by Joe Mis
— Sr. Columnist —
Canadian songstress Leah McHenry has put together another dynamic Celtic/Symphonic Metal release entitled The Quest. As on her previous releases, Leah continues to blend Celtic, world music, and Progressive Metal influences into Euro-style Symphonic Metal, and her superb vocals are backed by an excellent band chosen from the best of the European Metal scene.
Leah released her debut CD Of Earth & Angels in 2012, followed by 2 EPs (Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence – 2012 and Otherworld – 2013), and the full-length Kings & Queens in 2015. Her music in many ways is a blend of Leaves’ Eyes, Lana Lane, and Blackmore’s Night – leaning towards the heavier sides of each. She now continues to blaze her own path backed by Troy Donockley (Nightwish) on pipes and flutes, Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian) on bass, Delain’s Timo Somers (guitars) and Sander Zoer (drums, percussion), and Chen Balbus (Orphaned Land) on the saz (a long-necked lute) and oud (a short-necked 11- or 13-string lute). The release was mixed and mastered by veteran Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Evergrey), who adds a truly European sound without stepping on Leah’s unique style.
Celtic melodies and mythology blend with touches of new age and Symphonic/Progressive Metal tones, and Leah and her friends deliver their music with grace and passion. Many of the tracks are light and airy, while others crank up the power or add complexity without compromising Leah’s smooth delivery, She keeps the diversity of tone and tempo that made her earlier releases so popular. Lyrically, The Quest focuses on the paths we all live, filled with detours and distractions, that ultimately lead us to our true destiny.
Leah starts off with a 10 minute plus epic, the title track “The Quest.” The long intro is flowing and graceful, changing in power and tempo until Leah’s vocals kick in. Those following the genre may be reminded of Within Temptation’s wonderful singer Sharon den Adel, but while similarities exist Leah’s music tends more Celtic tones. The superb technical performances from the band, the tempo and timing changes, and amazing layered vocals have become trademarks of Leah’s music – and they continue through the entire release. “Edge of Your Sword” is a pop-tinged bouncy track with a great bass line that allows Leah and the band to display some real versatility. “Lion Arises” is a heavier, more metal track with a thick rhythm line – and although the tempo is slow it manages to project a good deal of energy. “Heir” is a triumphant metal tune with strong double bass drumming underpinning smooth vocals and overall “folk metal” tones. “Ruins of Illusion” is a vocal highlight as Leah’s voice soars over tribal drums and old-world, ancient instruments.
“Labyrinth” is a soft, almost theatrical ballad that features strong performances from the band while building in intensity, culminating with a spiraling guitar solo and massive vocal harmonies – a true musical journey. Obvious progressive elements blend with Celtic tones in “Abyss” – quite probably Leah’s best delivery to date. The keyboard/vocal driven “Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)” is pure folk-rock goodness that segues nicely into the up-tempo “Ghost Upon A Throne”, a track that in many ways could be done as-is by Cristina Scabbia and Lacuna Coil. Leah wraps the release in her traditional manner, closing with a beautiful version of the well-known Scottish folk song “The Water Is Wide.”
Leah’s The Quest will appeal to fans of Symphonic Metal, Folk Metal, and Female-fronted Rock. Her fans will be thrilled as she delivers sparkling and strong music that is an evolutionary step from her prior releases. There is enough musical diversity here to please even the most jaded listeners. Whether delivering soft melodies or symphonic power, Leah demonstrates that she is a truly fine singer and songwriter and that her musical journey is just beginning.
The Quest is very highly recommended.
Genre: Celtic, Symphonic Metal
Band:
Leah McHenry (vocals)
Troy Donockley (pipes and flutes)
Barend Courbois (bass)
Timo Somers (guitars)
Sander Zoer (drums, percussion)
Chen Balbus (saz, oud)
Track Listing:
1. The Quest
2. Edge of Your Sword
3. Lion Arises
4. Heir
5. Ruins of Illusion
6. Labyrinth
7. Abyss
8. Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)
9. Ghost Upon a Throne
10. The Water Is Wide
Label: Inner Wound Recordings
Website: http://leahmusic.net/
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9 / 10)
