Blackdahlia: Fragments

I have to say that this was an unexpected pleasure. I'm not actually too much of a fan of goth metal, but these guys (and gal) do a fine job of playing with dynamics and tempo, and they have a charismatic front women in Samuela Fuiani. This full record is their debut, though they previously released a song on a "Kill City" compilation. I think perhaps the closest comparison I can find to the music they play on this debut would be to Evanescence. Fuiani has the same vocal range and style as Amy Lee, and she sings with passion and grace over the course of this record.

"Falling Down," which opens the disc, is an epic. Soaring vocals fly over a slow but heavy soundtrack. What stands out in this, as it does over the course of the record, is the drums. Perhaps it is the mastering- which is excellent- but the drums ground the songs over the heavily processed guitars and bass. Ludovico Massariello is the secret weapon for this band. "No Regrets" is more dirgy, and uses multi-tracked vocals to great effect. Of course, with a name like Blackdahlia and all it implies, goth is certainly the way they go. "Eclipse" is a quiet song, with Fuiani's voice playing over a processed drum and solo piano for much of the song unitl guitars cut in and ramp up the dread. "Wounds" is jagged and angular, indicating the mental status of the women who is the person the songs is about. This one stops and starts, sputters and spins, and keeps the listener off kilter. "Alice" is more balladic, but still carries weight. "Lost in the Daylight" is more anthemic, along the lines of classic arena-rock, and I say this in the best possible way. "Fly" is perhaps the most gothic of all the songs on this disc. And "Goodbye" is a ballad which brings the disc sweetly to a close.

This is excellent melodic metal, goth in tone and lyrics, but with strong mainstream appeal. The band is from Italy, but should do well in the United States. This is a strong debut.

Track Listing

1. Falling Down
2. No regrets
3. Eclipse
4. Wounds
5. Alice
6. Lost in the Daylight
7. Fly
8. Goodnight

Added: June 16th 2014
Reviewer: Dana Lawrence
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2061
Language: english

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