SICK N’ BEAUTIFUL hailing from Rome, Italy were formed in 2014. The modern/alternative Metal outfit release their fourth full-length album. “Horror Vacui” was produced by bassist Big Daddy Ray at Kinorama Studios in Italy. The album has a length of more than 46 minutes, and it was released via Italian Heavy, Power, and progressive Metal specialists Frontiers Records. The album starts with the powerful mid-tempo track “(Human Is) Overrated”. The guitar riffing is thunderous, and the basslines are crushing. The vocals have a lot of Rock vibes and are ranging around the medium end of the vocal range. Ther is a lot of harsh backing vocal support during the track. The melodies are catchy in particular during the sing-along chorus parts.

“My Wounds” keeps it going with the powerful sound delivered by the guitars and bass. The tempo is slower compared to the opening track and the rhythm is a bit sluggish. The verse parts are driven by the strong basslines and the vocals, while the choruses are led by the heavy guitar riffing. The chorus lines are simple and anthemic. Highlight is a very contributing lead guitar solo. “Death Police” starts very heavy with the guitar riffing leading into the verse part at mid-tempo. The verse parts are mainly driven by the vocals accompanied by thunderous guitar riffs. The track has a simple and direct verse/chorus structure with the chorus parts being supported by backing vocals. The breaks of the tracks are relatively short, however, “Death Police” is somehow an exception with the lead guitar solo being quite long but very contributing. “Haunted” is a slow and ballad-esque song driven by the vocals and once again, powerful guitar riffs. The vocals of Herma Sick are very versatile, and she utilizes her remarkable vocal range. It is her opportunity to shine, and she grabs it. “Haunted” was released as video, and the YouTube link is provided below.

“Hate Manifesto” is a track with many Rock vibes. The guitar riffing is powerful, direct, and simple. The chorus lines are anthemic and supported by backing vocals. It is a track at a measured tempo with the main hook being the chorus line. Highlight is once again the lead guitar solo, which might have been a bit longer. “Septem Maleficas” starts with a short tension-building intro, transitioning into the mid-tempo verse part, driven by the keyboards, drums, and vocals. The track has many industrial vibes. The melodies are catchy during the chorus parts. Highlight of the track is the versatile vocal contribution. “Raise The Dragon” has a quiet start with the keyboards and the vocals, later joined by the basslines. Eventually, the guitars join in and the track at mid-tempo is at full swing. It is a simple verse/chorus track with the chorus parts being driven by dark melodies with some melancholic traces. The break with the extended lead guitar solo is very contributing once again. “Rail Ride” is another track with many Rock vibes, powerful and heavy guitar riffing, and anthemic chorus parts. It is one of those tracks which is perfectly suited to the versatile voice of Herma Sick, who has an excellent performance.

“God Save The Bride” starts a bit atmospheric and with a tension-building verse part, driven by the guitars and the vocals. It does not take long for the track to come to life with thunderous guitar riffing and crushing basslines at mid-tempo. The track comes with harsh backing vocals that provide an additional layer to the track. The short lead guitar solo is once again very contributing. “The Rat King” is introduced by the main guitar riff and strong basslines. The vocals join in at some point for the verse part and deliver some jazzy vibes to the mix. It is a track that defines itself by the vocal performance of Herma Sick, who offers her versatility and her ability to seduce the listener. “The Rat King” is one of the album highlights. The album ends with “Diggity Dig Dig“, which is a mid-tempo track with powerful guitar riffs, keyboard contributions, effects, contributing lead guitar contributions, and a sing-along chorus.

SICK N’ BEAUTIFUL release a good Metal album. “Horror Vacui” is a delivery of everything the bands stand for: an unpredictable mixture of alternative, modern, and industrial Metal with powerful guitar work and an excellent vocalist, who is driving the whole album sound. In fact, the vocals of Herma Sick are key to the album and her versatility and partially breathtaking performance is the outstanding element of “Horror Vacui”. The album is well produced. The sound of SICK N’ BEAUTIFUL is not mainstream at all. Fans, who love alternative Metal with industrial elements and a modern twist, will like what they hear.