by Joe Mis
– Sr. Columnist —
Heidi Parviainen’s wonderful Cinematic Metal character Dark Sarah is returning to the spotlight at long last. For those not familiar, Dark Sarah is a cinematic, theatrical Metal project from Finland fronted by singer and songwriter Heidi Parviainen (ex-Amberian Dawn). As in 2015’s Behind The Black Veil, a number of talented musicians and guest vocalists chip in to make The Puzzle just as powerful.
The debut album was almost a psychological study of a Sarah, a young woman left at the altar on her wedding day, suffering a near breakdown before the darker side of her personality emerges to help keep her together. The Puzzle is also a concept album that continues recounting Sarah’s story, joining her on a misty island in the middle of a mighty ocean – lost somewhere between life and death. The songs tell of her struggles to survive and how she finds the strength to continue.
Dark Sarah ́s music combines the best of Metal, bold cinematic style, and sweeping theatrical elements.
Heidi’s superb vocals are the centerpiece of the band’s music, and the band behind Heidi is technically excellent. Returning are guitarist Erkka Korhonen (Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen) and bassist Rude Rothstén, while new blood is supplied by guitarist Sami Salonen and drummer Thomas Tunkkari. Joining Heidi’s Sarah in vocal duets towards the end of the album are JP Leppäluoto as the Dragon, Delain’s Charlotte Wessels as the Siren, and Manuela Kraller (ex-Xandria) as Fate.
“Breath” opens the release in fine style with a strong instrumental passage leading into a quick whispered vocal section. It is definitely a tease and gives the listener a strong indication of what is to come. “Island in the Mist” is about as opposite as you can get. Brutal guitars and pounding bass drive Heidi’s vocals from soft to full operatic as she begins to tell the tale of her journey. “Little Men” blends intense metal rhythms with orchestral instruments and a rolling, theatrical vocal line rich with complex tempo changes. Heidi’s vocals are arguably at their best, highlighted by the sweeping chorus. The tone becomes more upbeat during “Ash Grove”, a track that brings in more progressive metal elements and rhythms – and is easily the best song on the album thanks to excellent vocals and an amazing lead break. Soft flutes open “For The Birds,” a very refreshing tune with a significantly lighter tone and a near pop metal bounce delivered by the impeccable timing of Tunkkari’s drums.
“Deep and Deeper” is another positive tune, a high energy rocker with a kicky rhythm line and smooth musical flow. The story begins to build to its climax in the very theatrical “Dance With The Dragon,” a Tim Burton-esque tune, a duet battle between Sarah and JP Leppäluoto’s Dragon. “Cliffhanger” is a softer and more reflective track with a bit of theater and splash of R&B – in other words, it is a true singer’s song that allows Heidi to truly show her best. “Aquarium” features the instantly recognizable voice of Charlotte Wessels in the role of the evil siren, and is another intense battle in Sarah’s story. The haunting ballad “Rain” wraps both the album and the story – Manuela Kraller and Heidi seem to push each other to greater and greater vocal heights as the song builds in power before fading through an amazingly deliver acoustic guitar passage and triumphant outro.
The Puzzle has a consistent and solid sound thanks to very high production values. The orchestral pieces are rich and warm, and Heidi’s voice is crisp and accessible despite her trips into full on operatic mode. Dark Sarah’s music is powerful, the band’s performances tight, songs well crafted and beautifully written, and the story ready to be brought to life on film or stage. The Puzzle is lighter in tone and content than Behind The Black Veil and thus should have broader appeal. The presence of such well-known guest singers will only add to the album’s appeal.
Fans of Symphonic/Orchestral Metal, Gothic metal, or Female Fronted Metal will find The Puzzle to be a winner. Dark Sarah’s The Puzzle is a fine example of Cinematic Metal – a true Rock Opera – and it is highly recommended!
Genre: Symphonic, Cinematic Metal
Band:
Heidi Parviainen [ex. Amberian Dawn] – Vocals
Erkka Korhonen [Northern Kings, Ari Koivunen] – Guitar
Sami Salonen – Guitar
Rude Rothstén – Bass
Thomas Tunkkari – Drums
Guest vocalists: Manuela Kraller [ex. Xandria] as “Fate”, JP Leppäluoto [Charon, Northern Kings] as “The Dragon”, Charlotte Wessels [Delain] as the “evil siren mermaid”
Track Listing:
1. Breath
2. Island In The Mist
3. Little Men
4. Ash Grove
5. For The Birds
6. Deep and Deeper
7. Dance With The Dragon [feat. JP Leppäluoto]
8. Cliffhanger
9. Aquarium [feat. Charlotte Wessels]
10. Rain [feat. Manuela Kraller]
Label: Inner Wound Recordings
Website: http://www.darksarah.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
Video: Dark Sarah – Aquarium feat. Charlotte Wessels
