LA-VENTURA, a fine female fronted Melodic, Gothic Metal band from the Netherlands, already I approve as one of my favourite Gothic Metal bands - HOLYHELL sound very similar to each other, which pleases me greatly. The powerful vocal line by Carla van Huizen has left me already in love with her as again, she sounds almost on par with the equally gorgeous and talented Maria Breon of HOLYHELL which if you haven't already, do check them out.

Not only are the vocals fantastic and almost perfect, we have a groovy powerhouse of extra proportions mixed with a Gothic atmosphere and reality, leaving us with a fine album that is "White Crow" it has 2 different albums, the one I listened to seemed to have been the Special Edition which was released last year only it missed a couple of tracks from what I have been reading on their official site, which were "Song For An Idiot" and "Memoria" (a bonus track)

With the exception of those 2 tracks the album is still a fine product however, first time listening to it I was pretty hooked, no "grow on mes" because the album produced, in short, a groovy, melodic masterpiece. I would probably class this under the "easy-listening" category due to it being an mostly enjoyable listen, no hardcore elements, just a plain, easy groove justified by the beautiful vocals Carla van Huizen simply, masterful.

The main attraction to this album is the groovy melodic background with typical Gothic atmosphere with help from the glorious vocal cord from Carla van Huizen which in my opinion always suits this kind of genre best. The album starts off with a groovy punchline, followed by the fine vocal work, while keeping that awesome Heavy Metal groove. "Falling Down" and "Human Vanity" really showcase this so far.

If you are into WITHIN TEMPATION or NIGHTWISH, I reckon LA-VENTURA will be right up your alley. Not comparing the 2 bands but more comparing the atmosphere and similarities I find the 3 bands give off. LA-VENTURA give off more of a groove, gothic, but calm sense of enlightenment, which leads me to think "White Crow" is nothing more but an enjoyable headbang session.

Favourites would have to be "Neverending Story" which compels you into a rhythm full of chant and realization of the reality when drama can go too far and (we've all been there) gets tiresome which I believe this song is explaining that "enough is enough", a very dramatic song which still keeps that fine groove line, which helps me keep on point that this is my favourite track on the album.

Similar greats are "The Only One" which has a similar outcome to the previous favourite, keeping that fantastic groove which is the album's point of interest on top of the vocals I love so much. Including a fine solo which is quite easily the fastest riff I've heard on the album, keeps a nice touch on that groove only to make it faster and more "yes" material. If you are looking for a headbanging sense of treatment, it's still there, just not extreme which I'm infamously most used to.

Before I close, "Watch Me Go" ends the album with another fine "catch" session, keeping the groovy headbang and catchiness of the great vocal work. Which leads me to think "White Crow" is a new take on Gothic music implementing Groove Metal into the mix and LA-VENTURA did this so damn well. Ending the album closes with a Radio Edit for "Close To You" which I found at the beginning was the slower point for the album but you can definitely tell it was an edit which is a nice bonus.

Overall, I'm sure the Metal lasses will definitely appreciate such talent, it's always great to find female vocalists and even instrumentalists contribute so much time and effort to create fine, upstanding legends such as LA-VENTURA have done. Take note, this band has potential (as do many younger bands) and need your support. You won't regret listening to "White Crow" I can guarantee that.