Coronatus – Dreadful Waters

Coronatus
Dreadful Waters
Label: Massacre Records
Out: 23^rd January 2025
Playing time: 47:51

A little more than four years have passed since ‘Atmosphere’. Now the Symphonic Metal band Coronatus from Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg) are back with their eleventh album, ‘Dreadful Waters’. Founded in 1999, only drummer Mats Kurth remains in the band. Otherwise, the line-up has changed frequently. The list of former members is extremely long. Only three members from the last album are still with the band. Band leader Mats Kurth was supported in writing the songs by singer Nemesis and guitarist Harry Zeidler, both of whom are new to the band.

‘The Maelstrom’ starts with acoustic guitars, later a flute can be heard, followed by an epic male choir. But Coronatus are, of course, Symphonic Metal with a strong rhythm section and three great female voices. The violin adds a bit of a Folk vibe. This can also be heard at the beginning of ‘Through The Brightest Blue’, a calm and melodic song. Here, Rock singer Nemesis comes a bit more to the fore. ‘To The Reef!’ is introduced by electric piano and strings, and is even a bit calmer. Of course, violinist Tine Jülich takes the lead melody here as well, but she is also supported by a flute. There is a clear Folk influence to be heard. In the second half, however, it becomes more rock orientated. Things remain calm at first with ‘The Ship’s Cook’. The vocals partially leave the mezzo-soprano range in favour of higher pitches. But as soon as Nemesis’ slightly raspy Rock voice kicks in, the calm is over. She is accompanied by the beautiful voices of Leni Eitrich and Sabine Prechtel. ‘Southern Cross’ is a contemplative ballad with minimal instrumental accompaniment at first – violin, flute, subtle string orchestration. The vocals mostly move in slightly lower tones. The orchestration on ‘The Siren’ is then significantly faster and more powerful. You can hear contrasting vocals from several soprano voices in different pitch ranges, as well as powerful Rock vocals. A short, strong bass line is followed by a good guitar solo. Musically, this is one of the most varied songs on the album. ‘A Seaman’s Yarn’ then has a strong folk influence again. This time it leans towards Celtic Rock. I really like the choir singing here. The kettledrums later provide an interesting sound colour. ‘Dark Ice’ is a melodic Rock song with epic orchestral accompaniment. With ‘Die Hexe und der Teufel’ (The Witch and the Devil), Coronatus somehow return to their roots. Since ‘Secrets Of Nature’, the song lyrics have been predominantly in English, and on the last two albums even exclusively so. The final song is now back in the band’s native language – German. In this once again quiet song, the female vocal trio is supported by a baritone singer.

With ‘Dreadful Waters’, Coronatus have once again surpassed their predecessor. The album offers a great variety of music. It was worth spreading the songwriting across several shoulders. All three female singers deliver a convincing vocal performance. Tine Jülich often provides a pleasant Folk touch with her violin.

Coronatus – The Maelstrom: https://youtu.be/7seAj1MeXQU?si=t-LJ6ZfiUatgyrni

Lineup:

Leni Eitrich – Mezzo-soprano
Sabine Prechtel – Mezzo-soprano
Nemesis aka Brigitte Kaefer – Rock voice
Tine Jülich – Violin
Harry Zeidler – Guitars
Simon Gutbrod – Bass
Mats Kurth – Drums

Track list:

• The Maelstrom
• Through The Brightest Blue
• To The Reef!
• The Ship’s Cook
• Southern Cross
• The Siren
• A Seaman’s Yarn
• Dark Ice
• Die Hexe und der Teufel