Liv Kristine – ‘Enter My Religon’

(Allegro Talent Media)

She may be best known for her time in Leaves Eyes but Liv Kristine has a massive body of work behind her, and is constantly working and to maintain the momentum of her recent EP we have the re-release of her second solo album 2006’s ‘Enter My Religion’.

Fully remastered with lots of bonuses depending on what format you buy; the CD version comes with an extra disc of demos. Vinyl and Cassette have their own extras which will have Kristine mega fans parting with their cash to complete their collection.

‘Enter My Religion’ is not what I was expecting at all, I was fully prepared for a Symphonic Metal album with strong Folk elements akin to Leaves Eyes. What you have here is more of a Pop Rock album, even in its more ethereal Prog tinged songs there is an overall Pop Rock taste to proceedings.

I absolutely adore Kristine’s vocals throughout this album she’s like a mythical siren drawing you in and ensnaring your attention. The album is crammed with lush atmospheric songs which are highly commercial and undeniably memorable. There are Prog touches but hooks are paramount in the song writing making this album far more accessible than your average Prog album.

I think fans of Tori Amos, who Kristine’s vocals regularly remind me off will enjoy this album or indeed fans of similar styled alternative singer song writers. Don’t get me wrong Symphonic fans will enjoy this too especially those who steer towards atmospherics and Prog just don’t press play expecting a stereotypical Symph Metal or Leaves Eyes album.

It’s full of beautiful vocal melodies, delicate and enchanting and my adoration of Kristine’s vocals has increased tenfold hearing her perform on something more diverse than I have previously heard. The atmospheric music enhances the impression of Kristine’s wonderous vocal performance and the beautiful soundscapes are all encompassing and enthralling.

Album opener ‘Over the Moon’ is an instant hit with its beautiful and heart warming chorus and another highlight is Kristine’s effective and powerful version of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Streets of Philadelphia’.

I’m glad I got to discover this album albeit sixteen years after its release, it’s a nice little gem which I’m sure floated past all but the most hardcore fans first time around. With all the extras its well worth everyone revisiting it even if you did grab it on its initial release.

9/10

Essential Track - 'Over The Moon'

Review by Woody