The Riven – The Riven

Ah, I don’t how to express in words the pleasure I feel to listen to an album like “The Riven.” It’s no secret here that I’m fond of all proto-Metal music: heavy rock, heavy blues, psychedelic rock, acid rock – have I forgotten any? I just love the overdriven or fuzzy guitar sound, the prominent bass and the tone of the drums.

I can’t help it highlighting singer Totta Ekebergh’s voice who really got the spirit of the 1960’s and early 1970’s music. Her voice is warm and tender without the need of getting high pitches, albeit with a great range. Listen to “Far Beyond” and you’ll know what it’s like. The girl is responsible for the best moments of “The Riven,” I have no doubt in saying that. She’s no Janis Joplin, but she does remind her heart and passion.

Is it fair to the band?

No, it’s not. The band really got the spirit as well with the proper technique and tones to recreate the desired sonance. The more critical ones will say they are too much Black Crowes. Well, if you started you fruition from “Shadow Man,” that might be proper. However, pay attention to the guitars. See how they go beyond with unusual harmonic progressions. They make their guitars sound like bells in the middle of it. In full, they are way different.

I dare to say that the best band’s moment is in “Finnish Woods” and its subtle, but lovely cadence and melody. A big hail to the bass lines and the Iron Maidenish bridge to the introspective guitar solo.

It was a pleasure to review “The Riven.” We’ll be looking forward to the following efforts.

The Riven “The Riven” will be released on March 01st via The Sign Records.

Track Listing:

  1. The Serpent
  2. Far Beyond
  3. Edge of Time
  4. Shadow Man
  5. Finnish Woods
  6. Fortune Teller
  7. I Remember
  8. Leap of Faith
  9. Sweet Child

Watch “Edge of Time” official video: