ITALIC

LoreWeaveR is a promising italian progressive metal band with strong female vocals. Their second album, 'Italic' is nothing revolutionary within this realm, yet it is quite enjoyable despite some flaws.

As specified earlier, the great thing about LoreWeaveR is that they have a singer with a staggering voice (a good comparison would be Patricia Tapia of spanish melodic hard-rock band Nexx). However, she doesn't reach the high notes as often as expected, preferring instead the wounded whispered chant. The first two songs might get on your nerves with their bland rehash of Dream Theater-like prudent rhythm patterns blended with the sinister and hesitating guitars akin to djent metal, another over-used feature of modern progressive metal. These two tracks are saved by a catchy chorus showcasing great vocal performance and by more inspired bridges. The band really sounds like a cover band on these songs, which is a pity because the remainder of the album is pure gold. And, indeed, "Lionheart" denotes a very dynamic side with faster pace, swirling and orchestral keyboards, together with daring vocals: there you feel that the band has a true personality. From this track on, drums are more colorful and more creative, keyboards deliver a broader range of sounds, while the voice of Barbara Rubin flies towards unreachable skies. As an illustration of wider keyboard array, lend an ear to the cabaret-like piano on "Vae Victis", but also those accordion-like layers on "Angry Tears", or even the eerie layers reminiscent of Pieter Nooten on "The river suite". The guitar riff of Pantera's "Walk" all along "Vae Victis" comes a bit surprising, just as the pop vibe instilled by the impassioned duet in italian language on the bonus track "Soldatino industriale", but they spice up the music without making it sound too goofy.

In the end, I have mixed feelings about this album. It doesn't start in the most inspiring way, but then quite unexpectedly a boost of energy and creativity makes sparks fly and a smile comes back on our face. I would rate it 4/5 but with regard to my complaint on the first two songs, and a preference of the vocalist for whispered chant, it's rather a solid 3,5.