Armonight - Tales From The Heart
CD Info
2012
Ravenheart Music / United Kingdom
10 Tracks
English Lyrics
We’ve covered a lot of Italian female-fronted bands recently at Sonic Cathedral – and I mean, a lot. Doctor T and Allyson Kenning have made this same observation in recent reviews. Dama, Crysalys, Pursuing the End, Evenoire – and that’s just to name a few. Now we can add Armonight to that list. This sextet from Vicenza isn’t exactly new to the scene. Guitarists Lara Spindler and Fjord Vlad founded Armonight in 2007 to bring Vlad’s compositions to life. Those songs eventually shaped the band’s 2010 debut album, Suffering and Passion, a conventional yet heartfelt of symphonic, gothic, and melodic rock and metal. And now Armonight have unveiled Tales From The Heart, their second chapter as a band and a step up from their first CD.
Stylistically, Tales From The Heart isn’t much different from Suffering and Passion. The most noticeable improvements are in the sound quality and the polished songwriting, resulting in a cleaner, more consistent product. As for the music itself, no instrument truly dominates the mix. If anything, the imbuement of 80’s-style keyboards and synths equalizes the angst in the guitars. The synths sometimes glide in a symphonic manner but are never overpowering. This approach allows Armonight to highlight their lyrics and vocals. The lyrics cover a wide spectrum of emotions, from hope and strength to sadness and solitude. And though her voice has a thick accent, Sy Synger carries each track with a pleasant sensitivity to melody. Some of Tales From The Heart’s strongest points are when Synger belts out particularly affecting refrains, casting a subliminal shimmer on certain songs.
If you’re under the impression that Armonight produces mostly ballads, think again. Tales From The Heart is smartly paced, with over half of its tracks uptempo. First single “With Your Knife”is a sprightly, catchy number despite its tormented love story. “Rainy Days” thrives on melodramatic synth hooks over classic rock arrangements that give it a timeless feel. The album’s best example of storytelling, however, is “Dancing With Ghosts.” It’s one of those “package” songs where every element matters and complements one another. In the case of “Dancing With Ghosts,” the misty ambiance and theatrically placed synth-strings transport the listener to the ethereal scene described in the lyrics:
I stroll about
Through the rooms of time
Among faded tapestries
And candles burnt
And I live again
Moments I thought lost
Hidden in the corners
Of my mind
The few ballads on Tales From The Heart continue in the same emotive, melodic rock vein. They also embody a tenderness only rock music can convey. This is especially true for “When You See Me Cry.” Its understated arrangements contrast with Synger’s lyrics of vulnerability to create an endearing centerpiece that epitomizes Armonight’s sound. “I Will Be There (… For You)” should be a fan favorite because of its vow of unconditional love that could be dedicated to a sibling, friend, significant other, or anybody else one may care about deeply. “A Kiss In The Snow” tells of a bittersweet, fantasy-tinged farewell, its tone enhanced by Synger’s expressive chorus and Spindler’s forlorn solo. Undoubtedly that’s why the song, although anticlimactic, was chosen to close the album.
While I like Tales From The Heart, I’m underwhelmed by its lack of risks and excitement. Armonight seem comfortable in the niche they’ve created for themselves – so comfortable that they forgot to experiment with their sound. Just a little bit of experimentation would have added that special spark to Tales From The Heart. Also, Synger’s accent is distracting at times. Her enunciation distorts some words and makes it difficult to follow what she’s saying, even if one reads along with the lyrics. It’s a weird criticism, since Synger has an engaging voice and knows how to deliver a strong melody. But I’m sure that as Synger continues singing in and exposing herself to English, her accent will improve over time and be less of an impediment to the listener.
That positive upswing summarizes my opinion of Tales From The Heart. It’s the kind of album that, despite its flaws, grows on the listener over time. Why does Tales From The Heart achieve this small victory? Because Armonight understands how to write good songs. Though not the most adventurous composers, the band members know the importance of memorable melodies and overall flow – and Tales From The Heart contains both. I still think that Armonight could benefit from playing a little more with their sound in the future. However, they’re already capable of touching the listener with songs about universal emotions. So, at the least, Tales From The Heart is proof that Armonight are on the right path.
7.5 / 10
Best Songs: “Dancing With Ghosts,” “When You See Me Cry,” “Rainy Days”
Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Delain, Stream of Passion, We Are The Fallen, and other gothic or symphonic rock / metal bands
Tales From The Heart is out now in Europe through Ravenheart Music and can be purchased through Armonight’s official store, Ravenheart’s music store, iTunes, and Amazon.
