Divine Ascension - As The Truth Appears

(CD, Nightmare Records, 2011)

Female fronted Metal is not a trend and it never was. It’s just that the majority of the male Metal fans is a little sexist and tends to think like animals, when female fronted bands are concerned. After all there are many bands that not only have a beautiful female singer, but also are charismatic and talented just like DIVINE ASCENSION.

From the very first audition I thought this is a great album with awesome songs and on top of all a powerful voice courtesy of Jennifer Borg. I will be straightforward and say that his album is  simply amazing; even if there are some parts that would be additional work (mind you this is their debut) the music is solid giving the impression of a veteran band. DIVINE ASCENSION play straightforward and comprehensive Progressive Metal with powerful cutting edge guitars keeping a perfect balance that is never lost into cheap showing off tricks. Ok, sometimes the guitar leads seem to go too far but at the same time remain calm while the keyboards are there where it’s necessary, never crossing the line to something Symphonic or cliché and even the melodic songs retain clearly their progressiveness and power. The sound-scape is simply amazing with epic moments, speed breaks and also emotional finishing touches, filled with energy and great musicianship.

The album is not that complex to tire the listener keeping a safe distance from showing off of skills while there is no attempt to break new grounds in music structures. The songs are well-crafted little diamonds and something new is discovered after every consecutive audition. Jennifer’s vocals are powerful, clear and have the perfect musicality fitting the music like a hand-in-glove and her performance has nothing to do with the “diva” effect where singers try to push their vocal limits to the max.

DIVINE ASCENSION is a band worth checking out; don’t let short-minded clichés keeping you away from something refreshing and pure. Plus the band comes from down under (Australia) which is remarkable by default.

8/10 

Links:

www.Divine-Ascension.Com
www.MySpace.Com/DivineAscensionBand
www.Twitter.Com/DAscensionBand

Tracklist:

01. Answers
02. Visionary
03. In My Mind
04. Vision Divine
05. Guided By Osiris
06. One Last Caress
07. Garden Of Evil
08. Another Battlefield
09. Hope Arising
10. Civilization
11. Unscathed
12. Not Today

Lineup:

Jennifer Borg - Vocals
Karl Szulik - Guitar
Robb Inglis - Guitar
David Van Pelt - Keyboards
Simon Mahoney - Bass
Luke Wenczel - Drums

Written by Dimitris Karametos Tuesday, 27 December 2011 01:08