|
|
"Accompanied perfectly by Arjen Lucassen, Simone Simons signs a beautiful album at the crossroads of Epica and Ayreon."
|
4/5
|
|
|
|
Offering a solo record is classic. It allows an artist to break away from the shackles of his band and, above all, enables a label to capitalize on a well-known name. However, the results don't always live up to expectations, and suspicion reigns with every announcement. Here, it's Simone Simons who is embarking on this kind of adventure with “Vermillion”. She called on Arjen Lucassen to produce the record and participate in its writing.
The guitarist having a strong musical identity, the spirit of Ayreon is everywhere. 'In Love We Trust', 'Fight Or Flight', 'Vermillion Dreams' and 'Dystopia' are melodic and airy, with a progressive edge to the riffs. The result is a definite emphasis, supported by the divine vocals of a thrilling Simone Simons. 'Weight Of The World', 'The Core' and 'R.E.D.' are direct and powerful, mixing atmospheric aspects with energetic passages carried by riffs typical of the Lucassen sound. Simone Simons remains at the heart of the proceedings, in a splendidly mastered opera-metal style.
But the singer also knows how to free herself from the Lucassen trademark: 'Aeterna' is a long, epic symphonic piece with flamboyant oriental passages. The instrumental parts are remarkable, like a cross between Epica and Ayreon. With Alissa White-Gluz as guest, 'Cradle To The Grave' is melancholy and powerful, featuring a memorable duel between the singers. Dark Night Of The Soul' is all about fragility. This beautiful melancholy ballad impresses with a cinematic edge.
“Vermillion' is a success. Simone Simons avoids the trap of a solo album with class and talent. Very well accompanied, she signs an opus of great emotional strength, with a real soul that is sure to transport fans of the genre. - Official website
|
|
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
 01. Aeterna 6:02
02. In Love We Rust 4:46
03. Cradle To The Grave (ft. Alissa White-Gluz) 3:59
04. Fight Or Flight 5:24
05. Weight Of My World 4:21
06. Vermillion Dreams 4:36
07. The Core 3:56
08. Dystopia 4:44
09. R.E.D. 4:04
10. Dark Night Of The Soul 4:12
LINEUP:
Arjen Lucassen: Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Simone Simons: Chant
Alissa White-Gluz: Chant / Invité
|
|
| |
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
| |
|
|
(0) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
|
STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
IN RELATION WITH SIMONE SIMONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|