Tarja has been an integral part in defining the new genre we now call 'Symphonic Metal', so reading that “Frisson Noir” marks her return to a heavier sound does not entirely make sense. Tarja is not the kind of musician to be confined within predefined or narrow boundaries, and has proven to be extremely versatile, singing whatever style she chooses. Therefore, her decision to write heavier music, simply means that this is where she wanted to go. With that in mind, I was already extremely biased in believing that “Frisson Noir” would be an excellent album, with many elements to notice and even more to discover. This is an album to be experienced, rather than just listened to.

ARMORED SAINT is the kind of band where I don't care how long it takes them to put out a new record; not because I have lost interest (far from it), but because they have earned that kind of patience. In fact, I have blind trust that these gentlemen will only release new music when they truly believe it deserves to carry their name. “Emotion Factory Reset” proves exactly that. As ANVIL would say, "it was worth the weight," because once again, the SAINT has delivered.

Music cannot be confined or fully described with words, simply because it creates and expresses emotions before the mind has time to name them. This is one of the reasons some artists break through the invisible barriers the Metal scene often raises in order to define itself. Personally, I am always interested in albums that, on paper, are not my usual cup of tea, because often this kind of music becomes too compelling to require any label before entering my listening realm. A.A. Williams’ "Solstice" gracefully passed through those barriers with the sheer force of its lyrics and its often-overwhelming atmosphere.

Music is wonderful, and it becomes magical when it gives shape to emotion. CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX created “Sceaduhelm” as a vessel for emotions after turning their attention inward, not necessarily to address them or, God forbid, attempt to change them. Their statement feels simpler and more honest than that: an acknowledgement that these emotions exist, along with the overwhelming exhaustion that seeps through the cracks of our existence. This is not an easy-to-listen album, and it was certainly not constructed to leave you with a fuzzy feeling. Instead, it challenges you to let yourself wander through the twists and turns this album places in front of you.