RADIANCE

The debut full-length album by Italian Progressive Metal band.
The Progressive Metal genre is known for having longer compositions, odd time signatures, and whatever unique aspect the musicians think will fit well with their music. Radiance is no different. “Undying Diabolyca” has longer songs, neat little time changes, and a female vocalist with a most unique voice. Karin’s voice is vastly different than the average female vocalist and her style meshes perfectly with this type of music. She often goes from a very vast operatic style of vocal work to a lower normal range. The higher vocals sound a little bit like Simone Simmons’ (Epica). Radiance’s singer uses her voice in odd ways, almost like an instrument. It is difficult to describe what it sounds like with words, but if you sample any track off of “Undying Diabolyca” you’ll understand it. This different style of vocals helps Radiance stand apart from other bands with a female vocalist.
Just listening to a few tracks off this record you can easily tell that the guitarist is majorly influenced by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden). Many of the harmonies sound like something you might find on a Maiden album. The solo work is also influenced by Dave Murray and you can hear the similarities in Federica’s tone. She uses that same warm tone Dave has and it sounds very nice. While the guitar playing is heavily influenced by Iron Maiden she does, however, add her own flavor to the mix. A lot of the riffs are heavily palm muted and done at odd syncopations creating an odd but good sound.
The bass sound is really groovy and is very audible on this record. At some sections it sounds very eerie, and that accompanied with those strange vocals makes for a haunting sound.
On some records you can tell whether or not the drummer really enjoys what he does. It’s easy to tell which percussionists really take pride in what they do and the drummer from this band thoroughly enjoys what he does. The drums have lots of character on this record and it’s nice to hear the entire set being used. The drums hold a very solid presence on “Undying Diabolyca” which is exactly what they should do.
Radiance is definitely a different band crafting different music. Every member possesses a rather large amount of talent. The only thing that might hold back a listener would be the vocals because they sound so different and strange, but try found them and this whole album entertaining. Every song stood out.
For a solid Prog album checks out the “Undying Diabolyca”!!
My Kingdom Music, 2013 (echo087). Made in Italy. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Towards Doom 1:25
2. Another Way 5:32
3. Behind The Light 8:42
4. Storm 5:36
5. Reasonance 2:56
6. Whirl's Criterion 8:03
7. Le Poison A La Mode 8:16
8. Undying Diabolyca 7:54
9. Pulse Of Awakening 1:55
Total playing time: 50:19


Samples: http://radiancemetalband.bandcamp.com