Edenbridge – My Earth Dream

Releasedate: 28-04-2008; Label: Napalm
By: Elvira Visser

“Edenbridge” was founded in 1998 as a studio project. Luckily for us they are still around. With their fourth record they were aiming for a darker and new sound with choir arrangements which made the album more varied and fluent. When singing with Napalm Records “Edenbridge” knows exactly what they have in mind for the new album.

First sounds you hear can scare some people. A very orchestral and classical intro welcomes the listener. They hired the Czech Film Orchestra for this, conducted by Jaroslav Brych. This addition, together with the 7-string guitars create a great soundscape. Besides the orchestra, they worked with more musicians such as Robby Valentine, Dennis Ward and Karl Groom (Threshold). What I like about this album is that everything seems to work together. The orchestra is in line and balanced with the guitars and drums. Great guitar solos and the more steady parts vary nicely.

“Whale Rider” starts off with a melody very familiar , yet I cannot tell what it is. At this track the Czech Film Orchestra leaves a big mark. Maybe even making me think of a musical song, the vocalist singing alone, using her voice to captivate the audience. The strings perfectly accompany Sabine Edelsbacher’s voice. The trumpets, tympani and cymbals from the orchestra give this song some richness which works perfectly well with symphonic metal.

“Fallen from Grace” has a great guitar intro which results in a mix where guitar rhythms and the double bass come together, but still leaving room for the orchestra harmonies. On “Place of Higher Power” the band’s oriental influence can be heard, which reminds of their first album “Sunrise in Eden”. “MyEarthDream” is a very bombastic song where growls are briefly used (by Frank Bindig). On this track the piano arrangements that are added, create this romantic atmosphere. This song is my favourite. Existing of six parts, this song is a real journey.

“Edenbridge” created a very good album, where the orchestra creates more depth.

1: The Force Within 2: Shadowplay 3: Paramount 4: Undying Devotion 5: Adamantine 6: Whale Rider 7: Remember Me 8: Fallen From Grace 9: Place of Higher Power 10: MyHeartDream

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