by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Selene is making a valid attempt to join the swelling ranks of female fronted metal. Paradise Over is their latest effort – a six-track EP. Symphonic and Gothic elements are blended well with near-operatic vocals, solid songwriting, and technically precise performances. Flowing melodies, image laden lyrics, and mellow keyboard hooks are balanced by intense guitar riffs and driving rhythms, resulting in music that should appeal to fans of multiple genres.
Selene was founded by guitarist/keyboard player John Connor and vocalist Shonagh Lyons in early 2013. The duo released their first EP Among the Frozen a few months later. It was well-received and drew inevitable comparisons to Nightwish, Leaves’ Eyes, and Evanescence. In order to perform as a live act Selene recruited bassist Thomas Alford and drummer Cameron Ahslund-Glass, both talented musicians who are able to complement Selene’s overall style. The band has released a number of singles, and now a more impressive EP, Paradise Over.
“Facing The Mirror” is a strong opener, rolling near operatic vocals in with a strong rhythm line, and a bit of a folk metal feel. Comparisons with Tarja and Nightwish will be unaviodable here, but Shonagh’s vocals are not as operatic. “Not Enough” is a heavier, more symphonic track (thanks to some solid double bass drumming), blending in a hint of Gothic metal with tidy keyboard work. This tune is probably the best example of Selene’s overall style. “Still Dreaming” has a beautiful keyboard-driven opening, and becomes a well-done mid-tempo rocker with a kicky guitar solo. The title track adds choir vocals and as a result picks up a heavy Gothic, symphonic groove – but a few well placed timing changes make this a progressive metal track as well. “Fade Away” displays touches of power metal riffage over driving bass and drum rhythms. Connor’s keyboards are particularly effective here. “Hourglass Fading” is a soft, melancholy closer that wonderfully displays Shonagh’s true vocal abilities.
Overall, Paradise Over is a pleasing release. The melodic tracks convey bits of folk and atmospheric elements along with very strong symphonic metal. Shonagh’s vocals are strong and clear, and her near-operatric style sounds natural rather than forced or artificial. Her overall range may not be as great as some of the other operatic front-women, but she delivers the goods in that range, never overstepping or straining. The other members of Selene are very good performers, working well together and playing off each other well. Bass, drums, and guitars are all delivered with precision and style. The keyboards are a bit overdone at times, but for the most part they fit in with the flow of the music. Perhaps now that they are a full band Selene’s newer material will be built less around the keyboards and standard symphonic metal clichés, and more around the vocal powerhouse that is Shonagh Lyons.
With Paradise Over, Selene proves that they have talent and potential. They need to grow a bit more stylistically in order to set themselves apart from the crowd of female fronted bands, but they have the chops to do so. Fans of symphonic metal, Gothic metal, or female singers will enjoy Paradise Over.
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Band:
Shonagh Lyons (vocals)
John Connor (guitars, keyboards)
Thomas Alford (bass)
Cameron Ashlund-Glass (drums)
Track Listing:
1. Facing the Mirror
2. Not Enough
3. Still Dreaming
4. Paradise Over
5. Fade Away
6. Hourglass Fading
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.selene-theband.co.uk
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10
