EMBERSLAND is melodic Metal band from Barcelona, Spain. Founded 2009 and they have released their debut album "Sunrise" on the first period of the year.

"Why", the album's opener instantly became my favorite. It has plenty of power and energetic pounding, sharp edged guitar riffing, stellar rhythm section and well played keyboards. Vocalist Will had a low end, deeper kind of voice pattern, similar to Ville Vallo (H.I.M.). The mixture of growling and clean vocals does the trick. The chorus on display as has a great vibe, utterly catchy with a great riff. I also admired the melodic keyboards' play and riffs on "Sadness", retaining the Gothic H.I.M. vibe with moments of ASIA. The acoustic guitars and balladry patterns change suddenly into a dynamic song with edgy guitars and Hammond like Keyboards (DEEP PURPLE). "Kidnapping" tuning some fine singing, both growl and clean variations while "Memories" rocks like a 80s Hard Rock immersed with a Folkish mood, like a version of NIGHTWISH. The melodic "When" is yet another notable display of diverse Metal with a tight rhythm section. "Sunrise" is totally an epic track with gentle acoustics developing into vibrant riffing, piano orchestration, symphonic choirs and two vocal patterns obtaining the band's sense of creating memorable moments. What a performance, Death Metal, Soft Rock and Symphonic Metal perfectly mixed, diverting rapidly.

Other songs worth your time: "In Vain" with strong guitar riffs and keyboards following the DREAM THEATER progressive lines, "Fight For My Dream" sharing well written riffing and wonderful singing aspects and finally "It's Not The Way" with low-tuned guitars display, varied drumming and impressive oriental elements.

"Sunrise" features a spectacular combination of various types of Metal and Rock directions, whether modern or melodic. I enjoyed this band's vision and their refined spectrum of music. This debut album is very good and no doubt the keeping this record will ascertain the band's position as quite high in the chain.