Gothic Metal can be that different! The guys round power-front-woman Jensara Swann show on Vestige that this musical style can be performed without too much pathos and in really impressing manner!
Obviously THE VEIL is blessed with the gift for powerful rhythms and adept song structures. The (way too short!) expedition kicks off with suspenseful song Labyrinth – and because of its intoxicating build-up I want to get lost there again and again… at the beginning Jensara whispers insistently, ere her vocals change into darker singing. Her voice got a convenient timbre and this nice acoustic weapon is set into operation in variable and skilful style. The group does not drag behind concerning technical performance with following ingredients: steam hammer drumming by Julian Gray including oftentimes double bass elements, unobtrusive keyboard melodies and sounds, driving guitar chords and some modern influences.
The Undertow shows up a little bit sagging after an aggressive start and Jensara presents a nearly nasty facet in her vocal spectrum. Short breaks filled with some bell strikes contrasted by a mixture of electronic baubles as well as guitar power enrich this direct hit.
THE VEIL have not shot their wad, they speed up with firm track Voodoom. In this case the calm interplay with modern touch is again chosen perfectly. There is just one disfigurement: the song is too short! Ere an emotion of melancholy about this early ending arouses, the bleak piece Still Waters surprises with partly distorted vocals and anew modern dots. The keyboard effects are quite in the foreground, but they do not have a negative influence, just as the lack of guitar solos is not bothersome. THE VEIL let die away the album with the adequately entitled The End and they still use the same tactic. They know how to combine explosive metal with ably interspersed, calm parts and electronic cherries on the cake.
Vestige calls up zest for more, containing five awesome compositions. I appreciate that real Metal stands in the foreground definitely and Jensara covers the whole range of emotions. This band works with real heart blood and consequently I am looking forward to next thrilling musical signs from these French artists. By the way: THE VEIL is really a great pleasure on stage!