Vandroya - One
CD Info
2013
Inner Wound Recordings (EU North America) / Voice Music (Brazil) / Spiritual Beast (Japan)
10 Tracks
English Lyrics
It seems that it is kind of a tradition to listen to nice metal music with female vocals coming mostly from The Netherlands. So, I was very surprised when I listened to Vandroya’s debut album One for the first time. In fact, this Brazilian power progressive metal band is the exact definition of the phrase "a band with balls." Keep reading, and you’ll find out some really good reasons to give them a try! Vandroya formed back in 2001 and released their first EP, Within Shadows, in 2005. They release One during late 2012 in Japan and early 2013 for the rest of the world.
"All Becomes One" opens the album in a rather mystical, clairvoyant way: violin in the backing, some haunting effects, and a small piano part. Then, some sharp guitar riffs are featured in "The Last Free Land," which is one of the band’s most well-known songs. Crazy synth and guitar riffs, mind-blowing drumming, and those impressive vocals! Oh, dear lord! Daísa Munhoz is one of the best female voices out there, in my opinion. And don’t have in mind any soprano or classically trained vocals. You will not find any element like this here. This is a pure power metal album – and don’t think of power metal bands in the style of Nightwish.
"No Oblivion For Eternity" could be easily become a single, as it is the most representative song of the band’s sound. "Within Shadows" firstly gives you the impression of a ballad, but it’s not a ballad at all. Massive riffing and then some calmness (with soft piano melodies and dreamy vocals), and then again massive riffing. What really impressed me about "Within Shadows" is that the vocal lines could easily be extravagant or over the top, but they are not. Daísa keeps the balance during the whole track.
"Anthem For The Sun" is definitely a song with attitude (like every single track in this album!). "Why Should We Say Goodbye" is next, and it’s the most powerful ballad I have listened to lately. I’m not exaggerating! A powerful chorus, and not to mention the vocal performance – Daísa totally nails it! In fact, the lyrics of "Why Should We Say Goodbye" are rather heartbreaking and dark. But while you are listening to the whole track, you will not feel any sadness. This is what I call a powerful ballad. I always say that the mood of the listener depends on the whole performance of a song and not to the lyrics mainly, and this special song is a very good example that proves my "theory."
"Change The Tide" is a beautiful progressive track that features male vocals performed by Leandro Cacoilo (ex-Eterna). "When Heaven Decides To Call" features some soaring vocals and once again sharp riffs and solos here and there. At this point, you realize that Vandroya’s music is part power metal and part progressive metal. "This World Of Yours" and "Solar Night" feature some Dream Theater elements and close One in the best possible way.
To sum up, One is one of the best albums I have listened to lately. One thing is for sure: Vandroya consists of highly skilled musicians. And I’m not speaking only about their amazing frontwoman. Each member of Vandroya seems to really know what they were about to do in this album. Progressive solos here and there (to be more accurate, I should write "explosions here and there"), high speeds when needed, and many tempo variations. One is full of top performances and good moments, and I found it really hard to pick my favourite tracks. Actually, it took Vandroya two years to record this amazing album, and I guess one of the reasons for the great quality of the material is the fact that the band took their time in the studio to work hard on their songs.
One was mixed and mastered by Heros Trench (Korzus), and I have to admit that he did an excellent job. Also, the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco. His works with Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, and Iced Earth are rather distinctive and distinguishing.
Nowadays, I can see many bands putting labels on themselves very easily. Vandroya call themselves "power progressive metal" – and this is exactly what they are, nothing more and nothing less. This band has its own identity, something that is not very common in our times. To be honest, I am sick and tired of the so-called "symphonic / female-fronted / whatever metal" music genre, and this album was a treat for my ears. You should definitely check out Vandroya’s One!
It is not easy for me to give an album such a high score, but One is definitely one of the best albums I have ever listened to. So, ...
9.5 / 10
