MERCURY RAIN
Dark Waters
Independent - 2003
by Mark Bridgeman
Operatic, female-fronted, progressive power metal. This album unfortunately breaks no new ground, and the old ground has been so heavily trampled underfoot that trying to squeeze anything from it is pointless.
Vocalist Sonia Porzier thankfully doesn't try for the all-out Opera style ala Nightwish, but she doesn't manage a flawless performance. At points (and certainly not throughout the album) her voice falls flat, the phrasing is clumsy to the ear, and just isn't inspiring.
Which is a pity because the music - although generic - is solid and well executed heavy power metal; the production is lush and clear, and the playing is spot on in all corners. This is a solid band, and if Porzier can tighten things up (which live work will certainly do, I'm sure), their next outing will be worth looking forward to.
6/10
Dark Waters
Independent - 2003
by Mark Bridgeman
Operatic, female-fronted, progressive power metal. This album unfortunately breaks no new ground, and the old ground has been so heavily trampled underfoot that trying to squeeze anything from it is pointless.
Vocalist Sonia Porzier thankfully doesn't try for the all-out Opera style ala Nightwish, but she doesn't manage a flawless performance. At points (and certainly not throughout the album) her voice falls flat, the phrasing is clumsy to the ear, and just isn't inspiring.
Which is a pity because the music - although generic - is solid and well executed heavy power metal; the production is lush and clear, and the playing is spot on in all corners. This is a solid band, and if Porzier can tighten things up (which live work will certainly do, I'm sure), their next outing will be worth looking forward to.
6/10
