This has been a very good year for female fronted metal, with
bands such as Elessar, Tyranny of Hours and Sirenia leading the way. Then out
of the shadows steps another symphonic metal band with a unique twist; Siren’s
Cry. Siren’s Cry sounds like a lovechild between Symphony X and Epica. Their album
“scattered Horizons” combines progressive metal elements with symphonic elements,
all wrapped up with great female vocals. For a first album, it’s really
impressive. It sounds like a major label release and is very tightly produced.
Siren’s Cry may have found a winning combination of styles that make them stand
out above most bands. I don’t know too much about the band, but I do know
they’re excellent.
“S3V3N” sounds like it could be a Symphony X track, but then
Katie Joanne starts singing and all is changed. I don’t think I’ve heard a band
quite like this before. It takes the best elements of female fronted symphonic
metal and fuses it with progressive precision. Every single instrument is
perfectly utilized and balanced. It sounds like they’ve been making albums for
years. “Oratory & Sins” keeps the flow going and it’s another great song.
The chorus is very full sounding and the keyboard makes a nice addition to all
of the layers that are going on. “Elegy of R’lyeh” starts off a little slow but
before it feels like it isn’t going anywhere, it gets interesting. The chorus,
for one, is one of the best on the album and the solo sounds like it belongs on
Symphony X’s “The Divine Wings of Tragedy.” “Draconian Spectrum” is a little
heavier than previous tracks and it too has a great choir sound and an even
better solo. Phillip Porter is one of the best guitarists I’ve heard in a long
time. His songwriting and tone is incredible. Hopefully he will get the recognition
he deserves. “Cold Amber & Scalding Tears” is a pleasant ballad that
ignites the senses. It’s epic, beautiful and engrossing. “Sahara Sagas” is the
longest track on the album and is divided into five parts. It’s also their most
ambitious song. Its use of Middle Eastern sounds works so well, and helps
create a picture of a desert setting. “Serpents of War” is another outstanding
track that cannot go unnoticed. The chorus is the absolute best on the album
and shows that Siren’s Cry is a master at creating huge sounding vocal parts. “Controversial
Mind” closes the album and is the absolute best on the album. It’s their most
technical and their most focused. The guitar solo is completely mind-blowing.
It seems they truly saved their best for last. If the next album sounds like
this, they might just be the next big thing.
So there you have it. Another fantastic symphonic metal band
that came out of absolutely nowhere and they deliver in spades. Their sound is
similar to Symphony X but they are not a rip off. They have their own sound and
songwriting skills. Katie Joanne’s voice really makes Siren’s Cry unique and
memorable. This isn’t some half assed album that will get lost in the flood of
other metal. Every instrument is planned out and played with great care. “Scattered
Horizons” is the real deal and this band has incredible talent. “Controversial
Mind" is without a doubt one of the best metal songs I’ve heard this year. For
fans of progressive or symphonic metal, this is an absolute must listen.
9.5/10
Official Site - www.sirenscry.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/sirenscryband
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