(Napalm Records) Total Time: 45:37
First, of all, let’s get one thing straight. I haven’t followed Liv’s steps since the “Aegis” album, when she was still with THEATRE OF TRAGEDY (yes, I am aware that it is some years back). Thus, I will review this CD as if she has just left THEATRE OF TRAGEDY and just started her own band, with “Vinland Saga” being their first album (and yes, this is probably not very fair of me, but what can you really do?).
I always believed that Liv never had the chance to actually demonstrate her whole vocal range, when she was still a member of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY. Having this in mind, I would have assumed, that since she is on her own now, we would have the chance to enjoy some more opera vocals (don’t forget she is a soprano after all). Thus, I expected to hear some more soprano vocals reaching higher-than-usual notes in this album, which I didn’t get in the end. I believe that Liv does not combine as much as she should classical vocals and Rock vocals together when performing her songs - this may be due to a number of reasons. But, still, I would have liked to listen to a few a cappella parts...
Apart from the vocals, the music follows the Gothic (THEATRE-days) metal pathway, with some very nice melodic lines, romantic and dynamic orchestral parts, smart arrangements and the contrast of brutal vocals at certain times. Add to that the powerful production and you get a pretty good deal for your money.
Overall, this is a very good album, very balanced altogether, and most certainly a step forward for Liv and her music career until now. This album is well worth your attention and time to listen to it carefully and acknowledge its real value and potential in the way it should be acknowledged.
