Ueickap
Stereotyped

Wake up! It’s time to realize that the gothic-metal scene in Italy is more alive than ever. Among the numerous emerging bands of this genre, Ueickap certainly deserves a review on DeBaser. The Catania-based band was formed in 2003 from the idea of Irene Fraccavento (vocals), Marco Garro (keyboards), and Davide Santo (bass) to create an original project. It solidified with the arrival of Graziano Manuele on guitar and Francesco D'Aleo on drums. The presence of a female voice makes it impossible for me to discuss them without mentioning the renowned Evanescence and the Italian Lacuna Coil. With the former, the similarities lie only in the singer's voice, as the arrangements are decidedly more complex and articulated, less "pop," although there are simpler and melodic tracks. The references instead lean towards the gothic-metal of Lacuna Coil, especially in slower tracks like "Thank You For Nothing" and "Why," where the voices of singer Irene (gifted with good range and capable of moving with her interpretative skills) and Cristina Scabbia sound strikingly similar. However, as you listen more and dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that these Sicilians have more credentials to show, proving they have all the right attributes and a wealth of influences from Korn, Disturbed, and Muse. Despite the comparisons, Catania's Ueickap possesses the ability to compose songs that avoid sinking into banality and monotony.

The band’s first "full-length" album, Stereotyped, aims to “create a hybrid style that blends various genres, from melodic rock to fusion, reaching metal” by experimenting and searching for the right sounds. The result takes shape in a modern crossover structure (a compact and powerful 'sound wall'), 'softened' by a melodic female voice—but not too much. The strong and aggressive tones direct and contrast with a darker and gloomier melody that builds slowly, thus reflecting the consequent genre fusion.
From the first track, the quality of the entire album is hinted at: a long intro ("Waterphonics") that creates the sensation of a whirlwind of electronic effects opens this work. Ueickap starts hard with the eponymous Stereotype, showcasing the evangelical voice of frontwoman Irene, capable of transporting us into a world of emotions. The most interesting pieces come from "Noiselessness", "Sometimes", and "My Condition", powerful tracks where moments of decisive sonic aggression, deep keyboards, electronic effects, and easily memorable choruses give a clear stamp to the sound expressed by the Catania band. The arrangements are splendidly crafted, and the forceful use of Davide Santo's bass sounds, the most talented member of the formation, gives us some healthy, disquieting rock with his bass lines. The guitar solos by Graziano Manuele are not missing either, a real delight. The journey moves through melancholic, but at the same time evocative dark ballads, like "Thank You For Nothing" or "Why", and once you catch your breath again, "You Against Yourself" brings us strongly back to the frenetic initial rhythm. The journey into the world of Ueickap ends with Noiselessness, revisited in an acoustic version, in a truly enchanting manner.

Stereotyped is ultimately an excellent album recommended for fans of the genre. It moves me to think that a Sicilian band could have this sound because I know how difficult it is to emerge in a region that does not offer many opportunities, musically speaking. The production is truly professional, and deserves great compliments, given that it's fair to assume that the budget available was slightly lower compared to, say, Korn, demonstrating that with a lot of professionalism and a computer today, great things can be achieved. This is true art!

If you like Within Temptation, Nightwish, and similar groups, or you love Amy Lee and Cristina Scabbia (Irene Fraccavento has nothing to envy even physically), I can only give you one piece of advice: Accattatavillu!