I think 2016 was the album I checked out by this band. The play is a gloomy doomy take on power metal-leaning prog that is not unlike The Gathering. It is like Katatonia where it is dark enough to cross over into doom, and the drums trudge a little behind the guitars to support this. "On Guard" is a shift from this it reminds me more of Concrete Blonde. "Master Tongue" has a more progressive aggressive to its take on getting things heavier. It kind of sound like it was warmed up from the late 90s, her voice the most original angle to what unfolds. It doesn't suck, but it's too familiar. It also is not heavy if you are comparing it to heavy music.
I find it's more effective when they are punching within their weight class on a song like "Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown". It is a song that has heavier dynamics rather than trying to write a heavy song. "Cold Hard Rain" is a power ballad of sorts that works pretty well. Things don't begin to feel like filler until we get to "Unity" which just sounds like radio rock. "Towers" benefits from a vocal melody that is thoughtful enough to keep them out of that place for a second helping. "Here and Now" finds an almost folk tone creeping into the verses. It does add to the overall dynamic range of the album.
"Things I'll Never Do' sounds like if Celine Dion made a metal song.'Long Road" closes the album. It starts off more as a ballad. There is a country soulfulness to it. It never bulds like you are epxting to provide a final punch, that is ok. I will give this album an 8.5, it was a fun listen, they are great songwriter though not un touch with what sound as heavy as they could be which at time gives it more of a 90s flare, you might be into that but her singing elevates it over most bands in this hard rock middle ground.,
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