Heavenwood - Redemption review
| Band: | Heavenwood |
| Album: | Redemption |
| Style: | Gothic metal |
| Release date: | September 22, 2008 |
| A review by: | Thryce |
01. 13th Moon
02. Me & You
03. Bridge To Neverland [feat. Jeff Waters]
04. Fragile
05. One Step To Devotion [feat. Gus G.]
06. Foreclosure
07. Obsolete [feat. Tijs Vanneste]
08. Her Scent In The Spiral
09. Take My Hand
10. Slumber
Gothic metal
Recorded: UltraSound Studios, Portugal 2008
Label: Recital Records
Total Running Time: 54:21
Granted, my very first reaction might have been something in the lines of "Heavenwho?"... but seriously, where has this band been all the time? Clearly it has taken me way too long to discover this small sparkling diamond - and with me, most of you readers probably too. But no more; the undeserved obscurity stops here.
Heavenwood are the real deal when it comes to dark gothic metal. The band is also pleasantly diverse, mature and above all compelling in what they do. Their heavy yet dynamic sound is not soaked in sugary keyboard arrangements and the female vocals and male growls are entirely appropriate. These are the kind of melancholy driven tunes that crawl under your skin from the start. With a few hints to Flowing Tears, Paradise Lost and even super old Lacuna Coil - you know, before they went all pop metal and all - the band is all about moving the listener to a darker mood.
Redemption is touching, Redemption is gloomy, Redemption is aggressive, Redemption is soothing, Redemption features some very nice guest appearances - Redemption is top shelf material really.
All the bands playing anything remotely gothic metal that Portugal sprouts will most likely find themselves in the shadow of you-know-who (*) - which might be one of the reasons why this particular Portuguese gothic outfit is criminally overlooked and underappreciated. But let me tell you, Heavenwood's third opus Redemption is an album to be totally thrilled about.
Talking about thrills, 2010 will see Heavenwood release a new album. Guess who's stoked...
(*) Funny fact: Heavenwood were the first Portuguese band ever to play Wacken Open Air - many years before you-know-who.
Comments
Comments: 14
Visited by: 252 users
| Jason W. Razorbliss Staff Posts: 3523  |
Great see this up, they are on to something with this disc and I'm really looking forward to their next one.
---- "After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
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| Dark Blood The Avenger Posts: 1435  |
Yeah, it nice to see another portuguese band in MS and getting known worldwide. They're very talented and deserve it.. same goes for Process Of Guilt.
---- It is humanity who must pay homage to the greatness of the Universe... not the Universe to the human narcissism. 
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| Morphis Posts: 80  |
Very nice review! I don't know where to start, it was I the one that sugested Heavenwood on MS and add the info about the band and their albuns. Its one of my favourite bands and i know the members from some time now. I don't wanna sound lame, is just that im really glad about your review and the comments. Heavenwood is a great band, very humble fellows, they sure deserve some recognition. Because of professional problems with Massacre Records and personal issues, they unfortunatly disband in 1999 and had to wait 8 years for their contract to expire before reassign again with other editor. During that time the 3 core members didn't stop making music and never really disconnected from the metal scene. If that weren't to happen, believe me, by now they would be bigger than Moonspell. PS: I don't know if u had the chance to listen to the 1st albun of Heavenwood, Diva. If u haven't u must do it as fast as u can lol cause Diva is timeless perfect music, the precious gem of my collection.
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| Ag Fox Angel No More Elite Posts: 4774  |
Great review. I myself only discovered it in mid 2009 and it's still my favourite Gothic album from 2008. Defo looking forward to the new release
---- loves 小巫
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| Dark Forever Ruído Sonoro Posts: 706  |
I know them since 2000 and they're always one of my home country favourite bands. Diva, Swallow and Redemption are all unique and I'm eagerly waiting for their next release. Judging by the songs they've already uploaded on their myspace, it'll be their best effort ever!
---- Taste the DARK... ... and you'll live FOREVER!
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| demonseed Posts: 58  |
Long live Heavenwood. Its a pleasure to see them back in such a good shape. This guys come from my hometown and I wish them all the best.
---- A Servant in Heaven A King in Hell
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| demonseed Posts: 58 |
Written by Morphis on 13.02.2010 at 23:14 Diva is a masterpiece.
---- A Servant in Heaven A King in Hell
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| kurotenshi Posts: 10 |
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| talmas Posts: 1  |
Great to see Heavenwood back in business. I listened to Diva religiously when it first came out. It was one of the very few CDs purchased without any knowledge of the band that turned out to be worth the risk. I'll definitely be looking for this new one. Thanks for the review.
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| Vonpire Posts: 471  |
Amazing album from an amazing band from my home land 
---- Beware the Shadows of Dusk
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| Milena gloom cookie Staff Posts: 4603  |
Just listened to it and it pretty much rules.
---- 7.0 means the album is good
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| paulo_magas Posts: 1  |
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| RPG Posts: 4 |
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