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Soulstitia - Second review



Reviewer:
8.0
Band: Soulstitia
Album: Second
Style: Gothic metal
Release date: 2002


01. Feast In Hell
02. Death Illusion
03. Dedicated
04. Correcting Madness

More Gothic Metal from Holland! Hell yes! Holland is slowly taking the place of Finland in this genre, and why is that? Because they're damn good at it! No, really I think that instead of taking places these 2 countries are finding their own style, i.e. Finland is more melancholic and Rock driven (Charon, Entwine, To/Die/For) and Holland is more symphonic and bombastic (After Forever, Epica, Within Temptation), so comparisons are drawn? In which Category stands Soulstitia?

Yep, you guessed right, symphonic and bombastic! A lot of keyboard use, Beautiful female vocals, clean male vocals and some growls also? you know, the basic formula, so? Why go for the basic formula? Because it works! This sounds great! The songs are very catchy, the arrangements are nice and the beautiful voice of Angelique Tromp enhances the experience! What is the deal with Dutch women and beautiful voices? Do they have anything especial in their water? Because the few Dutch bands with female vocalist I know are top notch!

So right now you're thinking that this is another copycat of After Forever and Within Temptation, well your not so far from the truth, they sound alike, but I like to think that Soulstitia is the "Dark" sister? let me explain, the songs here have a Dark feel that I can't really explain, listen to the opener "Feast in Hell" and you know what I mean.

Of course they have more "happy" songs, like the excellent "Dedicated", a masterpiece and my favorite track in the album, please take my advise and when you record a full-length, don't forget to re-record that one!

So, we have here a really good 4 track Demo, sure the production is not top-notch, and the mix is kinda poor too? but hey! Is just a Demo, hope they get a record contract soon, maybe Transmission Records should seek more talents in their homeland, because with bands like Soulstitia and Annatar out there, they're missing a lot of good opportunities to grow as a company.

Written by Undercraft | 29.10.2003





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