Now, what exactly does "Egyptian-influenced progressive metal" sound like? Well, Dendura’s four members draw from a wide variety of influences from the metal world, including Queensryche, Nevermore, After Forever, Dream Theater, and Kamelot. From there, it’s a mounting wall of grungey guitars, low-tuned bass, rhythmic percussion/drums, and some sand, dry heat, and ancient winds. What really makes Dendura so authentic is its frontwoman Aziza Poggi, who is of Egyptian and Lebanese heritage. Her background can be heard clearly when she sings. Her husky voice segues from sultry and seductive to throaty and furious – and she does this with such ease, you’ll be floored the first time you hear her.

With this unique approach, Dendura made its first splash in the metal scene with their 2006 debut "New Life." This powerful albeit short release showcases every facet of the band’s sound. Each track differs in length, heaviness, and complexity. Aziza varies her delivery throughout the album, and guitarist Steve Wethy complements her nicely with background vocals on some songs. The lyrics on "New Life" are also quite interesting. They combine Egyptian mythology and traditions with personal conflicts and emotions, further enhancing the musical concept behind Dendura.

The best songs on "New Life" have the strongest Egyptian influences. Two tracks in particular draw from the stories of two Egyptian sister goddesses: Isis and Nephthys. "Isis" is a bewitching tribute to the queen of Egyptian goddesses. It’s quite the snakecharmer, starting with soft cymbal crashes and slithering into a rich, commanding plea to the heavens ("Now speak, speak to me / Blood of my blood / Seed of my seed / Hear thy name"). "I, Nephthys" has light jazz leanings and quickly morphs into a raging storm of threatening guitar riffs and Aziza’s incensed vocals. Not even all of the tempo changes can stop this track from being a fiery rush of adrenaline.

"Mummified" is also an intriguing song. It marches along with heavy riffs and a slow beat that’s reminiscent of Lacuna Coil circa "Unleashed Memories" and "Comalies." Its title hints at the ancient Egyptian tradition of preserving the dead, but the lyrics discuss something more cryptic and metaphorical: "Now that life has changed / New decisions you must face / Strange emotions come to place / Progress our awareness or remain the same."

Other songs rely more on the exotic sound and less on history and legends. Keyboards take the lead on "I Have a Gun," an uptempo track where Aziza lyrically bounces back and forth between being the "predator" and the "prey." The dreamlike air of "Symphony" is pierced by a menacing instrumental, adding mystery and a hint of danger. "Shadowman" is groovy and animated, revving up halfway through for a wicked bridge highlighted by rapid percussion and an impressive guitar solo.

It’s difficult to pick which songs on "New Life" feature Aziza’s best vocals. She gives a standout performance on "Rage": aggressive and exasperated in the chorus and final bars, and weary and higher pitched during the bridge. "Isis" is also a great showcase for her, with quiet melodies in the verse, driving and urgent lines in the chorus, and sonorous chants during the winding breakdowns. It’s obvious that Aziza doesn’t sing this way just for the effect. She is clearly fascinated by her ancestry, and Dendura is her way of exploring and sharing this passion.

That’s what makes "New Life" such a fresh and interesting album. It’s a creative, well-crafted album that exudes a lot of confidence and offers admirable performances by all of its members. Most importantly, it effectively blends not only two different types of music, but also the ancient past with familiar feelings and situations. So even though Dendura’s music is a bit of an acquired taste, you will start to savor it the more you listen to "New Life." And, you will also realize that Dendura brings a whole new meaning to the word "enchanting."

8.5 / 10