Kingfisher Sky- Hallway of Dreams

SKU 19-LE1051
"Kingfisher Sky is a new Dutch ensemble put together by former Within Temptation drummer Ivar De Graaf along with classically trained vocalist Judith Rijnveld. Ivar left Within Temptation to pursue other musical interests. His collaboration with Judith produced a brilliant debut that encompasses progressive rock, gothic metal and mystical Celtic themes. At times the music bears some similarities to the more mainstream direction that Within Temptation went with their latest release, but the music has more of a prog rock feel. There is a heaviness that permeates the album due to the background of the rhythm section (bassist Eric Hoogendoorn was in Orphanage) but despite the crunch of the guitars it never quite crosses over into metal. Judith's vocals are simply amazing - she sings with incredible control and range - somewhere between Sharon Den Adel and Christina Booth. This is not hyper-complex prog. It relies on moods created by the vocals and writing. The moodiness of the ballads evokes Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel which the more agressive tunes suggest Porcupine Tree, Within Temptation and even Pink Floyd. For my particular taste this is a different kind of album that pushes the right buttons. If it was a bit heavier we'd probably be referring to it as a metal album but it's not (I do love that crunch though). The band's label is trying hard to not ride the Within Temptation connection too heavily, hoping that the band's music will stand on its own - it does and then some. Having said that it's impossible to deny the music connection."
  • LabelLaser's Edge
Your Price $11.90
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating

A hint of the Celtic in the melodies and arrangements, but unafraid to roar if the mood calls for it. Lyrics range from meditations on passion (The Craving) to Classical mythology (Persephone) to Tim Burton movies (Big Fish). The musicians are all masters of their instruments, but there's nothing technical or avant about the music, and none of the songs are the lengthy epics often associated with progmetal. Think the spaciness of Kate Bush, think the psychmetal of Amorphis. Think a Pure Reason Revolution without the electronics, a Steeleye Span with a metal edge. Fusion of Renaissance and The Gathering successful. An auspicious debut!
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