Anfítrite – Clitemnestra

Anfítrite
Clitemnestra
Out: 07. January 7^th, 2025
Playing time: 30:40

Venezuelan Symphonic Metal band Anfítrite have released three EPs and two singles since their founding in 2012. So it’s almost time for their debut album. This will be released at the beginning of 2025 under the name ‘Clitemnestra’. This is also the debut of the new member, Australian singer Gina Bafile aka Darkyra Black.

The title track ‘Clytemnestra’ starts with a short orchestral prelude. Later we hear catchy Melodic Metal. There are riffs to be heard, but they remain somewhat in the background. Instead, Gina Bafile’s clear soprano stands out. We also hear an orchestral introduction in ‘Pandora’. In this mid-tempo song, the orchestration is present throughout the entire song. Once again, the riffs remain discreetly in the background. The drums also sound punchless. Instead, Gina soars to the highest heights of her soprano. The riffs are somewhat stronger in ‘The Paris Trial’. And the vocals move towards mezzo-soprano at times. Although the singer feels most comfortable in the high soprano range. There are also many orchestral passages. In ‘Pegasus’, the drums come to the fore a little more, but without sounding really powerful. At least there are some Double Bass parts. And a short guitar solo that spreads a little more pressure. Apart from that, there’s not much new to say. The spoken words ‘Achilles’ don’t do much to change that. Only the drums hide a little less behind the vocals. Oh yes, there are evil male growls to be heard. I’ve actually missed them so far, even though they were announced for Sting Weiss. In ‘The Golden Goose’, the Double Bass is used right from the start. Later, there is a change of melody and rhythm, and the singer briefly switches to dramatic soprano. You can also hear a short filigree guitar solo here. In ‘Jadis – The Queen Of Charn’, the very catchy melody of the vocals is particularly impressive. And once again there are spoken words, which are occasionally accompanied by the Double Bass. And the album ends just as it began. In ‘Final Light’ there is a lot of orchestration, pleasing melodies and the soprano.

What can I say, an excellent singer is no guarantee for a good Symphonic Metal album. Sure, Gina Bafile impresses on ‘Clitemnestra’ with her clear soprano, but also with a versatile voice. Aside from the bombastic orchestration, the instrumentation seems to be a bit too light. I would expect a lot more heaviness here. But the guitar, bass and drums probably freeze in honour of the vocal performance. There’s still a lot of room for improvement.

Anfítrite – Final Light: https://youtu.be/ggMBghLSHzk?si=68Z5WDWTL2Nc_7R1

Lineup:

Gina Bafile – Vocals
Sting Weiss – Keyboards, Orchestration, Grunt Vocals
Islander Boza – Guitars
Jose Mendoza – Bass

Track list:

• Clytemnestra
• Pandora
• The Paris Trial
• Pegasus
• Achilles
• The Golden Goose
• Jadis – The Queen Of Charn
• Final Light