Magica Wolves & Witches

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Wolves & Witches is the fourth release from Romanian metal band Magica, another in the growing legion of female-fronted metal bands that are attempting to follow in Nightwish’s path to success. Magica is probably a tier below bands like After Forever and Epica, who since Nightwish’s split with vocalist Tarja Turunen are arguably the genre’s premiere acts.

Stylistically, Magica’s sound brings to mind a mix of Nightwish circa Century Child and especially Austrian band Edenbridge. The keyboards have that Lanvall sound (though perhaps not so bombastic and over the top), and vocalist Ana Mladinovici’s voice is similar to Sabine Edelsbacher’s in that it’s smooth and not overly operatic. This is probably a plus for Magica, as the overblown operatic style can get old pretty quickly. The music on Wolves & Witches is very melodic and relies on a heavy use of keyboards. The symphonic elements are kept to a minimum, and also come via keyboard.

Of course, the pitfall of Magica staying so close the Nightwish/After Forever/Within Temptation sound too closely is that it’s hard to see the band as anything but a follower. You can tell the band has improved in terms of musicianship and songwriting from the previous album (2007’s Hereafter), but they haven’t really established their own sound.

Magica may not be breaking any new ground, but Wolves & Witches is still a very solid release that should appeal to the band’s fans as well as those who love the classic Nightwish sound.

Label: AFM

Lineup:
Ana Mladinovici: Vocals
Sorin Vlad: Bass
Hertz: Drums
Six Fingers: Keyboards
Bogdan Costea: Guitars

Track Listing:
1. Don’t Wanna Kill
2. They Stole the Sun
3. Hold on Tight
4. Hurry Up Ravens
5. Maiastra
6. Dark Secret
7. Just for 2 Coins
8. Before the Light is Gone
9. Chitaroptera
10. Mistress of the Wind

Online: Official Site

Hardrock Haven Rating: 6.5/10