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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

(Lyriel) - "Paranoid Circus"

Reviewed by:

"Philip Wooldridge"- (Ravenheart Music)

Genre:
(Female Fronted) {Rock/Symphonic-Metal}-(Music)
Country:
Germany
Length:
47:29
Release Date:
2/23/2010
Band Members: Jessica Thierjun - Vocals Linda Laukamp - Cello
  Oliver Claymore - Guitars Joon Laukamp - Violine
  Martin Ahmann - Keyboards Sven Engelmann - Bass
  Marcus Fidorra - Drums
Track Listing: 1.)-Opening
9.)-So Long, My Love
  2.)-Welcome
10.)-My Unawakened Soul
  3.)-Like A Feather In The Wind 11.)- Paranoid Circus
  4.)- The Regret
12.)-The Wheel Of Fortuna
  5.)-Elderberry And Lavender 13.)-The Way To Nowhere
  6.)-Lullaby 14.)-Another Time
  7.)-Foeman's Bride 15.)-Conclusion
  8.)-The Wolf  

Review:

I have known these German symphonic folk metallers Lyriel for many years and their previous two releases, whilst good, lacked that indefinable je ne sais quoi, perhaps it was the quality of the production, or songs, or something, they just didn’t scream ‘buy me’. Now on a new label, with a new opus, can they step up to the plate? The first thing that strikes you is the stunning sleeve art, an enormous amount of time and effort has been put in to the scrap book style surrealist Magritte (there is a top hat, but no bowler) like artwork and booklet. The second thing to strike you is the scene setting opening welcome, I love it when a band treats an album as a complete listening experience, rather than just a bunch of songs. So I am already impressed, well, what about the music? The second track ‘Opening’ shows that they have really upped the ante, the production clear and powerful, the rough edges smoothed off and the diction of the delectable Jessica Thierjung much improved. I already know her pure, effortless voice from her guest appearance on one of my favourite songs of all time, the deeply moving ‘Like a Rose on the Graveyard of Love’ on Xandria’s album, India. The songs are not a million miles away from Mother Earth period Within Temptation, mixed with Steeleye Span, highlights include the previously mentioned ‘Welcome’, ‘The Regret’, ‘Another Time’, the appropriately beautiful folk ballad ‘Lullaby’, and the lovely melodic ‘So Long, My Love’. The folk influence shines through in the storytelling quality of the lyrics, mainly written by violinist Joon Laukamp, which is such an important part of the folk tradition, and makes a welcome change from the norm. This CD sees the band make massive strides forward, creating a mighty challenge to the acknowledged leaders of the pack. If you like Within Temptation and Nightwish, you will really enjoy this, but that folk infusion gives them a unique and refreshing selling point, which sets them apart from the crowd. Available from all good retailers,

9 out of 10.

 

 

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