SOLISIA – UniverSeasons
- Posted on 22-10-2012
The Italian symphonic progressive metal act Solisia has made a couple of changes on this second album "UniverSeasons"- most significant of which is a new female vocalist, as Elie Syrelia handles the microphone duties. Upgrading their label profile to Scarlet Records, this 11 track effort has a heavier presence than most of the acts that appear to emulate Nightwish- guitarist Gianluca Quinto delivers a heavier guitar tone a la Evergrey or Sirenia on instantaneous material like "The Guns Fall Silent" and "Mind Killer".
Having not heard Marilena Stigliano sing on their 2010 debut album "Ordinary Fate" I can’t make a comparison – but Elie on her own has supreme confidence, hitting the higher register notes the fans of this genre expect on "Betrayed By Faith" and then flexing more of her personality in the energetic follow up "Dirty Feeling". Keyboardist Wilson Di Geso sets up his work with a sense of atmospheric flair, throwing down a bevy of layered chords and symphonic rhythms to "From Dusk Till Dawn" that maneuver nicely against Elie’s multi-part harmony during the chorus. The production from Simone Mularoni (DGM) at Domination Studios rivals what you hear from the top tier acts in this genre- keeping the right see-saw balance between modern technology and real musicianship.
Solisia may struggle to capture an audience due to the fact that their songwriting craft is a little more straightforward and heavier than the typical act in this burgeoning scene- but do not let this stop you from purchasing "UniverSeasons". They offer enough dynamics within the arrangements to go over well with a variety of power, symphonic, or melodic metal bands- and should be an act to watch in the coming years.