CARMERIA hailing from Sydney, Australia were formed in 2012. The symphonic and melodic Metal band released one EP, and “Tragedie D’Amour” is their sophomore full-length album. It was produced and mixed by Voya, mastered by Miro Liiski (CRUCIFY THE FAITH), and co-produced by Jordan Von Grae and Lachlan Blackwood. The album has a length of approximately 41 minutes, and it is an independent release. The album starts with “Call Forth My Sorrow”, and after a short symphonic intro, the track develops into a fast Metal track with powerful guitar riffing and some Power Metal vibes. The vocals are a mixture of predominantly clean vocals that vary from the medium to the higher end of the vocal range, but also deep-lying growls as support. It is a strong opening track, especially during the break with an extended lead guitar and keyboard solo. The orchestrations are notable, but very much in the background. “A Thousand Winter Rains” is a melodic mid-tempo track with catchy and easy-going melodies. The riffing is thunderous, and the arrangements are again in the background. The break slows down the tempo and is super heavy with the riffing, added orchestrations, and the growling vocals. “Thorns” is another mid-tempo track, where the focus is on digestible melodies, in particular during the chorus parts. Highlight of the track is the break leading to the lead guitar/keyboard solo.

“Leading The Lyre” continues with the melodic Metal approach, here at a measured tempo. The melodies are easy to sing along to. The riffing is powerful, and the track really benefits from the underlying keyboard arrangements. “Whispers Of Forgiveness” is the first ballad of the album. It is an acoustic track, starting with the strings, the piano, and the vocals. Later, the acoustic guitars start contributing to the track. It is a perfect opportunity to shine for vocalist Jordan Von Grae and he shows what he is capable of with his voice. “Whispers Of Forgiveness” is one of the album highlights. “Shadow’s Throne” starts with the orchestral arrangements, leading into a mid-tempo melodic Metal track with thunderous guitar riffing. The melodies are again easy going, especially during the chorus part. The heavier parts of the track come with the break, where the guitar riffing is accompanied by the strings. Highlight of the track is the contributing lead guitar solo. “Immortal” is again a mid-tempo track and all what I said about the melodic album approach holds true for this song, however, “Immortal” tops the charts in that aspect. The melodies are easy-to-digest, and the chorus lines are anthemic and sing-alongs. It is no surprise, that the track was released as video and the YouTube link is provided below.

“Burning Ships” is the second album ballad, and the first half of the track is acoustic with the guitars and the strings providing the sound. They are joined by the electric guitars and powerful riffing. The vocals are female clean vocals and bassist Emma Louise Nagy has plenty of background vocal support. The second ballad is not as powerful as the first one and, in my opinion, this is mainly related to the background vocals, which take something away from the track. “The Hoping Heart” goes back to the familiar album patterns, but with more prominent orchestral arrangements at the beginning. The verse parts are driven by crunching basslines accompanied by powerful guitar riffing. The chorus parts focus again on the sing-along melodies. The highlight of the track is again a very contributing lead guitar solo. The album finishes with “A Vision In Passing” and this one is the third ballad of the album. Starting with the violin and the vocals, the track develops into a slow and quiet affair during the verse parts and powerful chorus parts provided by the thunderous guitar riffs. “A Vision In Passing” is another highlight and a good way to end the album. 

CARMERIA deliver a decent Metal album. “Tragedie D’Amour” is a mixed bag of everything. It is first and foremost a melodic Metal album with symphonic Metal elements and a few Power Metal vibes. The focus of the album is on creating digestible melodies, and the result is an easy-to-listen set of 10 songs. The album is well produced. “Tragedie D’Amour” is technically well crafted, and it will surely have its share of melodic Metal fans.