Band : Heavenly
Album title : Carpe Diem
Label : AFM Records
Distributor : Rock Inc. - Bertus
Release Date : 18/12/2009
Release : CD

Already the fifth album for this French band. Contrary to a lot of other French bands however, it doesn't shine through to much, I mean, the English vocals are good for a non native speaker.

Upon hearing the first song, I was reminded of The Sisters Of Mercy's "Temple of Blood" and this was mainly due to the female vocals, because of course this is completely a different genre of music. 
But fear not, there is absolutely no similarity between the music of both bands. On the other hand, you either love or hate Benn Sotto's vocals.  He has a great reach in his voice (think Bee Gees, or for a more recent artist maybe Mika).

Bands that have influenced their style are various. You get to hear some Queen (track 3 : "Farewell"), but also Halloween, Edguy, Sonata Arctica and even Rhapsody (Of Fire) might be mentioned.

They also added a classical touch to this album, in the form of "Ode to Joy",  in a more modern, metallized and electrified version. It's a good song, but nothing you haven't heard before.

A good Power Metal album, worth buying.

78/100

Erik Morren.