When a band releases only three albums in ten years, they either don't really care about their band (or have no money to produce a new album, no ideas, etc.) or they use the long time between the albums to make them perfect. Triosphere, a female-fronted band from Norway, definitely belongs to the latter.
When I listened to "The Heart of the Matter" for the first time, I have to admit I was confused about the singer, Ida Haukland. At first I thought it was a man singing. I mean, seriously, if you don't know anything about the band and you listen to the single "The Heart's Dominion" you will understand. And yes, sorry Ida, I feel bad for this. But now, after listening more carefully, I appreciate her, because she is not like all the other female singers in metal, she is not one of these classical trained sopranos every symphonic metal band has, and, stating the obvious, she also doesn't head in the Angela Gossow direction. But no doubt, Ida is an awesome singer, versatile and unique.
Musically, "The Heart of the Matter" is melodic, dynamic, diversified, yet focused. You can hear a bit of Kamelot here, some Rhapsody there, you can even find Arch Enemy rhythms. Touring with these bands must have had influence on their music, but still Triosphere is original. Also, I enjoy their usage of symphonic elements, it just fits perfectly. What I really like about their music is that you don't need much time to get into it. You hear the album for the first time and either you like it or not. But I guess there aren't many people who don't find a single track they don't like.
My personal favourite on the album is actually the softest song, "Virgin Ground". Ida just sounds beautiful on it and it's a song where you can lay down, close your eyes and feel comfortable and somehow safe.
"The Heart of the Matter" is a great album and shows that not all of today's Melodic Metal sounds the same, and Triosphere clarify that there is still so much you can do in this genre. I even think with their next record they can bring it to the next level and show a very different direction again.
Line-up:
Ida Haukland - vocals/bass
Marius Silver Bergesen - guitars
T. O. Byberg - guitars
Orjan Jorgensen - drums
