MOONLIGHT HAZE – Lunaris (2020)
A collective composed of by members from various groups throughout Italy such as Temperance, Elvenking, Sound Storm, Teodasia, and Overtures, MOONLIGHT HAZE is a fairly new addition to the sympho metal scene. “Lunaris” is their second effort, and what I liked the most is the band’s more commercial approach than the regular act from this genre, an accessible sound given by the keyboards that in some entrances turns into a piano.
As usual in Symphonic oriented bands, Chiara Tricarico’s voice stands out. She’s very talented and gifted with a great range easily going to high pitches and coming back for good effect. In fact, all the band is very talented.
The thing is that when it’s regarding to skilled musicians, the more correct and well-played the music is, it doesn’t stand out much. I mean, there’s always the need for something broken, something wicked.
For instance, “The Dangerous Art Of Overthinking” got much more interesting with the male wicked vocals that duet with Chiara. It’s that dialect thing, the contrast.
Fans of more neoclassical sympho will be jawbroken with the sequence “Of Birth and Death”. I was as well. The undeniable fact is that the mix of Metal and Classical music works so damn fine.
Again providing contrast, “Under Your Spell” is more of a straightforward ballad rather than an opportunity to implement progressive elements, and the commercial touch appears again.
The whole album is strong, but for me the top tracks include “Enigma” (the Italian version) and “Nameless City”. There is something great about Symphonic Metal when sung in Italian that is just magical, and though they offer an English language version of “Enigma” I feel it pales in comparison much as if classic operas were converted into English.
As for “Nameless City”, it is a personal favorite, specially for the amazing songwriting. It was surprising to find such a strong song at the end of the album, but it does show that the closing of an album can be just as important as the first track when it comes to showcasing great songs.
From the sweet piano interludes to the beautifully sang vocals, ‘Lunaris’ has more than enough great sounds for fans of symphonic metal, mixing commercial melodies with elaborated progressive arrangements.
The album’s production is excellent, giving us a real treat and a worthy addition to your sympho-rock music collection. In this genre, this album is hauntingly good, and a pure delight to behold.
01 – Till the End
02 – The Rabbit of the Moon
03 – Lunaris
04 – Under Your Spell
05 – Enigma
06 – Wish Upon a Scar
07 – The Dangerous Art of Overthinking
08 – Without You
09 – Of Birth and Death
10 – Nameless City
11 – Enigma (English Version)
Chiara Tricarico – Vocals
Marco Falanga – Guitars
Alberto Melinato – Guitars
Alessandro Jacobi – Bass
Giulio Capone – Drums, Keyboards
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www.amazon.co.uk/Lunaris-Moonlight-Haze/dp/B085KCZ26Y
