AUTUMN is a band that hails from The Netherlands and has already released three full lengths albums. In fact after the My New Time release in 2007 AUTUMN was about to split mainly due to the departure of Nienke De Jong. During the days of turbulence the name of Marjan Welman popped up from her impressive collaboration to the all-star concept named AYREON led by the mastermind of Arjen Lucassen. Arjen has proven himself as an excellent ear when it comes to discover 'new' artists and help them the most to make the first and most crucial career steps. Nevertheless, Marjan joined AUTUMN and as it seems (and sounds) breathed fresh air in their music. So, Metal Blade is about to release the band's fourth album revealing the new music with the new singer.
Although, I consider Gothic Metal rather predictable I enjoyed listening to Altitude mainly due to Marjan sweet yet powerful vocals that characterize the band's musical signature. The keyboards (as expected) play a significant rule either by building a moody atmosphere or by taking the leading role delivering groovy melodies. The guitar work stays safe behind the classic Gothic structure borrowing elements from the late LAKE OF TEARS days without presenting something really impressive during the leads or solos. The spotlight remains on the vocals from the very beginning; Marjan's ancestry (The Netherlands) justifies her influences from Anneke Van Giersbergen singing 'attitude' and haunting singing profile. Actually, her warm voice 'guided' the band's music to more Gothic oriented paths leaving aside the die-hard Metal profile found in the heavier My New Time where Nienke was behind the microphone. The good thing is that now the band sounds less like SIRENIA being on the road of getting a more personal sound. The Heart Demands gets in the highlights lists with the catchy guitar rhythm and the double vocal harmonies that fit the music like a glove. After listening to the album several times I decided that I like more the keyboard oriented tracks like Sulphur Rodents where AUTUMN deliver some almost Progressive metal structures with inspired keys and guitar solos.
So, despite the fact that the album runs in a mid tempo under the Gothic Rock shadow, it still belongs to the wider Metal territory where we find some LAKE OF TEARS and THE GATHERING fans. If the female fronted bands are your cup of tea and you don't have a problem with the groovy Gothic touches then proceed with AUTUMN without second thoughts.
P.S.: You can listen to the entire album in the band's Myspace page (www.myspace.com/autumnband)
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