'Oh no, not another goth chick clone band!' I hear you exclaim. Well, yeah, I suppose, but this one really raises its head over the surface of mediocrity, methinks. I used the label easy listening metal above, and that really should be seen as a positive term. I use this term for metal that I can always pull out of my collection, almost no matter what. Savatage is also easy listening. I can always listen to Savatage. My Dying Bride's 'A Line of Deathless Kings' is also easy listening for me. If all else fails, that could be pulled from the shelf and soothe my senses.
'Onyx' holds that quality for me. It has a classic metal quality without really disturbing any senses and it's certainly not innovative in any way, and thus challenging your intellect. No, it's pleasing to the ears. It's even beautiful. This mostly due to Carmen Simoes' wonderful voice.
The thing about Carmen is that she takes it easy. No opera, no screaming. Just plain and beautiful singing, and not in the sweet as candy Liv Kristine way that easily gets tidious.
The entire album has a natural, unchallenging flow that allows you to just lean back and enjoy the dark atmosphere. Try it!
