A sterling first effort and one steeped in potential.

When I was informed by Fireworks Towers that my next mission would involve Female-Fronted Symphonic Metal, my mind immediately wandered to Within Temptation (and Sharon Den Adel in particular...I wonder why?!). They have been the undeniable benchmark of this genre for many years now and, rightly or wrongly, I began to impose pressure and expectation on this rookie three-piece ensemble from the north-west of England without even hearing a single note.

Dead Of Night (at the time of recording this opus) comprised of founder/multi-instrumentalist/song-writer Carl Eden, Hadian Gates (guitars) and vocalist Courtney Cecere. However, it soon became apparent that things were not totally as they seemed and I was placed in a quandary; "do I tell the reader immediately?" or "do I tell them at the review's conclusion?" My decision was to inform you soonest. It appears that Cecere, under amicable circumstances (I'm reliably informed), has recently vacated the mic, and in her place comes young protégé Briony Featon, who tells me, "...being a soprano vocalist...I have theatrical and Operatic quality...which lends itself to the genre". So, promising times are most definitely ahead; however, let's put Featon's arrival to one side and focus on what has, after numerous spins, become a very solid and enjoyable debut album.

'The Dead Shall Rise' has all the individualities you'd expect from the Symphonic Metal genre; Eden's atmospheric and Goth-embellished keyboards are ably supported by Gates' driving guitar riffs; both are shrouded in incandescent light and melancholic shade, all of which are complemented by the obligatory choral backing effects. The production is impressive, considering it's a low budget release, but they are not WT, Nightwish, Epica et al... yet! One mustn't forget, this is a threesome whose elaborate soundscapes constantly transcend their diminutive make-up.

This debut is thematic in nature, narrating numerous ghost stories, but from the perspectives of the ghosts themselves. Right from the outset you are lifted up and carried along on a journey that is both exhilarating and haunting. Personally I would've preferred a short, atmospheric intro, as 'Touched By The Hand Of God' sets off at a frenetic pace. 'Black Lace And Roses', 'Highwayman' and the excellent 'As I Am Now So Shall You Be' slow things down a touch, but are a terrific triumvirate of tunes that take little time to befriend you. Other highlights are 'A Devil's Fairground Ride' and 'Gabriel's Hounds'; both powerfully delivered, yet tempered by Cecere's odorous vocals. If you enjoy Symphonic ballads, then 'Never Liked It', 'On the Beach At Night Alone' and 'Ghost Stories' should certainly mollify your inner core.

A sterling first effort from Eden and company and one steeped in potential. Dead Of Night definitely deserves your attention.

Dave Crompton