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Rating: I wonder why so many persist in criticizing certain bands because they are not considered gothic enough, and others because they are deemed light-years away from heavy metal. Encountering a band like this, some might bring up gothic metal. It's a pity that in this case, we are facing a completely different type of music. I would like to make it clear to many last-minute listeners that the presence of a female voice is not always synonymous with a gothic flavor within any musical genre related to the sphere of metal.
This is the case with Lullacry, a Finnish band which, coming off a history that was rather disastrous, underwent a significant line-up change in 2003 affecting the sound they proposed. The vocalist Tanja, making her debut with the album "Crucify My Heart", with her pop-rock vocal style, perfectly complements the musical textures created by the four bandmates, always heavy and linked to a certain Scandinavian gothic-rock style (Him, The 69 Eyes, Sentenced) yet reworked with the intention of creating a pure heavy metal sound that would not be out of place in certain radio or television schedules. Lullacry perfectly achieves their intended goal without ever stooping to tacky moves meant to secure easy chart success, such as the inclusion of glossy ballads filled with cloying, gratuitous sweetness.
Here we are then with a gripping "Don't Touch The Flame", the rock-oriented title track, the lovely "Unchain", where the band presents itself as a female version of the more inspired Him (a small nod to the gothic-rock so popular in Finland), and "Every Single Day", which brings to mind the latest Flowing Tears (another band for which the initial discussion applies here), which are only some of the good moments of this platter, sealed by a very meticulous production that never highlights the vocals, but especially the instruments. The attention wanes slightly with the last three tracks, which are less varied and engaging than the previous ones; nonetheless, the work done by the guitarists is truly excellent, as they never miss a beat throughout the album, often offering captivating solos. Also, unlike what often happens in metal, the bass is never relegated to the background; on the contrary, it often takes center stage.
A powerful and melodic album, certainly commercial but without high pretensions and without weak points, composed solely of songs that are pleasant to listen to and suitable for a wide range of contexts and listeners.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Alright Tonight (03:25)
When I am
in your heart tonight
everything's gonna be alright tonight
They can never separate us
never tear us apart oh no no
And I'll promise you I'll never break,
never break your heart oh no no
So if craving for you is wrong
I don't even want to be right ever again
I'll promise you we'll make it somehow
When I am
in your heart tonight
everything's gonna be alright tonight
When I am
in your heart tonight
everything's gonna be alright tonight
Just tonight
Just tonight
Just tonight
I'll promise you we'll make it somehow
make it somehow
When I am
in your heart tonight
everything's gonna be alright tonight
When I am
in your heart tonight
everything's gonna be alright tonight
Alright tonight
03 Don't Touch the Flame (03:43)
I wish you well
hope you understand
if I could only tell
the choice you have to make
a beggar or the throne
but please don't
touch the flame that burns inside
it will keep you safe and alive
this empty memory lane
is filled with the touch of a flame
who am I
ever to judge you
repeat the fears
can you feel it
feel it on your skin
but please don't
open up your soul and let love in
but please don't touch the flame
09 This Time (03:28)
You knew this day would come
You are not the only one
The world will be the same
When you're gone
The way you look at me
Is full of disbelief
You never want me to be
Meant for you
How does it feel
No one to lean on
But hey, let me tell you
This time
No one to save you
This time
You're going down for good
This time
No one to save you
This time
You're going down alone
Your place in my mercy seat
Disappears in a heartbeat
That's the only thing
You can count on
Can you see the tables turn
All the pain now will return
You can never wipe this smile
Off my face
This time
No one to save you
This time
You're going down for good
This time
No one to save you
This time
You're going down alone
11 Better Days (04:16)
Come with me and you'll see our world falls apart
Wipe away your tears
It doesn't mean a thing at all
Stay for a while and you will find yourself in an endless dream
Bitterness is born on the days like these
On days just like these
It's been so long since I changed my ways
I know I've been saving up for better days
Come with me and you'll find these feelings you can't deny
It's all I have offer
So no use to fight
Stay for a while and you will find yourself in an endless dream
Bitterness is born on the days like these
On days just like these
It's been so long since I changed my ways
I know I've been saving up for better days...
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