Here's a solid EP from a promising young metal band from Italy called Lykaion. The four tracks that make up The Things I've Left show hints of Nevermore ("Desert of Emotions") and even a touch of Opeth ("Not a Farewell"), but overall you'll get a strong classic metal vibe throughout this quick release. Lead singer Tiziana Palmieri has a commanding voice, as her strong pipes (at times reminding a bit of Doro) really take control of the music and drive home the arrangements. Guitarists Allesandro Sforza & Fabio Valentini provide plenty of beefy crunch on the melodic "Serenity", a song that also has some catchy atmospheric moments that let Tiziana show her diversity. The band even crosses over into metalcore territory on the bombastic & heavy "Emptiness", which shows the whole band cranking it up a notch, even Tiziana, whose aggressive side comes out a bit more on this one. Overall this is very tasty material and shows a band with plenty of promise, and should appeal to anyone who likes Lacuna Coil and Echoes of Eternity.
Track Listing
01. Desert of Emotions
02. Not a Farewell
03. Serenity
04. Emptiness