The latest band to join the lengthy list of names to have emerged from Birmingham, England, are the female-fronted Goth / symphonic Metallers Hanging Doll. The main obstacle any exponent of this genre will face is the inevitable comparisons to the likes of Nightwish, Within Temptation etc and the intense level of both media and fan attention afforded to the vocalist, as a result of which many will simply fall by the wayside. Fortunately for Hanging Doll with Reason and Madnessthey have released a debut album that, whilst it is not always convincing, does enough to suggest they may well have a bright future ahead of them.
Sally Holiday acquits herself remarkably well and proves equally adept whether tackling a full throttle metal number such as "Blood Ridden Skies" or the melancholic "Forlorn" which weaves a dark tale of betrayal and despair. Musically the band supply the requisite number of muscular riffs and the occasional growls provided by bassist Kev Wilson and / or guitarist Daniel Leddy which enhances the overall delivery. Where they come up a little short is that lyrically there is a tendency for them to try to be far too clever for their own good. It is this aspect that could level accusations of overindulgence and Hanging Doll well be better suited scaling this back next time around. And what should not be forgotten is that there is plenty here to enjoy, in particular the sweeping "Iniquity" and dramatic 10 minute epic "Silence in Solitude".
A promising beginning and given time to develop there is every chance Hanging Doll could emerge as a band that are every bit as revered as some of their more illustrious peers.
Track Listing
1. Reason and Madness
2. Blood Ridden Skies
3. Hope Springs Eternal
4. Sweet Retribution
5. Echoes of Sorrow
6. A Formidable Mistake
7. Forlorn
8. Twist of a Deity
9. Iniquity
10. Silence in Solitude
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