The last time I hear a DYECREST record is when I reviewed their second album "This Is My World" in 2005. As they disbanded in 2008, you can picture me very surprised that there was a new album available for reviewing. Research has shown that they have been active since at least 2018, as this current album "Defying Gravity" is their third studio album since that year. Obviously, that does mean that I haven't heard anything of any other DYECREST release than the two I just mentioned. What you will get is categorised on the EPK as Contemporary Heavy Metal. Well, if you add the monikers Epic, Power Metal and even a bit of Symphonic to all of that, then you are in the right ballpark. And what I shouldn't forget to mention is that this is Female Fronted Metal, but I feel that is a moot point, as if the music is good, it doesn't matter what gender the person is delivering the lyrics to us at the other end of your speakers.

The fact of the matter is that the line up has changed over the years, but that only goes for the vocals. That is (to put it politely) rather understandable, as original singer Kimmo Blom passed away in 2022. Current lyrical duties are done by an outstanding replacement, as I really can't fault Heidi Aaltonen in her deliveries. Another change is that Pirkka Ohlis changed from guitar duties to keyboards. It gives the music just that little more depth and a possibility to reach and achieve a wider range of emotions. For the rest DYECREST is still the same, and that is very much apprehensible when you listen to what the band brings on "Defying Gravity".

Even though the band have been going such a long time (since 2003 under the name DYECREST) they have somehow never made it to the major leagues. When I listen to "Defying Gravity" I can understand why. What DYECREST brings on this album is all very solid, very dependable, but also very predictable. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but in order to rise above the rest you need to make sure that the songs you write are of an extremely high level of authenticity and uniqueness. And that is what is missing here; it sounds a bit too familiar. That is exactly why I am rating "Defying Gravity" as a good album instead of an excellent one. What I am sure of is that every lover of good and solid Heavy Metal with Epic parts and a Symphonic undertone will enjoy listening to the latest effort by DYECREST.