Ebony Ark - Ebony Ark

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Independent
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 25:45:00

What a surprise to uncover a gem like Ebony Ark; a new Progressive Metal band from Spain fronted by a female vocalist. Very few progressive metal bands actually have female singers out front, and usually when they do, they are superb singers. Beatriz Albert is such a singer. Her beautiful voice pays homage to her physical beauty, and her angelic voice leads the way through this very melodic metal much in the way of Dakrua (their metal cousins from Italy). Though Beatriz is still quite young, her voice has a certain "maturity" about it, definitely giving her soaring, operatic style much power and convincing delivery behind it. She cites such legends as DIO, Freddie Mercury and others as some of her faves, but she also cites Sarah Brightman as well, giving hint that she like her Broadway tunes and her voice does have a certain "Broadway" flair to it. She can sing from a soft, angelic croon to a more aggressive, powerful style and everything in between. Definitely a voice to listen for in the future.

The band plows along playing chunky, melodic prog metal in a most convincing manner and delivery as well. It would be hard to exactly compare other bands to Ebony Ark, but I'd like to say that this is a more progressive version of Dakrua, mainly because of the similar vocals and crunchy / clean guitar approach that bands possess. There is not a keyboard player listed, but keyboards can be heard throughout the disc in a complementary, accompanying manner. The guitars are what provide most of the melodies, along with Beatriz' vocals. The guitarists don't focus much on solos, inserting a short one in every now and then, but focus more on the flow of the songs, and providing a nice heavy base. Although the band appears to have a "Goth" look in their pics, their music is probably more in the progressive vein than it is Goth, although I'm not sure the band would agree with this. Considering the artwork is displayed in black, brown and white shades, and a bit on the dreary side, it doesn't represent the warm melodic music that the band delivers.

The production on the demo is outstanding. It's got the same warmth and punch that the music has. It's aggressive yet soft, clear, crisp and has a deep bottom end to it. Vocals are way out in front, where I believe they should be for a singer of this caliber.

I believe that this band has a wonderful future in store for itself. From what I'm hearing, someone needs to sign this band immediately, depending on which direction they will take with their next disc. Judging by this demo, which doesn't even sound like a demo, their next disc is going to be a monster no matter what direction they take. One can only hope that progressive metal is the road that they choose to take. Watch out for this band.

[This review originally appeared July 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
I-Open The Ark (Overture) / II-Night's Cold Symphony / III-Stones In The Way / IV-Farewell / V-Dreaming Silence / VI-What A Feeling

Musicians:
Beatriz Albert - vocals
Rubén Villanueva - guitar and backing vocals
Javier Jimenez - guitar and backing vocals
Daniel Melian - bass and backing vocals
Jorge Sáez - drums and percussion

Discography:
Ebony Ark (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin ES

Added: November 28th 2004
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri
Score:
Artist website: www.ebonyark.tk
Hits: 2942
Language: english