Ravenlight – Project Genesis

Ravenlight
Project Genesis
June 26, 2020
45:47

Northern Ireland and symphonic metal – was there something? A few years ago I came across the Selene’s albums. Most recently “The Ravages Of Time” (2017) was released. But obviously this band is history now. And since Ravenlight appear on the scene. The band was founded in 2018 by Rebecca Feeney (ex-Sentinel) and John Connor (ex-Selene). In the same year the first single “Where The Stars Grow” was released, followed by the debut EP “End Of The World”, only a few months later. After two years of hard work, the album is now finished and will be released in June. Of course I was interested in whether the trio can successfully continue the tradition of Northern Irish melodic metal.

With the very first notes, Ravenlight shows that they are willing to follow in the footsteps of other symphonic metal bands. You should sit back and relax at “The Circle” and enjoy the beautiful soprano by Rebecca Feeney. There is also an epic orchestration and a filigree guitar solo. Live I imagine it but complicated before, as John Connor plays in personal union guitar and keyboards. The drumming is calm and very useful for the song. The band does not have a nominal bass player, although it can be heard. “The End Of The World” picks up the pace, especially through the driving drumming. “Echoes” sounds anthemic out of the speakers. With “Where The Stars Grow” the Northern Irish have put a beautiful power ballad on the album, catchy melodies, a chorus that you can sing along with immediately and the beguiling voice of Rebecca make this song a highlight of the album. On the other hand, the pop-heavy “The Spell” drops a bit afterwards. With “Strong Enough To Fall” you can hear another ballad. The vocals are sometimes accompanied only by e-piano and synth strings. At the very end there is huge bombast. Large choruses, orchestral passages but also fast riffs and drum accompaniment can be heard on “Call Of The Wild”.

“Project Genesis” is a symphonic metal album like many others. Good musicians create melodic and catchy metal songs with a lot of epic and bombast. The production is powerful. Listening is fun. But with Rebecca Feeney, Ravenlight also has an outstanding singer in her ranks. Thanks to their vocal skills, the album stands out positively from the masses.

Lineup:

Rebecca Feeney – Vocals
John Connor – Guitars/Keyboards
Michał Bugajski – Drums

Track list:

• The Circle
• The End Of The World
• Sanctuary
• Echoes
• Words Unspoken
• Where The Stars Grow
• The Spell
• Strong Enough To Fall
• The Wild Hunt
• Edenfall
• Call Of The Wild