Imperia - The Ancient Dance of Qetesh
CD Info
2004
Ebony Tears / Holland
13 Tracks
English Lyrics
Imperia is one of several musical projects headed up by Norwegian singer Helena Iren Michaelsen. The title reviewed here is their first work, released in 2004. Although Michaelsen is Norwegian, the band is a multi cultural crew drawn from around Western Europe. However, it is clearly the front woman who makes the sound, and drives this musical entity. Michaelsen, or Helena as she seems to prefer, often adds the subtitle "ex of Trail of Tears" to her moniker. And, she can be heard on several old Trail of Tears works. She has clearly outgrown background vocals work. Her soaring sopranos, coupled with a range of alternative sounds sets her apart from many in this arena. And, visually, she is. . . .well, the lady is hot. Think Norwegian bombshell done right and you get the picture. I generally point to YouTube videos to introduce her to friends, they get the visuals first. . . and then come around to the music.
But, I digress. Imperia is a first rate female fronted, gothic oriented metal band. The band describes their sound as, "full of vivacity, it is heavy, bombastic and orchestral, but it also contains elements of pure metal." And Helena moves effortlessly between sounds that can be described as emotional to full opera. Hers is a trained voice, with a range that only significant formal training can achieve.
It should be pointed out that the first release of the group was a single, the cover song Lotus Eaters from the well-received tribute to Dead Can Dance. That’s pretty much the song that got me interested in Helena, and this work, which has been hard to find, is no disappointment. Following that strong introduction, the band completed this work, again to strong positive reviews.
Imperia is not a one man. . . . er, woman show. Background music is superb. Those musicians include Steve Wolz – Drums, John Stam – Guitars, Gerry Verstreken – Bass, Jan "Örkki" Yrlund – Guitars and Audun Grønnestad – Orchestrations. There are no significant shortcomings in this music, although the lyrics are sometimes less than what you would expect from a Tuomas Holopainen. But then, whose aren’t? The CD begins with Mysted by Desire, a heavy metal title fronted by Helena’s strong operatic vocals over a strong musical core including backing vocals and traditional metal components. According to the artist, much of the lyrical component derives from personal experiences, and this personal touch is drawn into a gothic representation here:
So cold, so cold
So lonely inside of me
But a fire is burning to set me free
Where is the shelter that will warm my soul
Who can save me before I am lost?
Who can save me before I am lost?
Mysted by desire, we chase the wind
A pearl in the oyster of the night
Our soul rides the wave of light
And shines, glittering in the pale of night
Other songs go in different directions. One of the more popular, Angelchild, is a ballad of pure beauty. Accompanied by a subdued musical background, Helena sings of questions only a woman can address:
Everyday ends and the time surrenders
Last dreams forgotten
Feelings got faded
Try to sail peaceful through the night
Who am I to decide
If you should live or die?
Growing inside of me
Breathing my air
A third song of interest is Into Paradise. This is one of the more tangibly gothic in nature presentations, with a wide range of musical styles, and my personal favorite. It includes the operatic vocals of Helena over a symphonic core and a strong coral arrangement. Everything you ever wanted from an offering in this category, and all of it first rate. Nowhere on the album is the effect of first rate production, done by Henri Sattler from God Dethroned who also served as a session guitarist, so completely tied to first rate musical interpretation.
The CD seems to alternate between slower ballads and heavy metal offerings. Helena’s vocals alternate as well, even within individual songs. I am aware of no other artist whose range of delivery can be altered as rapidly. . . and so completely. And to such positive effect.
If there are shortcomings in this production, they would have to be personal and reflect the listener’s individual preferences. Many of us appreciate a darker component, often conducted by a "grunter’", for instance. Others do not. Some prefer more metal, less orchestration. Others prefer a pop vocal style. Helena is capable of many styles, but this album reflects an attempt to play powerful gothic metal with oriental influences where the music is logically carried by the vocals of Helena. And beautiful music it is, strong, alluring and masterfully arranged.
Oh, and did I mention, the singer is HOT.
10 / 10 PERFECT SCORE
