ANETTE OLZON – Rapture (2024) *HQ*
Former Nightwish vocalist ANETTE OLZON (also partner of Jani Liimatainen in The Dark Element) is set to release her third solo album entitled “Rapture”. Similarly to Anette’s second solo album Strong, the new record explores a much heavier and faster musical offering compared to her debut and once again stakes a claim for Anette’s well-deserved standing as one of the world’s top female hard rock / metal vocalists.
The music for “Rapture” was written and composed together with acclaimed Swedish guitarist and producer Magnus Karlsson. Together, Anette and Magnus managed to create a powerful collection of songs, which showcase Anette’s enormous vocal range alongside Karlsson’s incendiary riffs.
Musically while we are in a territory encompassing various genres from light symphonic to melodic metal and a dash of darkness, the songs remain catchy and boldly melodic.
Former Nightwish vocalist ANETTE OLZON (also partner of Jani Liimatainen in The Dark Element) is set to release her third solo album entitled “Rapture”. Similarly to Anette’s second solo album Strong, the new record explores a much heavier and faster musical offering compared to her debut and once again stakes a claim for Anette’s well-deserved standing as one of the world’s top female hard rock / metal vocalists.
The music for “Rapture” was written and composed together with acclaimed Swedish guitarist and producer Magnus Karlsson. Together, Anette and Magnus managed to create a powerful collection of songs, which showcase Anette’s enormous vocal range alongside Karlsson’s incendiary riffs.
Musically while we are in a territory encompassing various genres from light symphonic to melodic metal and a dash of darkness, the songs remain catchy and boldly melodic.
What may be most surprising to followers of Anette’s previous output is the diversity present within these eleven tracks. No one can dispute her impressive, emotional connectivity when it comes to her choice of melodies and conviction behind that voice.
Anette has that grace of pop while also hitting power/symphonic territory to carry songs like “Greedy World” and the title track to heights of passion, the former also containing a bit more playful personal tidbits in laughter or lower register twists that could enhance deeper engagement.
Even when the rhythms and double kick work possesses that crunchier or more extreme muscle (prevalent within “Requiem”) or the male growls sprout up from Johan Husgafvel (“Take a Stand” or during the melodeath sequence on “Heed the Call”), the performances never waver in catchy, retainable hooks song to song.
The layers of vocal harmonies on “Cast Evil Out” resemble the work of ABBA, the guitar work of Magnus superior in positioning Annette in that glorious queen platform, while closer “We Search For Peace” is a modern, melodic power number featuring mysterious melodies, tribal-like dynamics put into a metal context, plus militant battle cry background spots that slam the main ideas home.
Teaming up with renowned musician, songwriter, and producer Magnus Karlsson once again, as well as adding the stellar mixing capacity from Jacob Hansen ensures that Rapture has the best opportunity to meet the standards already set in this field.
When you’ve established yourself as a quality artist, all Anette Olzon has to worry about is delivering her best work if given the right musicians and songs to enhance these aspects – and that’s what you have once again here.
Highly Recommended
01 – Heed The Call
02 – Rapture
03 – Day Of Wrath
04 – Requiem
05 – Arise
06 – Take A Stand
07 – Cast Evil Out
08 – Greedy World
09 – Hear My Song
10 – Head Up High
11 – We Search For Peace
Anette Olzon – Vocals
Magnus Karlsson – Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
Anders Köllerfors – Drums
Pre order:
www.amazon.com/Rapture-Anette-Olzon/dp/B0CW9YW9C3
