(Locomotive records) Total Time: 59:03
Hailing form San Diego, California the female fronted Power Metal band BENEDICTUM, initially titled BOUND, cut their debut album 'Uncreation' at 2005 with Locomotive Music. The record was produced by ex-DOKKEN and DIO bassist Jeff Pilson and mixed by Pilson and former WARLOCK bassist Tommy Henriksen.. As Dio himself has given his approval over impressive (both vocally and in appearance) singers Veronica Freeman’s abilities, the band started to attract media and fans attention. Making a guest guitar appearance would be DIO guitarist Craig Goldy on the track 'Valkyrie Rising' and former WILD HORSES, DIO, WWIII and RAINBOW bassist Jimmy Bain on a cover version of BLACK SABBATH's 'The Mob Rules'.
.In June 2006 BENEDICTUM appeared at the 'Gods Of Metal' festival in Milan, Italy prior to putting in headline European dates across the UK, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. The usual problem of line up changes effected in October BENEDICTUM , who parted ways with drummer Blackie Sanchez, quoting to "musical differences". He would be replaced by Paul Courtois.
In late 2007, or early 2008, I got it this year (2007), BENEDICTUM released their second album, 'Seasons Of Tragedy', through Locomotive Records with a US release in March. The album is featuring a cover version of the ACCEPT classic 'Balls To The Wall' with the digipack edition also including a cover of RAINBOW's 'Catch The Rainbow'. Guest musicians on the CD includes guitarist George Lynch, credited Manni Schmidt (RAGE, GRAVE DIGGER), bassist Jeff Pilson, (DOKKEN, DIO , FOREIGNER) plus Craig Goldy (DIO). What makes this album far superior then its predecessor, is the songs an the musical direction. You can still listen to the RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH influences, but the bad has taken a heavier direction towards the sound of bands like VICIOUS RUMORS, METAL CHURCH, LIEGE LORD. The guitars are just perfect, the rhythm section is delivering melted metal to your ears and the vocals are as heavy and strong as was the Japs strike at PEARL Harbor. Do you remember the good old days of Chastain and Leather , well this is the closest I can tell you. Only this time we have the European metal approach and a touch of melody at the heavy parts. In eleven songs, BENEDICTUM come as real challengers to the female fronted metal throne. No gothic wimps, no symphonic bullshit, just hard, hot heavy metal with equal good doses of metal and melody. Although the ACCEPT cover is good, but it seems funny to listen Veronica sing “Balls to the wall, maaan”. You know at the original Udo didn’t actually sing, he was more barking. Besides all this, if you like powerful, guitar oriented, US heavy metal with a touch of European finesse, grab a copy of this album.
