Band:	Wereworld
Album:	Wereworld
Style:	Gothic metal, Symphonic metal
Release date:	September 2011

01. Wereworld
02. The Land of the Fading Sun
03. Soulless
04. Children of War
05. Requiem for the World
06. I F.L.Y.
07. Origin of Hate
08. Dead Spring
09. Crimson Summer
10. Autumn Song
11. Raw Winter

My initial impression of this band was a great one; the opening track started to show a nice spin on the genre with interesting musical twists and turns and some vocals that were a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the magic seemed to slow way down after that one song and symphonic metal was left with yet another mediocre album on its hands.

After 10 years of false starts and name changes, Spaniards Wereworld officially formed in 2010. There are musical elements that hint at them being experienced players and writers but unfortunately even with 10 years of good ideas built up, the execution is very poor. Perhaps Wereworld could have been saved by some great vocals but that didn't happen either. Female lead vocalist Ana gives a performance showing a voice stuck in the back of her throat and a performer totally unsure of what direction she wants to take. Secondary male vocals by guitarist Guillermo are? mmm?not great.

So, I mentioned 10 years of good ideas and I meant it; they're all over the place. Some moments are awesome but many are just poorly developed and short-lived, showcased in a bad production, and topped with amateurish vocals. I will say they do succeed at creating a beautifully dark colored atmosphere; then Ana comes in to sing her same four notes accompanied by the same spooky keyboards and blast-beat drumming. Nice guitar riffs are to be had here and there, yet by the end of the album it's all bled together.

Hungry, forgiving fans of symphonic metal or accessible gothic metal may very well find something enjoyable about this album. If that describes you, then by all means please check out Wereworld because you will hear all the good in this debut. Those of you with a more discerning palate, however, will probably not.