Band:	The Murder Of My Sweet
Album:	Divanity
Style:	Symphonic metal
Release date:	January 2010

01. No Evil
02. Follow The Rain
03. Bleed Me Dry
04. Chemical Attraction
05. Kiss Of Death
06. One Bullet
07. Tonight
08. Storms Of The Sea
09. Destiny
10. Revolution
11. Valerie
12. Death Of A Movie Star
13. Mistaken [bonus]

Unabashedly proud of its huge production, ultra catchy melodies and commercial leanings, The Murder Of My Sweet's debut, Divanity, shows a band already on solid ground, ready to stand alongside even the most renowned symphonic metal and rock bands. They have it all in place, from a self-assured vocalist, synths and symphonic touches that can carry every song, and percussion that is dramatic and polished. Add in an air of film noir, courtesy of concepts taken from 1944's Murder, My Sweet, and an almost tangible feeling of warmth in each song, and already I'm pleasantly impressed.

The role of vocalist Angelica Rylin reminds me of the lighthouse a heartbroken, solitary sailor sees up ahead through pouring rain and chaotic seas. She sings with a voice firmly poised against the dark waters, able to call us in with swift cries and a sweetness that purposely fades into the distance, knowing full well how far her light can shine. At once she can draw the listener in, such as in the opening verse of "Kiss Of Death," where she personifies the "shivering raindrops" with her breathy style. In other moments, like in "Bleed Me Dry," she freely shifts from a confident confessional tone to a soft, vulnerable tone. Angelica knows herself as a singer, seems pleased with her own direction, and leaves behind any reason to second guess her entrance to the symphonic scene.

Hopefully more than a few of you are familiar with Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye), who has co-wrote the music along with Angelica. He offers the mark of his superb Sound vs. Science Studio, and enthusiastically gives his drumming and additional keyboard performance. Although Divanity contains one or two progressive touches, particularly in the synth/guitar solo in "Revolution," predominately what relates to Mind's Eye is the light, intellectual feel, the cohesive warmth that wraps the album together, and most importantly, well-timed arrangements and synth melodies.

For me, it is those synth melodies that elevate this album from just a spirited beginning to one of my most listened to choices for this past year. Together with Daniel's playing, another recognizable face in that of Andreas Lindahl (Wuthering Heights, amongst others) takes us on a wondrous ride that surrounds Angelica's voice. From evoking the film noir motif of enthralling chases with the first thirty seconds of "One Bullet" to the provocatively lush melody that immediately follows the main chorus of "Follow The Rain," fans of lively keyboards will find themselves right at home with The Murder Of My Sweet.

Divanity is not just a strong arrival into the symphonic field, it offers compositions that feel like celebrations of personal strength and surviving the cold, windswept rains of personal afflictions and addictive romances. They have left enough space for continued expansion of their sound (I'd love to see a few more progressive touches or keyboard solos), have a clear vision for some lyrical concepts to explore, such as in the character-driven "Death Of A Movie Star," and possess a vocalist and musicianship with a depth of personality and expression.