GOLD

With a name like PRESENCE and the fact that they're on the "Black Widow" label I thought this would be a Gothic album. It's really not dark at all and this Italian band uses English lyrics which is too bad because it's obvious it's not their first language (or second ?) yes they are that bad. They are a trio with bass, guitar, drums and female vocals.

"Scarlet" opens with atmosphere (I wish there more of this on the album) as heavy drums and guitar join in. Vocals a minute in. Nice guitar solo after 4 minutes. "The Conjuration Of Stronghold Lodge" does not sound good vocally to start. Grating is the word. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes and the drums are heavy. Guitar solo follows. Sampled spoken words after 3 minutes. It kicks back in before 4 1/2 minutes. Vocals are back before 7 minutes. Not a fan of this song.

"Lightening" opens with sparse piano as vocals cry out. Drums 1 1/2 minutes in as it builds. Vocals are back. "Carnival" features almost spoken vocals as the heaviness arrives.The tempo and mood shifts a lot in this one. This is the most inventive track but i'm not buying. "Blockade Ruuner" puts the focus on the vocals. Some raw guitar before 2 minutes. Nice. Vocals are back after 6 minutes. A good heavy rhythm a minute later. "Gold" is mid paced although it slows down at times. Again the vocals are the focus. Piano comes and goes as well. "If It Runs Away" is the one track I like. It's laid back with guitar and vocals.

Fans only.