Edenbridge
	Rating: 72/100 Reviewed by: Peter Laursen, October '04 Label: Massacre Records Style: Epic/Melodic Metal
Shine

I’m sitting here listening to the new Edenbridge album “Shine” over and over again. -Yes; Edenbridge from Linz, Austria are back with their fourth album. Edenbridge is primarily the brainchild of guitarist/keyboardist Lanvall, and together with Sabine Edelsbacher (Lead & Backing vocals), Andreas Eibler (Guitars) and Roland Navratil (Drums), they present themselves on a high level on their new album, “Shine”.

Their debut album “Sunrise In Eden” from the year 2000 was followed by “Arcana” (2001) and then “Aphelion” (2003). Somehow Edenbridge reminds me a little bit of Nightwish, but maybe more melodic and not as bombastic and Tarja Turunen from Nightwish sings more operatic than Sabine.

The first thing I've noticed about Edenbridge is the angelic voice of Sabine Edelsbacher. When I listen to Edenbridge it gives me a feeling of relaxation and tranquillity. However, it seems to me that Sabines voice sounds exactly the same song after song. I wish that she would sing a little more aggressive on the fast songs than she does on the ballads. But that’s just my opinion of course.

The songs here are all well crafted, but to me it gets a little bit boring after numerous listens. The first track “Shine” is a very nice song, but it is much to long. To me it seems like it’s going on and on and on. All of what follows remains firmly entrenched in a melodic mode, from ballads ( “Centennial Legend”) to faster and indeed pretty powerful stuff, such as the album’s most energizing and best track in my opinion, “October Sky”.

The reputation of Edenbridge is good and I think they deserve it. Edenbridge is alright stuff and they’ve put out a good album in my humble opinion. If you are into Epic/Melodic Rock and Metal I think you should give Edenbridge a try. To fans of Edenbridge… - You don’t go wrong with this new album.