Formed by former Tristania guitarist/songwriter Morten Veland in 2001,' Nine Destinies and a Downfall' is Sirenia's 3rd full album. I must admit once again, I've never heard of them until now!

'Nine Destinies and a Downfall', is a bit of a mouthful, but one hell of an album title, when I saw the label's information sheet, proudly proclaiming, ‘A must for fans of Nightwish, Lacuna Coil and Evanescence', my eyes immediately lit up with anticipation. I am a sucker for female fronted hard rock/metal.

Sirenia seem to be at ease throughout, ' Nine Destinies And A Downfall', the songs are well written, diverse and almost electric in places. I must admit that initial listens left me more than a little under whelmed.

It's not instant ear candy on offer here, as with most quality albums these days, repeated listening will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of this wonderful album.

It's probably the lascivious tones of Monika Pedersen, which sets Sirenia apart from the rest of the female fronted bands. Many of these band promise much, but end up delivering little come the finished product.

There are some male growls spread here and there over the album, courtesy of Morten, but they fit in very well.

I wasn't expecting anything at all, I got a killer release that lies at the top of it's genre.

*****

Review by Graham Boyle

Band website

Label website