Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: JP
I never cease to be amazed by the massive influence that Nightwish single-handedly had on Metal. Even 15 years after the appearance of Nightwish, the Opera-goth sound of classic (or neo-classic as some prefer) symphonic Metal laced with strong soprano female vocals, is still going strong, as band after band enter the battlefield trying to carve out a niche in a crowded but strong sub-set. Dotma have entered the fray with their debut album SLEEP PARALYSES.
Dotma characterize many of the excellent features that fans have come to associate with this style. They are a quintet from Finland and they sit nicely on Scarlet Records who support this stuff like no other label. They have a commanding vocal presence in the form of Johanna Lesonen whose delivery reminds me of Sabine of Edenbridge and of course Tarja of Nightwish. Her work is on occasion juxtaposed by the somber timbre of Vladimir Lumi, creating a familiar ‘Phantom of The Opera’ type of vocal delivery. She sounds good and has a very sweet voice, even on the slower cuts like the beginning of ‘Indian Fall’. It’s a beautiful ballad. I wouldn’t be shocked if it was the second single.
Sonically everything is very clear; it’s loud, bright a good brisk production. Musically there is quite a wide range of instrumentation employed. There are many keyboards, lots of symphonic neo-classical flourishes, strings, flute, some acoustic guitar, operatic choirs and so forth. Fortunately the guitars and drums never get left behind, the guitars are ever-present, up-front crunchy and proud. There are lots of very decent solos that blend nicely into the surrounding song, meaning they are not overstated. Overall the band is very epic and the sounds soundtrack-like, which to my ears is welcome.
As mentioned in my introduction, I’m amazed but very pleased that bands have continued to be inspired to write, play and perform in this style because I really enjoy this specific sound. Your interest in Dotma will be determined by your tolerance and/or enjoyment of this sub-genre and the dozens of bands doing much the same style. Personally, I find SLEEP PARALYSES is another very fine addition to the ever-growing legion of bands of this ilk.
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