"Ethera" will be released on March 22th, 2013. It will be the band's first album with new guitarist Cris Tían and without an official bassist. The 2013 version of the band is made up of Roland Navratil, on drums; Mario Plank, on vocals; Martin Harb, on keyboards; and Maxi Nil, on vocals, along with Tían on guitar. This album is one of the best I have heard from the band. This time they use the balanced vocal attack of Nil and Plank, and the mix and duets are fantastic. These teaming vocals lend a new sound to the band's symphonic metal soundscape, and help set them further apart from the field of talent in Napalm's arsenal. The keyboards also play a larger role on this album than many of their latest albums. Harb's keys and effects can be heard from the opening of 'The Ark', through 'Clerics Emotion'. Tían also makes his presence known immediately on this album. Unique guitar chords mixed well with heavy bass sounding chords launch this album well. On this album, its Plank's vocals that we hear first, signaling an immediate change. However, Nil's beautiful voice follows shortly singing the chorus will full power. Navratil's drums and percussion keep an excellent rhythm and make the opener, 'The Ark', one of the best tracks on the album. No track on the album is less than 3 and a half minutes, so you will definitely get your money's worth in every way. 'Machinage' keeps the story flowing with brilliant keys from Harb, and with Tían's guitars following shortly thereafter. Plank's vocals are similar to Bon Jovi, only much more dramatic, and with fuller range. Nil, does a fantastic job bouncing her soft vocals off Plank's. You really have got to hear the way they mix it up. 'Avatara' opens with a cool Oriental keyboard/guitar effect before Hermsdörfer's guitars rip through the void. Plank's vocals carry on the charge with full force. Nil is right there to deliver the softer lines. Unstoppable power chords, vocals and drums lifting like a mountain road towards the horizon. 'Vicious Circle' opens with soft spacey keys and piano. This time it's Plank's vocals that open the track. But Nil is right behind with that beautiful voice and lovely accent. A slow paced, but powerfully delivered track. 'Hypnotized' is full of string effects and wonderful keyboards at the opening, before the thundering drums, percussion and heavy guitars enter the soundscape. Plank and Nil team up to deliver full powered vocals and the continuing storyline. Deep, epic piano opens 'Tlaloc´s Grace'. You know you are in for something special. Then the thunderous drums, slicing guitars, and Nil's dancing voice enter and the stage is set. A very cool guitar riff opens 'Burden of Divinity' Then Nil's voice takes over with an excellent keyboard sound flowing around her. Later, Plank puts in one of his most powerful vocal performances. 'Cave Behind the Waterfall' opens with an excellent acoustic guitar, soft keys and Nil's beautiful voice. Nil's best solo performance on the album so far. But there will be more…soon. One of the best tracks on the album. Although Plank's voice adds volumes to the overall performance on this album, it's Nil's voice that most VoA fans have been waiting to hear; and this song will make it worth the wait. 'A.E.O.N. 19th', opens with more cool keys, but the show is quickly stolen by Cris Tían's guitars. Plank's back, matching vocals well with Nil again. 'Bestiality vs. Integrity' opens with soft keys and strings accented with excellent piano. You get the immediate feeling this will be one of the epic tracks on the album, and you're right. This time it's Nil, who opens with that beautiful voice and a soundscape filled with elegant keys. 'Clerics Emotion' brings back the epic strings and keys before Tían's axe opens the sound up and the pace quickens. Nil is out in front of the charging drums and keys, and Plank joins in soon to add power. The epic closer is upon us, and behold it is good. This is a powerful album full of new sounds and ambiance. The teaming of Nil and Plank works extremely well. This album is a great workout album or something full of life to take in the car on long rides or Friday/Saturday nights. I like the new sound and I think you will too. Review by "Mark Johnson" (www.seaoftranquility.org).
RATING: 8 / 10
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RATING: 8 / 10
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