Amberian Dawn - Innuendo

by Alex Mumford - 11 October 2015

Released: 23rd October 2015 via Napalm Records

Amberian Dawn, a symphonic female-fronted power metal band from the Snowy nation of Finland. These guys have been around since 2006 and have released 7 albums, including their latest album, Innuendo. Here are my thoughts…

It blasts straight into the first song like a runaway freight train. No intro, it doesn’t give you a second to catch your breath. Screaming guitars and attacking double kick everywhere. I wasn’t sure whether I had accidentally fast forwarded it. Great catchy riffs though and Capri has you singing along with her by the end of the song Fame and Gloria!!!

These guys signed with Napalm Records in 2014 and this is their third release with the Label. They have had a few line up changes in that time and have finally settled upon: Capri (Vocals), Tuomas Seppala (Keyboard, Guitar), Emil Pohjalainen (Guitar), Joonas Pykala-Aho (Drums) and newest recruit Jukka Hoffren (Bass).

Capri’s vocals are incredible. Her range is amazing, something I know for sure many pop singers would be envious of. The prominence of her voice does overpower the music a little but it’s welcomed. She is so easy to listen to.

The song Ladyhawk sounds like it should be a winner on the Eurovision song contest. Very cheesy riff and vocal pattern. But it had me swaying along to it with a smile on my face. No Nil Pois from me. I can only assume that the band are big fans of the 80s hit movie with the same name, that was also rather corny!

You can hear in the music how well trained all these guys are. Mixing symphonic riffs and tones with extreme technical skills. This is true for the majority of the album. Toumas Seppala being the main songwriter of all their records, showing off his technical skills on guitars and keyboard, it’s a wonder to hear.

The keyboard at the start of Angelique is haunting with the wonderful voice of Capri. So good so I played it over and over again. A big change to the rest of the album but welcoming at the same time. A diamond in the middle of pure power from the rest of the songs.

Rise of The Evil smashes straight into it again, a trait that seems to spread across the entire album. A speedy song with a cracking solo three quarters of the way through.

Knock Knock Who’s There with a 80s style pop song start, made me have a cheeky giggle. The rest of the song follows on with the 80s feel to it. A really comical bass riff adds to the humour of this song. It almost feels like ABBA should be performing it. Regardless of it not fitting on the album, it was a great listen and fun to sing-a-long to.

Symphony nr1, part 1 – The Witchcraft is exactly what it states. A Finnish sonata about a witch striking fear into a village. This would be fantastic if it were ever to find its way onto a theatre stage. It had a little Phantom of The Opera feel to it. Above all else, a brilliant riff about three quarters in that had me thumping to it. A beautiful ending to it with piano and Capri, a must hear.

The album ends on a ballad called Your Time – My Time. The opening riff would have a place in any 80s action movie. Capri showing off her perfect vocal range. A good ending to an enjoyable album. Overall, a great display of Symphonic metal here. A fun listen, I wished their tour stretched to the UK.

Alex's recommended tracks: Fame and Gloria & Symphony nr1 part 1 – The Witchcraft

For fans of: Nightwish, Angtoria and Tarja

Can you see these guys in the UK?: They are heading out on tour, but there's not UK dates yet.

Amberian Dawn - Innuendo

by Alex Mumford - 11 October 2015

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