Whispers of Fate Embrace My Winter
by Franco Cerchiari
Staff Writer
It is to be expected that a band – in fact every band – will be compared to another band in a like genre. Whispers of Fate, an Italian female fronted band releases to fans of the symphonic, their debut, Embrace My Winter. While not as strong as others within the realm of symphonic metal, Whispers of Fate do indeed have many strong points. The drums are extraordinary. On cue, never coming across as overbearing, and are certainly used to their fullest potential, with double bass drums, and spot on rolls with large cymbal crashes a large part of the overall sound. The keyboards are moody, larger than life (think Delain’s latest offering, April Rain,) and, on more than one occasion intense and well played. The guitars, while more solos would have been a welcome addition, still, do an admirable job playing alongside the keyboards to add to what is heard.
Which brings us to the vocals. There are no melodic vocals to speak of, but instead in an almost monotonous tone is a single soprano sung style. Case in point, “Pain of Earth.” It of course brings to the argument that for such a track where the drudgery, pain and overall doom one would expect from such a track titled “Pain of Earth,” one would rightfully assume a downcast feel. But, the vocals come across as with the same fluctuation of high and low throughout and, difficult to discern what the “story” of the track is about. And thus, it becomes difficult to sit through.
The same can be said for “Wasted World.“ And sadly on each track. So despite the excellent accompaniment that comes from the drums and keyboards, once the vocals come into earshot, the story behind the song is lost. The special effects of the opening track, “Forgotten Prayer,” was a great touch as was the strings and guitar of “Dance of the Clouds.” The keyboards of “Sphere,” are amazing, with sounds of wind, thunder and rain and the acoustic guitars with the bass guitar adding a touching feel, add a great sound to “Preludio D’Inverno, “Frozen Heart,” with it’s synthesizers and accompanying guitar makes a strong showing. But, on each of tracks – sadly the vocals, with again, the same vocal style that is heard throughout this release, with no power and rich, over the top vocal emotion, in what otherwise could be a great symphonic metal CD, the feeling that comes from symphonic metal, is gone.
Coming back to the fact that every band will be compared to like bands within that genre, a listen to bands like Delain, Within Temptation, Sirenia and Leave’s Eyes, it is because of the passion, deep rooted emotion, sound and feel coming from the loud, melodic and crystal clear vocals of the female songstress along with the strings, keyboards, drums and guitars that these band are truly encapsulating all that is symphonic metal. Whispers of Fate certainly have several of these components quite well proven. But, it is a hope that in future releases, the band pays closer attention to the vocals. Add that power, that emotion, that clear distinction and the massive melodies that is all a part of a symphonic metal band, and Whispers of Fate could certainly hold their own against any of their counterparts.
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Musicians:
Betty: vocals, composition
Kaos – guitars, composition
Venom – keyboards
Joey – bass
Alexander – drums
Track Listing
Forgotten Prayer
Pain of Earth
Dance of the Clouds
Sphere
Preludio D’Inverno
Frozen Heart
Label: Independent
Hardrock Haven Rating: 6.9/10