Benedictum - Seasons Of Tragedy

To say that it was with some trepidation that I first put the new Benedictum CD on would be to put it mildly. I didn't know quite what to expect, having not heard any of their older material, but that melted away in short order once the opening track 'Dawn of Seasons' started to progress.
'Seasons of Tragedy' is the bands sophomore effort, following the release of their debut albom 'Uncreation' back in 2006, and if I'd taken any note of some of those who have been involved in the production of the album (Craig Goldy, Jeff Pilson, and appearances by George Lynch), perhaps I wouldn't have been quite so worried about what was going to come out of my speakers.



'Seasons of Tragedy' is a weird conglomerate of sounds, variously described as Dio era Sabbath and Rainbow. I have to agree that there is some of that in there, but there's also a strong power metal feel to the guitars at times, and even some progressive metal in there too. It's strangely hypnotising.



The one thing about this album that can't be denied or argued with is the sheer quality that vocalist Veronica Freeman possesses. Slipping from vocal style to vocal style as seemingly as easy changing your shoes, she is as comfortable in the quietest moments of the album as she is during the much heavier side on 'Legacy', but it is on 'Beast in the Field' where she really shines. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is about this track that makes it so good, it just is, and Freeman is the main reason for that, her voice setting the atmosphere for the entire 6 minute epic, perhaps I think even with an inspiration from the work of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman in there. Maybe that's exactly why it seems so good, and epic is so the right word for the song.



Benedictum have succeeded here in creating a incredibly impressive album, the quality is undeniable, and this should establish as one of the premiere hard rock bands, appealing to both mainstream metal fans and equally to the progressive metal crowd.