Windshades: Crucified Dreams

The trouble with bandwagons is that most bands jumping aboard one think it's enough to make sure that all the requisite parts are in place to stake their claim to pull the wagon, rather than cling on to the back for dear life. Enter Italy's Windshades, who combine a symphonic metal outlook to a power metal base and add in some classically inspired vocals. Crucified Dreams is their debut and at only 14 minutes contains a three track taster of what this band are capable of. I can only hope that the quintet are holding off the good stuff for a full length release, because if this is as good as it gets, then there's a lot of work to do.

Let's cover the good first. There are some meaty big riffs in "Resurrection" and the drums of Carlo Bergamaschi are top notch throughout. Add in a drama filled intro to the EP's closing title track and there is a base to work from. However, with Chiara Manzoli's vocals more operatic in spirit than execution, and being harsh, ability, while she puts in the effort, there just isn't enough strength to what she provides to feel like it actually belongs in this boisterous setting. I'd be really keen to hear what she's like singing in a more 'normal' fashion, but with a frailty that's not in keeping with the music and the odd occasion where she seems to be ever so slightly off pitch, her current attack does her few favours.

In truth the songs don't fare much better, the by numbers feel of slotting riff A into bridge B, adding a slice of symphonic drama and not forgetting to add the requisite guitar solo, making for a set of songs that do everything you expect before quickly being forgotten. In fairness, nothing here is awful and everyone involved obviously poured their hearts and souls into Crucified Dreams, but if you ain't got the songs, then it's going to be an uphill battle.

Track Listing
1. Metafora
2. Resurrection
3. Crucified Dreams

Added: July 22nd 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Windshades at CD Baby
Hits: 1361
Language: english

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