Valkyrian Music

Sarah Jezebel Deva
Malediction
Released 28^th May 2012
Symphonic Metal
Released via Listenable Records

Sarah Jezebel Deva is becoming somewhat of a household name in the darker netherworld of the symphonic metal scene and yet still somehow stays unknown at the same time, through no fault of her own. Malediction is the latest release in Sarah’s extensive discography and made its live debut during SJD’s UK tour back in May.

This Is My Curse is the starting point of the EP and what a way to start. The track unleashes some violent, extreme metal orientated riffs, along side some poetically performed symphonic sections. The drums adapt well to the ever changing sound of the song. The guest vocals, provided by Dani Filth, add a very grim and tragic sound to the track and it’s somewhat nostalgic to hear Sarah and Filth performing, vocally, together again – However, it’s Sarah’s vocals that really shine out the most.

The second track, Lies Define Us, which features Bjorn Strid (Soilwork) begins with a piano dominated section which works well with the guitars, before going into a vocal and piano section that really demonstrates the strength of Sarah’s vocals. Bjorn, surprisingly, works well, vocally, with Sarah. The guitars and drums feel more laid back throughout the song before still scream with some subtle extreme elements. The more obvious symphonic elements add a depth of character to the song, adding emphasis on both sets of vocals as well The final part of the EP, When ‘It’ Catches Up With You, seems to combine the best elements of the previous two tracks, excluding the guest vocalists. The symphonic references and extreme metal based riffs are ripe throughout the track, evolving the song into a masterpiece of powerful vocals and hypnotic music.

The sound that Sarah and her band create develops and evolves with each new release and Malediction is no different. I just wish it was a longer release, but nevertheless, Sarah Jezebel Deva has released yet another first class release.

5/5

Nico Davidson

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This entry was posted on 24th June 2012 at 4:38 pm and is filed under Review with tags Björn Strid, Dani Filth, Sarah Jezebel Deva, Soilwork, Symphonic Metal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.