After one year of absence Austrian band Edenbridge are back with a new album called 'Arcana'. Symphonic/Melodic metal at its best with Sabine's vocals giving an otherworldly dimension to their music.
Admittedly after their debut album 'Sunrise in Eden' they had the potential to do better. So they did! This time their music is full of musical maturity which will keep anyone listening to their new album pinned to the ground! Sabine's voice being more impulsive and confident. The instrumental matrix is built around her ethereal voice so tightly that it tends to flawless. And this a big word for anyone to say!
'Arcana' is a great mixture of fast, powerful melodic metal which at times can also be described as lyrical in nature. Three songs are concentrating primarily on Sabine's vocals, while, the rest are furious, fast, with complex fast played guitar riffs (listen to 'Starlight Reverie' and you will know what am I talking about) and powerful rhythmic drums, supported to the maximum by Lanvall's magic on the keyboards.
The outcome is a mixture of lyrical, melodic powerful symphonic metal. The complexity of the musical synthesis is at times breath taking ('Color the sky'). All these wrapped in the exquisite voice of Sabine!
Edenbridge have still more to give to us. I think that the vocals play a great deal in the music and this seems to be their strong point. Without the brilliant structure around Sabine though, this could not be done. All the instruments are exceptional in supporting this structure.
My hopes for the future of 'Edenbridge' deny me the urge to give a rating based absolutely on the enthralment of listening to 'Arcana'. For the mesmerizing outcome I can not give less than...