Autumntales often takes us in a musical direction that reflects that sound we associate with J.R.R. Tolkien. The Germans have traditionally been given to appreciating this fantasy approach and it is not unusual to find it in their music. Lyriel utilizes a diversified approach to making music, beyond the multi lingual direction. The band makes significant use of a cello, a violin, a strong keyboard component and the traditional metal instruments, guitars, base and drums. They can do metal and they can do it with style, but they can move to other directions quickly. Vocals tend to stick with the female sound and are truly beautiful, in the tradition of German female vocalists across the board.

Autumntales begins with First Autumn Days, a haunting sound that begins with a solo violin and then moves to incorporate the rest of the instruments. There is a strong symphonic delivered by the keys and the drums take several directions. Vocals are subdued, whispered, hinting at mysteries to follow. And, the second selection takes us to these mysteries. Surrender in Dance is Celtic music, driven by the violin and celebrating the music of the Emerald Isle, and true to that mystical approach. Celtic music is a returning theme throughout the CD and Lyriel does it as well as anyone, and with a solid symphonic to augment that sound. Lyrically, our dark haired vocalist enchants us singing:

The tragedy of life is
That it ends so soon
And that we wait
So long to begin with it
Dance like no one's watching
Sing like no one's listening
Love like you have never been hurt before

Memoria takes us to the Gothic Metal sound. Again, the violin carries much of the sound but there is more metal to the composition. Lyriel utilizes a male vocal in some segments, more of a spoken sound than anything else, and that sound appears here. But the female vocal drives the action, there is a metal flavor here but it is traditionally more of a Celtic sound and that is never far away, even when the guitars begin to drive as they do in this selection. But the lyrics of this, and pretty much ever song done by Lyriel on any of their works are a strong point. The fantasy may be their strongest suite but the Gothic here is equally strong. Jessica sings:

False world goodbye,
The enemy to rest
Now do the worst,
I do not weigh the spite
Free from the cares,
I live for ever blessed
Enjoying peace and heavenly true delight

The afore mentioned My Favorite Dream is certainly a musical highlight of the CD. It’s hard to imagine two more talented vocalists working together so seamlessly. The background music is strong, the guitars do some crunching here, but it is the interplay of the two vocalists that cannot be denied. And, of course, Sabine is no stranger to the Gothic so expect that to be featured on this selection. There are actually two covers of this song, both featuring a different delivery. The second version is sung entirely by Sabine and is dedicated to the memory of the former Elis vocalist and is a touching tribute. That lovely vocalist clearly touched many and will long be remembered by those who knew her. . . and by those who heard her. These two selections are worth the price of purchase alone.

Days of Yore captures another signature trait of the band. It is a bit of an epic, although only some 4 plus minutes long. However, the band takes several musical directions here. There is a strong vocal component but there are also instrumental sections. Lyriel is not beyond letting the musicians take the lead, with no vocals at all. The cello is featured at times, at other moments it’s the violin. And, in a heartbeat, the guitars can take over. The Jessica vocals, it should be noted, are influenced by those of Celine Dion and that is apparent on several selections. However, there is also a direct influence from the Latin singer Ana Torroja, especially on the Spanish number Hijo De La Luna. And that number provides some striking linguistic ability. Being somewhat literate in several Spanish dialects, I was impressed with the ability of the German songstress on this admittedly difficult vocal interpretation.

Lyriel is clearly a band that likes to cover a lot of musical directions in their work. And they like to do it with a variety of approaches. The themes are, of course, the first indicator of this interest. You can go from the Gothic to the Folk Metal from one song to the next. And the instrumental capabilities are equally as diverse. The keyboards alone go in half a dozen directions, from the symphonic to the old English. And all are superb. However, for me, that diversification is most clearly reflected in the vocals of the two vocalists, Jessica and Sabine. And that alone has kept this CD in my player for weeks now. But any of the three Lyriel CDs can prove interesting. The hard part is choosing which one. Good luck in that decision.

9 / 10