Fans of female fronted Symphonic Metal have something to look forward to in the near future. Dropping on November 1st in Europe and December 3rd in North America is the debut album "Enlighten" by SLEEPING ROMANCE. Part Symphonic Metal, part Power Metal, this is a rather impressive first album.

Beginning with the incredible album art by Felipe Machado Franco (previously works include BLIND GUARDIAN and RHAPSODY OF FIRE) you are given the hint that something dark lurks beneath that cover. Even the band it's has described "Enlighten" as "a travel into the human soul who is crashing into the world: fighting, loving and to be born again". After listening to the album fully, I'd have to agree.

At the forefront are the amazing vocals of Federica Lanna. Those that are familiar with symphonic metal might be expecting operatic vocals, but SLEEPING ROMANCE doesn't take that route. That said, her vocals are perfect for this band. Soft when they need to be, strong when they need to be, and perpetually filled with emotion, her dulcet vocals are a great compliment and contrast to the music. Lyrics are by guitarist (and keyboardist) Federico Truzzi  are deep and powerful, leading  you through the journey of the album.

Concerning the instruments, musically. this is an incredible album. The guitars are outstanding, the symphonic elements are as well, and include unexpected beautiful sounds. Symphonic Metal teeters into power metal now and again, which I really enjoyed. Tempos shift throughout the album, from speedy power metal to a toned down mid tempo style.

Listening closely, I found only one thing to be picky about concerning this album. It felt like they had a set formula for each of their songs, and with but a few exceptions, all the tracks followed that same formula. All of the tracks are great, but it began to feel a bit repetitive. That being said, I was still impressed with the album and would recommend it.

Favorite tracks include the opening and closing instrumental tracks, "Hybrid Overture" and "Aeternum." Both were epic, and could have been much longer in my opinion.  Title track "Enlighten" was another favorite. Filled with angelic vocals, and heavy on the guitar and symphonic elements, it really is a stand out track. "Soul Reborn" had some great timing changes and is quite catchy. I adored the slower tempo track "December Flower", got lost in the dreamy vocals, and the heavy symphonic elements. Saving the best for last, the stand out track of the album (in my opinion) was "Devil's Cave". Everything you love to hear in a Symphonic Metal song can be found here, and then some. Darker than the other tracks, and containing more power metal than most, and with fluid transitions of all the elements that make up the song including the spoken word portion about the middle of the song.

If you are a fan of Power and Symphonic Metal, enjoy female fronted Metal without harsh male vocals, chances are you might really enjoy this album. In some ways the band reminded me of early era XANDRIA and to a lesser extent LEAVES' EYES. Check these guys (and girl) out.