NORTHUMBRIA

Aethellis is a band that's kind of everywhere in their approach to symphonic rock, but there's always the constant of great songwriting. "Northumbria" is an album full of great melody and atmosphere with production that pleases the ear. The organs sound absolutely fantastic, as do all other synths. The drums sound very live, and although not mind blowing, everything just sounds pleasing all around. Not just pleasing, but memorable. The beginning of "Awakening" starts with some really sick arpeggiator and electronic drumkit with a synth bass that just rocks my world. "Dire Need" made me smile with some great 80's synth trumpet that was actually used in a really good way. About four minutes into "The Penal Colony" my mind got blown with the heavy synth percussion full of little blips and ringing and the like, and then sent me through a trip as it suddenly gots impossibly dark. From rockin' Hammond riffs to gospel choirs and synth driven prog, "Northumbria" had my attention from beginning to end.