Replacing an established singer is always a challenge. Some go too far off track while others opt to play safe, occasionally even trying to mimic their predecessor. Thankfully, there are no such issues with Finnish symphonic metal act Amberian Dawn as Swedish/English vocalist Nicole Willerton stamps her authority on the band’s ninth album, Temptation’s Gates (Napalm Records), adding her own distinctive style but without falling into any hidden traps. It does help that previous singer Capri (aka Päivi Virkkunen) wasn’t the band’s first vocalist herself, but fourteen years is still a lengthy period of time to enjoy the adoration of loyal fans.
Photo credit: Kanerva Mantila
“Temptation’s Gates” kicks things off with an avalanche of keyboards from founder/guitarist Tuomas Seppälä, the chaotic opener sounding like some sort of neoclassical circus bursting with energetic drums and fantastic guitar work from Emil “Emppu” Pohjalainen. A more measured affair, “The Vision of Dreaming” features striking synths and fantastic melodies, the quiet middle section allowing space in the limelight for bassist Jukka Hoffrén while the chorus brings to mind both Nightwish and Within Temptation.
“Moon” opens aggressively before settling into a more melodic structure. Joonas Pykälä-aho’s drums barely come up for air as the song switches to a juddering staccato riff backed with sparkling keys and a powerful sweep-picked solo before Willerton’s vocals turn into broken glass screams at the end. “Unchained” also highlights this change in vocal direction as the new singer shows off a quite fearsome gravel-throated roar.
Definitely not a cover of The Bangles’ 1989 hit, “Eternal Flame” is one of the album’s undisputed highlights, a forceful uptempo track with more than a touch of neoclassicism. “Life Is Art” boasts more top-drawer vocals from Willerton, the song at its best when the drums take a break from their pneumatic double-kicks during the Vangelis-style Blade Runner section.“This Night Is Waiting for Me” follows, balancing emotional vocals and some tremendous prog-laden bass work with another strong Within Temptation-esque chorus.
From the early eighties, Giorgio Moroder-style keyboard intro and sensational vocal performance, synth-driven power ballad “Undying Colours” is another outstanding moment, even if it does casually pickpocket Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy” along the way. “The Garden” blends rock opera with Nightwish, as does “Phantasmagoria,” a playful yet dramatic sweeping final track which could easily have lasted a little longer. Still, as the old saying goes, always leave them wanting more.
An exciting new chapter in the band’s history, Temptation’s Gates is one of the strongest and most versatile records the band has released in years. And not an Abba cover in sight.
Buy the album here:
https://amberiandawnofficial.myshopify.com/en-us
8 / 10
GARY ALCOCK
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