This is one album I've been anxiously waiting for, every since I heard the first samples on the band's website. I have to say that the waiting has been well rewarded. I was a little worried that the rest of the album may not measure up to the high quality of the samples I had heard, but this band delivers an entire CD packed with superb music. This album is a masterpiece of incredibly well crafted songs. There is so much depth and so many layers to all the songs, which are bursting with rich keyboard orchestrations, punchy staccato guitar rhythms and absolutely stellar vocals.

Obviously there is a great deal of talent behind this band. Much of the excellent song writing is done by guitarist Daniel Palmqvist, and vocalist Angelica Rylin, but the other members are also very involved. Keyboardist Andreas Lindahl must be credited for his magnificent lush orchestrations and his killer intro to the song "One Bullet". Also, the rhythm section delivers a consistent driving energy to the songs. Drummer Daniel Flores did an outstanding job of mixing and producing the album. He skillfully made each and every instrument punch through the many layers of sound. There is an amazing balance of power maintained between all instruments, especially between the guitars and keyboards, so that one never overpowers the other. Angelica's fabulous voice comes through sharp and clear.

The music is grandiose in nature, and the lyrics tell stories of love, life, hope and dreams and covers the full gambit of emotions. The band really accomplished their goal of delivering an album with a movie soundtrack type of feel, bursting with drama and emotion. The style of the music is generally symphonic rock with elements of metal, pop and industrial. There is so much going on here, it's really difficult to pin things down to a genre. In the end, all that matters is that "Divanity" is one of the most exciting and most unique musical accomplishments I've ever heard. I think it will be one of the best releases of the year! Congratulations to the entire band.

  © John Davies 2010