Kev Rowland Morten Venland (guitars/vocals) formed Sirenia after he left Tristania in 2001, and this is their sixth album to date. There have been a few issues with line-ups over the years, especially with singers, but the band seem settled now with Ailyn (vocals), Jonathan A. Perez (drums) and Jan Erik Soltvedt (guitars). There are also plenty of keyboards combining with strong riffs, as well as violins and even 12-string guitars. They describe their music as a mixture of gothic metal and rock with classical orchestrations, in addition to some elements from more extreme metal genres. The vocals themselves are a major element of the sound, with Ailyn’s stunning soprano being mixed with choirs, growls, screams, clean male vocals, whispers and samples. They are bound to be compared to Nightwish, and rightfully so, but these guys have definitely also brought in elements of Lacuna Coil as well as some aspects of Opeth.

The result is an album that is symphonic and dark, emotional and gothic, atmospheric and powerful yet somehow incredibly accessible and immediate. The very first time I played this album I felt at home, immersed in the music, and very much wanting to hear it again. It is complex, with multiple layers and styles of sound, but manages to maintain a heaviness throughout, driven in no small part by the thunderous drums. If you haven’t come across these guys before then they really are worth seeking out. www.nuclearblast.de