I’m already familiar with this Finnish band called KATRA and their 2008 release ’Beast Within’ but they are now back with a follow-up called ‘Out Of The Ashes’.

We are talking female fronted gothic metal here with solid songs but with no real surprises. Everything is wrapped up in a top notch and crystal clear production.

The album opens with one of the strongest songs “Delirium” and continues to shoot its way through the new single “One Wish Away” where singer Katra really shines. Then we get “If There Is No Tomorrow” and “Vendetta”. Especially “Vendetta” has a darker sound but fits in well with the rest of the material.

Other highlights are the title-track and my personal favourite “Mirror” with its hypnotizing guitar riffs and strong chorus.

A solid album that does need a few spins to blossom but should appeal to most fans of female fronted gothic metal.

Check it out.