On disc: Lullacry

 
 Be My God
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Be My God
  
- Volker Raabe -
 
 


 
 Vol. 4
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 


 
 Where Angels Fear
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 

Where Angels Fear

(Scarlet Records - 2012)



 
 

 

Lullacry is a Finnish gothic metal band, Where Angels Fear is their 5th full-length album since their start in 1998. The guys are in the band right from the start, only singer Tanja Lainio joined them later - to replace Tanya Kemppainen.



They open up with Antidote To You, a heavy, groove-based tune with a modern touch. Singer Tanja Lainio's voice fits well, but she partly sounds a bit fragile, it's mainly due to the wall of guitars she has to stand up against. At songs like Thousand Suns it's obvious that they aren't newcomers, but at the other hand they sometimes seems to get lost on their way.... At some songs you can find a bit of Be My God, but unfortunately they can't deliver it at all - and their last album has been released 7 years ago! Bad Blood has a punky edge, but also shows that Tanja Lainio's voice isn't powerful enough to rock that kind of stuff. Lullacry's second album (Be My God) was a real highlight back in 2001 - at least when it comes to gothic rock / metal - and so the expectations are high. I miss some memorable melodies, some touching melancholy parts... This album is a bit too much average... And it's a pity that after 7 years they return with this album. Actually heavy tunes like I Am are pretty good, but they don't suit Tanja, her vocals aren't strong enough... Perhaps a different balance in the mix would have done the album good... or would have shown even more that she's the weak point in the line-up.... Well, I hope that they can improve - whatever needs to be improved before they record another album....

 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Vol. 4

(Century Media - 2005)



 
 

 

Its been awhile since I heard about Lullacry and it was with their former singer. So this is a new Lullacry experience for me. The Finnish quintet starts with Perfect Tonight on their 4th album. The first impression is that they play now gothic rock with a touch pop and sweet vocal lines... Perhaps not heavy enough for some, but as the guitar riffs are heavy they still can be considered a gothic metal band. The album opener is catchy, even if its a bit like Gwen Stefani fronting a gothic metal band. The contrast between the sweet vocal lines and the shredding guitars is interesting. On the following Love, Lust, Desire heavy guitar riffs are audible during the chorus - well, they are too far in the back during the rest of the song - and it's more a electronic gothic pop song, but it has a short guitar solo which adds some heaviness. It seems that the band isn't sure where to turn to - gothic pop à la HIM or to play real gothic metal.



A track like Fire Within is a real metal tune with some mean vocals and too heavy for gothic poppers... But... A cheesy piano-based ballad is Heart Shaped Scars, even if the vocals are great, the piano isn't emotional enough. After awhile the band joins in and it gets a bit drive, but so the vocals are getting pushed back. I think this song would be touching, if it would be more reduced and only piano and strings would support Tanja's voice.



I don't want to go into details, but the band should make up their minds about which direction they want to head to. The album isn't bad, but for some not heavy enough, for others too heavy. And so I can't recommend just two or three songs, coz it depends which side of Lullacry you prefer and then if you can handle the other one. Perhaps you listen to the mentioned ones...

 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Be My God

(Spinefarm - 2001)



 
 

 

For most Lullacry is a new band, but even before their debut Sweet Desire was released in 1999 they were known in the Finnish scene. With singer Tanya they found a great voice. Be My God is a heavy rock piece with melancholic elements, perhaps not as catchy as HIM or Entwine.... Partly they remind me of The Gathering, not just because of the female voice. They are atmospheric with a certain heaviness. Trust is a very heavy track and will be a must when they play live!



In Finland the band was on national TV and radio as well as reviewed in non-metal magazines! With their emotional heavy rock they are not limited to a certain scene. This band is interesting for every fan, even if fans of extreme metal has to be open-minded...



Check them out! Listen to Trust, I Don't Mind, Be My God and Bonfires Of Time

 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Be My God

(Spinefarm - 2001)



 
 

 

Scandinavian seems to have a lot of ambitious and innovative bands! Friends of female voices and of melodic songs which are some kind of HIM meets Sentenced will like the gothic rock songs on Be My God. The Finnish gothic rocker Lullacry really rock! Especially singer Tanja - who also is doing backing vocals for To/Die/For - enchants the listener with the melancholy, catchy vocal lines. Attention for Lullacry! A band which you should keep in mind! The ambitious band present their 2nd album with interesting songs á la Embrace Me, Thorn Of The Rose and Trust and make you want more. So, Lacuna Coil and The Gathering be aware here comes a band from Scandinavia which will try to enter your league!

 
 










Volker Raabe
(translation: Claudia Ehrhardt)


  
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