VENTURIA - THE NEW KINGDOM (2006, LION MUSIC)
Charly Sahona - guitars/keyboards
Diego Rapacchietti - drums
Thomas James - bass
Marc Ferreira - vocals
Lydie Robin - vocals
Guest keyboards - Kevin Codfert

Background
I don't know if anything has changed at Lion Music but this label is really hitting its straps with some stellar releases lately. I've been known to criticise Lion over their releases in the past but presently they are getting it right with great albums by Tears Of Anger, Section A, Sphere Of Souls, and now the very classy Venturia. Based in France and initiated in 2000 by guitarist Charly Sahona and drummer Diego Rapacchietti (Zero, Paganini), the two enlisted bass player Thomas James, female vocalist Lydie Robin and solo vocalist Marc Ferreira, originally from Brazil but now residing in the USA. Some may recognise Marc's name from his own album 'Fallen Angels' and that of the band Monkey Bite. Add in keyboard wiz Kevin Codfert (Adagio) as a guest and you get a very formidable mix of musical talent.

The Songs
When the title track gets into its groove you know that Venturia have a spark, that little something different that peaks the interest. The beginning is Rush-like but then takes on a hearty prog rock/metal manner. The combination of Marc's Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) like voice and Lydie's soulful, slightly operatic vocals is sumptuous, as is the chorus. Throw into a melting pot a good dose of Savage Garden, a pinch of Symphony X and a sprinkling of Spiral Architect and 'The Unholy One' is what you'll cook up. Very poppy parts intermingled with crunching prog metal riffing and an excellent chorus. 'Words Of Silence' is for the most part a softer track with heavy guitar moments and a very cool guitar melody. Marc and Lydie are right on form both individually and together on this great track. During the softer moments of 'Take Me Down' you cannot deny the Savage Garden sound, again mixed with intense guitars and some retro sounding keyboards. 'Fallen World' flat out rocks like Balance Of Power with Marc taking a more aggressive stance with his vocals and sounding not dissimilar to former BOP vocalist Lance King. Huge stabbing keyboards and guitar work on this one. You will find a fantastic acoustic driven track in 'Walk Into The Daylight'. A 70's acoustic rock track nestled among pop sensibilities with things rocking out towards the end. We take the magical mystery tour on the instrumental 'Candle Of Hope Through A Night Of Fears'. The tour begins in prog metal land, then travels to the valley of New Age with Charly doing a fine Neal Schon impersonation, and ends with a rocky Middle-Eastern feel akin to Kamelot. Final track 'Dear Dead Bride' is the most grandiose on the album with a rock opera feel and Brian May influenced soloing from Charly.

In Summary
I truly hope that Venturia are a going concern as 'The New Kingdom' is a fantastic album. Each time I listen I want more and more. Charly Sahona is inspired on guitar, Marc and Lydie fit together seamlessly, and the rhythm section of Diego and Thomas add the power when necessary. I really am quite taken by this band and you will definitely find them in the running for my album of the year. Equal doses of melody, harmony and heaviness make for an awesome experience.

URL: www.lionmusic.com : www.venturiaofficial.com

Track Listing:
01 New Kingdom
02 The Unholy One
03 Words of Silence
04 Take Me Down
05 Fallen World (Is there a reason?)
06 Walk On To The Daylight
07 Candle Of Hope Through A Night Of Fears (instr.)
08 Dear Dead Bride

Rating:


Related Articles:

Venturia - 2006 The New Kingdom

Venturia - 2008 Hybrid

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