Heave - Final Day

Heave return with their sixth album 'Final Day', the first to feature new vocalist Anna Olsson.



I'm in somewhat of an interesting position, sat listening to the album, not knowing much of anything about the band prior to what I'm listening to. Google was not my friend! Regardless here we are, and it will be the uniformed review that launches forth.
What Heave may have sounded like before the recruitment of Olsson I can't comment, but what they sound like now is a meaty, hard edged metal band who verge into some very Symphony X like progressive territory on much of the album, combining interesting musical prowess along the way. In fact musically this is pretty damn good. It's got some awesome guitar work from Marcus Sundquist, and that's certainly going to please a lot of people out there.



The weird thing about the album is Olsson's vocals. I'm still not sure after several listens exactly what she's trying to do with them. They seem incredibly out front, way above the music, more so than I would have expected, and again I'm not really sure why. Is she trying to drive the band toward the Lacuna Coil cum Nightwish direction? It's possible, but I'm not convinced of that.



I think it's more than the band just haven't quite got the production right, and she suffers for it.



If you like high pitched female vocals, then you'll love this. If not, maybe not so hot for you my friend!