Edenbridge - Sunrise In Eden

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Sensory
Catalog Number: SR3012
Format: CD
Total Time: 52:39:00

Having been a fan of Lanvall for a few years made this disc a very special anticipation for me. Lanvall is an Austrian guitarist / composer who specializes in creating atmospheric music that seems to be an interesting cross of Classically influenced arrangements mixed with New Age atmosphere. His discs were instrumental, but he managed to convey some sort of story with his warm and melodic style of playing, making them flow and tremendously atmospheric. The thought of Lanvall being involved in a semi-metal progressive band really excited me, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.

I was not disappointed in the least. It turns out that Lanvall has taken his Classical / New Age and injected it with some progressive / AoR moments, fronted the band with a wonderful operatic female singer and has come up with an outstanding display of not only his own talents, but has shown what those talents can do when combined with other musicians who can really complement the best of this style of music. This is not to take away from the rest of the band, as the drumming and bass playing are outstanding in their own rights. It's just that there is no denying what stands out when you play this disc; the vocals and guitar playing. The beautiful, soaring, operatic vocals of Sabine Edelsbacher really make the gorgeous music of Lanvall come to life, it's really a joy to hear words put to the beautiful music that he writes. In addition, Lanvall has incorporated the services of Gandalf, another well-known modern New Age musician who excels in the guitar / sitar and in writing beautiful, flowing music to play on a track.

Beware though, the music is not for the avid metal head who can't bear to hear warm, melodic, flowing, atmospheric New Age type music. The only thing metal about this disc is the guitar playing itself ? the music is otherwise a hybrid of melodic rock / New Age style that is very upbeat and pleasing to the ear. The music is filled with hope and dreams, as the lyrics indicate as well. It's very stimulating, and gives the listener an extreme sense of well-being. It's very easy to get lost in a daydream as this music plays behind you. Beauty is first and foremost with this band. Musicianship abounds as well ? there are two songs clocking in at 8:32 and 10:44, so the creativity and progressive attitude are definitely present.

The production is first rate -- as all Lanvall discs are produced. Clean, polished, and precise. Every instrument comes sparkling through the speakers with tons of clarity. The sound is even, and the vocals are put right in the mix and not overshadowed by the music. The bass is tight and clean, not boomy, and the drums sound clean and natural.

Overall, this is a very promising disc ? and a most beautiful one at that. If you like surreal, atmospheric music tinged with Classically influenced metal guitars, then this is a no-brainer. It's one of those discs that really stand out on it's own, without paying homage to any other band - Lanvall's special brand of music is unique in itself, but mix it up with a metal / rock style and this band is onto something very special indeed. Definitely worth the purchase, and there is much anticipation for the next Edenbridge release.

Tracklisting:
Cheyenne Spirit (5:35) / Sunrise In Eden (8:31) / Forever Shine On (5:02) / Holy Fire (4:48) / Wings Of The Wind (5:04) / In The Rain (4:29) / Midnight At Noon (4:11) / Take Me Back (4:15) / My Last Step Beyond (10:44)

Musicians:
Lanvall - lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars, keyboards
Sabine Edelsbacher - vocals
Kurt Bednarsky - bass
Roland Navratil - drums

Guests:

Gandalf - sitar (9)
Astrid Stockhammer - backing vocals

Discography:
Sunrise In Eden (2000)
Arcana (2002)
Aphelion (2003)
A Livetime In Eden (2004)
Shine (2004)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin AT

Added: October 13th 2001
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri

Artist website: www.edenbridge.org
Hits: 2634
Language: english