Serpentine

This is already the fourth full length album for this young German band, but it's actually the second one under the name of Flowing Tears (their first two records have been issued under the name of Flowing Tears And Withered Flowers) and it's their third one with female vocalist Stefanie Duchêne. The band left 3 members since their last release Jade (the second guitar, the keyboard and the drums) and hired just one new member on drums. I think every band should have two guitars because I think it brings more balance to the music.

For those who have never heard the band, they should be aware that the female vocalist has a very deep, emotional and angelic voice, truly mesmerizing. The voice is enthusiastic and gives the audience a very intense feeling. The music does not carry the voice on, it's rather the voice that deeply carries the music on. Their musical orientation is close to that of their label mates The Gathering and Lacuna Coil, although the band is trying to break these comparisons. The album consists of eleven mid-paced songs and an intro and tracks unfold one by one like dreamlike fairytales, but I wish the band was playing sometimes a more rock orientated music, because songs become sometimes a bit too predictable and fail to provide the audience a constant enthusiasm.

The album was recorded at Woodhouse Studios with Waldermar Sorychta and Siggi Bemm and the production of this album proves that those two guys are still capable of producing great music. This album is definitely a must-have for all people like me who love atmospheric gothic metal with heavenly female voices.