Romanian melodic power metal band Magica has
similarities to Within Temptation, After Forever, Nightwish and Edenbridge.
However, Magica displays a much heavier sound while remaining melodic.
How do you break out of the female-fronted gothic/symphonic or melodic power
metal cliche? By having more of a variety within the music. And Magica pulls
this off admirably.
The band creates catchy choruses and symphonic orchestrations with a dose of
heaviness. The song structures are heavier and more progressive than the
aforementioned female-fronted bands. Keyboards are mixed with crunchy riffs,
decent guitar solos and double kick drumming. What this band does well is
vary each song, combining the melodic power metal with the right amount of
heavy riffs sure to keep the metalheads happy.
Ana Mladinovici has a decent voice with operatic melodies, but she’s not
annoyingly ear-piercing as other women in the genre.
"Wait For Me" and its simplistic poetic melody is catchy with a heavy edge.
"Never Like You" is a midpaced anthem, with backing vocals and progressive
riffs mixed with keyboards to add to the flavor of the song. "On The Side Of
Evil" has a great chorus but basic riff; however, the tempo variation makes
it a memorable one.
Magica is one of the best female-fronted melodic power metal bands out there
and could gain more popularity. They won't please every metalhead, but they
can be very enjoyable, if given the chance.
