Metal
05. Lady Fantasy
06. Nocturnal Thoughts
07. Secret Of The Blind Man
08. Majesty
09. Rebel To Rebel
10. Screaming For Mercy
11. Dark Fairy
Band/Performers:
Keely Larreina : lead vocals
Rex Zeco : guitar & backing vocals + spoken voice
Alan Rawson : guitar & backing vocals
Steven Steele : bass & backing vocals
Daniel Kells : keyboards & backing vocals
William Blodyn : drums
Other Info:
Mixed by Tony De Block (Midas Studios Lokeren Belgium)
Cover artwork by Jan Yrlund /Darkgrove Design
Label: Massacre Records
Artist's website(s): Nightqueen | MySpace | Facebook
