Amberian Dawn
The Clouds of Northland Thunder
Rating
Style: Symphonic Power Metal
Release date: June 29th 2009
 

Amberian Dawn takes a step forward with 'The Clouds of Northland Thunder'; a tighter, better crafted and much more mature album than last year's debut album "River of Tuoni", which in its own terms wasn't a bad album at all.

First class, fast-paced symphonic power metal, again not that remote from what bands like Nightwish, Krypteria and Within Temptation play, but this time they have put a big stamp of their own on the songs, and delivers an impeccable performance, firing on all cylinders on twelve great songs.

Focus point is once more the excellent voice of classical trained soprano front siren Heidi Parvainen, who on one hand gives the band an edge over much of the competition, but on the other band, might be the biggest obstacle for them to move forward because her style is so unique. Not that her singing isn't diverse, it's just that everything is high-pitched and done in the upper regions of the spectre, surely not everyone's cup of tea. But I am a sucker for this style, and Heidi is surely one of the most accomplished vocalists out there, just listen to her phrasings in a song like 'Lionheart', breathtaking, a song that shows her full range and talent.

Amberian Dawn is clearly one of the frontrunners of the second wave of female fronted symphonic metal bands, and 'The Clouds of Northland Thunder' should move them into the Champions League with ease, all that is needed is the right amount of luck and a solid push from the record label.

Go get, now!


Tracklist
01. He Sleeps in a Grove
02. Incubus
03. Kokko - Eagle of Fire
04. Willow of Tears
05. Shallow Waters
06. Lost Soul
07. Sons of Seven Stars
08. Saga
09. Snowmaiden
10. Lionheart
11. Morning Star
12. Birth of the Harp
Label: Ascendance Records
Distribution: Plastic Head Music
Reviewed by: Kenn Jensen
Date: June 21st 2009
Website: Amberian Dawn @ MySpace