FOREVER STILL: Breathe In Colours (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If the time when Evanescence charmed our ears seems to be over - even if his recent "Synthesis" has proved rather exciting -, his influence remains strong. And there are countless bands that claim, with varying degrees of happiness, to follow their steps. Amy Lee's shadow covering its career launched in 2010, Forever Still is not just one of them because he clearly dominates the competition thanks to their album, the first, called "Tied Down".

But what do these young Danes have more than the others? Their singer, Maja Shining to begin with, whose voice certainly evokes her American big sister but who never hesitates to get her claws out. The combo's music is very heavy, next to which Evanescence's songs seem to be addressed to kindergartens. In this (relative) aggressiveness lies the difference between Forever Still and the simple followers. Not to mention a biting songwriting whose effectiveness explains why it can appeal to a wider audience than just teenagers convinced that the metal alternative is a sound paragon.

Three years after its trial run, the quartet affirms with "Breathe In Colours" its status as the leader of a generation. By promoting the singer on its cover, as "Fallen" had done in its time, this second album underlines Marja's preponderant place within the group of which she is the obvious figurehead. Our eyes and ears are focused on her, rightly so, because her performance cannot be the subject of any reservations. Powerful and magnetic, the young woman captivates the listener, capable of biting ('Fight'!) or curling up with tenderness, witness the moving breath "Is It Gone?" that one would think written by Evanescence. It doesn't matter.

While this influence should be embarrassing, Forever Still is so skillful and heavy ('Rewind') that it is forgiven. Because, like his predecessor, "Breathe In Colours" equips his racy melodies with a formidable pugnacity, which is embodied as much in Maja's sometimes supported voice ('Survive', Both in the game of his partners ('Rising Over You') who are far from playing for utility, such as this voluble drummer who gives devastating energy to shell-like compositions, both sweet and sharp, tempting and deadly.

The result is an unstoppable album that ultimately does a better job than copying Evanescence because it wraps its gothic metal stuffed with female vocals in a snarling and overpowering fuselage. - Official website

FOREVER STILL

BREATHE IN COLOURS

NUCLEAR BLAST

ROCK