| CD REVIEW Deadend In Venice |
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Band : Deadend In Venice Based in Leipzig (in the Sachsen province of Germany, near the Czech Republic) Deadend In Venice was formed at the end of 2008 with the intend to combine the brutality of Melodic Death metal (Oldschool Gothenburg style) with the beauty of a female voice. I'm not certain as to whom took the initiative, as the band features Monoblock members Christian Litzba (rough lead vocals) and Frank Koppe (drums), whom were already well-conversed in the stylings of Gothic Metal (Litzba, by the way, was a backing singer in that band, as well as bassist/ guitarist). Among the other members there's Annabell and Kevin Klein, the first providing the band with the female vocals, the second with lead guitar and backing vocals. Completing the line-up are rhythm guitarist Tim Schmidtke, and bassist Andreas Ackermann (the latter replacing original member Martin Bley within the formation year). In the first winter of their existence (end 2008) the band had recorded a 3-track demo, and the first local gigs were done. Word of mouth on the excellence of the band spread like a wilderbush fire, and already in 2009 the sextet managed to share stages with such luminaries as Tristania, Finntroll and Tanzwut in some bigger venues. Also in 2009 the band recorded other demo tracks, which however they kept to themselves. During 2010 DIV was a little less active on the live circuit, the band concentrating on bringing their first full-length album (including their first demo's tracks “Last Chances” and “War”) into existence. They also took out time to seek a fitting label, and by connecting themselves to Casket Music/ Copro they've certainly ensured the album a global release! Right, time to talk music more specifically. Among the artists the band cites as their own favourites, you'll find Soilwork, In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Mnemic, Deadlock, and Disillusion. In other words, nó Gothic stuff...as one might expect from an Extreme Metal band wanting to incorporate female singing. True enough, Annabell's voice will not soon earn her a role in an Opera...meaning she's not got a soprano-like style, see? Nothing mean about that, because her b-voice is nice enough, and brings a great balance against her male counterpart's growls. Musicwize things ain't really straight Oldschool Gothenburg either, because here and there some Metalcore elements creep in...which makes the band's output that more interesting, really. With an almost constant high pace, the intertwining guitars create great intertwining melodies with nice breaks and turns...the kind of stuff which will keep guitar fans enthralled with the album from beginning to end. Well, enough raving about the band's musical qualities...just go and check out their music now by surfing over to (www.) myspace.com/deadendinvenice, where 3 posted songs will certainly convince you. For samples of more tracks of the 9-track, 32-minute album, consult the album's page at the trusted online sales sites. 92/100 Tony. |