Winter In Eden – ‘Never Untold’

(Explore Rights)

There is something wonderfully captivating about Winter In Eden. Their particular blend of symphonic and progressive metal creates a sound that can be grand and atmospheric one moment, dark and brooding the next, before suddenly opening up into something wonderfully melodic. Never Untold is an album that demands a little attention from the listener, but rewardingly, there is always something lurking beneath the surface to discover.

For me, the biggest attraction is undoubtedly vocalist Vicky Johnson. I absolutely adore her voice, and she has that rare ability to draw you into a song almost immediately. Her vocals are magnetic, powerful and alluring all at once, possessing an emotional quality that gives the music an extra dimension. She can soar majestically over the band's symphonic arrangements, but there is also a darker, more seductive quality to her delivery that works beautifully with the progressive side of the band's sound. Quite simply, when Johnson is singing, you listen.

Never Untold isn't necessarily an album that will reveal all of its secrets on the first listen. Winter In Eden are clearly comfortable allowing their songwriting to venture into more progressive territory, and occasionally that means the melodies aren't quite as immediate or accessible as they might be on a straightforward symphonic metal record. Personally, I think that's part of the album's appeal. Even when the songs take the more adventurous route, they remain intriguing and continue to pull you back for another listen.

The symphonic elements provide plenty of atmosphere, with sweeping arrangements and dramatic textures creating a cinematic backdrop for the band's metallic foundations. There is a real sense of scale here, but Winter In Eden never allow the orchestration to completely overwhelm the songs. The guitars retain plenty of weight, while the progressive touches add complexity without turning the album into an exercise in musical excess.

The obvious comparisons are going to be Epica, Xandria and, inevitably, Within Temptation. Yes, that comparison has probably been made a thousand times before, but sometimes the obvious comparison is the correct one. If you love the atmospheric, melodic and emotionally charged side of Within Temptation, there is a very good chance that Winter In Eden will have you hooked.

Never Untold is an intriguing, atmospheric and beautifully performed piece of symphonic progressive metal. It may require a little patience, but with Vicky Johnson's magnificent vocals providing the focal point, there is plenty here to keep coming back to. A fascinating album that rewards repeated listening.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Prove You Wrong’

Review by Woody