Let me tell you there is band
out there for all the Evanescence, Delain or Within Temptation fans you surely
haven't heard about. Denmark's symphonic rockers Cryoshell have been around for
a couple of years already. Their debut "Cryoshell" isn't particularly a new
record. The Danish already released the album back 2010 via their own label. The
full-length record is set to be re-issued on 21 November this year and here's
what you can expect from it.
Although some reviewers
criticize Cryoshell for carrying a very similar style to Evanescence' nu-metal
style with gothic rock influences, I think the Danish band sounds more grown-up.
Indeed, to mention one example, the piano intro, the overall beat and the rap on "Creeping
In My Soul" very clearly have resemblance to Evanescence-songs (it sounds a bit
like a mix of the hit "Bring Me To Life" and "Away From Me" from the Origin EP),
but in contrast to Evanescence, Cryoshell's music isn't designed to catch the
listener with hook over hook from the first second but to let him discover the
beauty of their music. The album needs some passes and it develops with every
new listen. Other than that, Evanescence' songs go in very obvious directions,
be it the over-emotional or heavier side, for example "My Immortal", the go-to
piano ballad for the heartbroken since over ten years now. Cryoshell's songs
sound more diversified and universal. If one gets interested after the first
listen, he will find many more elements he will be pleased by after some time
and new passes.
The most dashy element of "Cryoshell"
is the vocal work done by singer
Christine Lorentzen, who very obviously doesn't sound like Amy Lee - she has a very unique voice.
Having said that, the tone of her voice reminds me of Anette Olzon
(ex-Nightwish), which isn't a bad thing at all. Overall, it's very pleasant to
hear a female singer who isn't all about belting out high notes all the time (By
that, I mean very high notes, above F5 I'd say, there are some significant high
notes on the album, though.) but about singing what suits best for her voice and
being confident about her singing. Charlotte Wessels (Delain) came to my mind
while writing this. She and Christine are two of the very few singers who seem
to actually sing what and how they want to. I'm particular about female singers,
but I have to admit Christine Lorentzen is doing
a great job on the debut and contributes a lot to Cryoshell's style.
To sum up, "Cryoshell" is a
relatively strong and diverse debut I enjoyed listening to. Let's hope the band
will be continuing writing good music in the future.
