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Vandroya: One

Progressive Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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Inner Wound Recordings
by Craig Hartranft,  01.10.2013

In the tradition of peers like Almah and Angra comes another Brazilian metal band, the female-fronted Vandroya with their debut album One. Though the heritage is rich, progressive power metal can sometimes be problematic and familiar leading one to be skeptical or even dismissive of the latest offering.

Vandroya:: pick out the cute one.

Quite honestly, this was my first reaction to Vandroya. Been there, done that, even with the female vocals. Although that latter element should not be surprising to any person considering the proliferation of female-fronted bands in the last 10 years. First impression told me one simple thing: One is speedy, sometimes epic, melodic power metal with some prog elements standing on the strength on one song, Why Should We Say Goodbye.

But it's not all that simple, and that would be to dismissive. While One rumbles along on the prog power tracks, after another listen, several songs stand out. Notably, The Last Free Land, Within Shadows, and Solar Night bring more than a breathless pace, but also stronger arrangements with big riffs, even bigger guitar solos, and lush synths for epic atmosphere. Conversely, despite her clear, clean, and generally strong voice, Daísa Munhoz is essentially pummeled by the music. You have to wait for the breakdowns, more quiet segues, to appreciate her skill. The possible exception is the aforementioned Why Should We Say Goodbye, but even here she's in competition with the music. Nevertheless, One is a strong premier for Vandroya, another promising Brazilian metal band. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

One is a strong premier for Vandroya, another promising Brazilian metal band delivering melodic and progressive power metal.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]