Item: Wuthering Heights - Within
Rating: 3
Author: Hellring

THE REVIEW

"Within" is the debut work of the Danish group Wuthering Heights, formed in Copenhagen in 1997. They brought this work to light two years after their formation, published by Sensory Records. A CD born from the band's power experience, which had not yet outlined the blend of genres that would characterize the group's future. This is perhaps the main reason why Within remains the least successful album of Wuthering Heights.

Too much power and not enough prog, too fast and not very "thoughtful," the CD in question is an exercise in style that is excellently executed but nothing more. It lacks pathos, emotional charge, that spark that can warm your heart. The latest Salt managed to create this, also thanks to the skillful use of folk and atmospheric inserts, while the debut is far too static and monotonous.

An additional flaw is Kristian Andren's voice, the band's first vocalist. Undoubted vocal abilities but decidedly unexpressive, as unexpressive as the vocal lines themselves will be. The initial ballad "Enter the Cave" already clarifies the line on which the entire platter travels. Clean atmosphere, but an unexpressive voice. The following "Hunter in the Dark" is the usual power metal riff-raff driven at full throttle and already heard thousands of times. However, glimpses of light are present in "Too Great Thy Gift" thanks to several tempo changes and a well-constructed rhythm. The suite is then indispensable: "Dreamwalker" is a concentrate of power and aggression that manages to change tone multiple times, finally giving that stylistic variety that allowed the five Danes to achieve moderate success with subsequent albums.

"Within" is a sufficient career start but with reservations. The future was guaranteed to the band thanks to "To Travel for Evermore," which indeed is an excellent album. The debut, instead, is a halfway album, a product of the influences of Teutonic power groups and still not very personal.

The future has brought them advice.

1. "Enter The Cave" (3:08)
2. "Hunter In The Dark" (5:58)
3. "Too Great Thy Gift" (7:09)
4. "Sorrow In Memoriam" (8:31)
5. "Dreamwalker" (13:42)
6. "The Bird" (3:46)
7. "The Wanderer's Farewell" (5:21)

Loading comments slowly

Summary by Bot

Wuthering Heights' debut album 'Within' showcases a strong power metal foundation but lacks the progressive and emotional depth found in their later work. The vocals and songwriting show potential but remain somewhat unexpressive and conventional. Despite its flaws, the album sets a baseline for the band's future growth and moderate success. 'Within' is seen as a necessary but not fully realized starting point.

Tracklist