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Band name: Angel
Title: A Woman's Diary - Chapter I
Genre: Gothmetal
Release date: July/August  2005
Record company/label: Black Lotus Records


Introduction

For a long time Helena was busy with this project and the result is finally there. The Norwegian woman has been devoted enough to promote this record on her own and the restult is there: very strong songs with a lot of diversity. This is totally different from her other band Imperia. There are more classical arrangements and it is not typical gothic.


Line - up

Helena Iren Michaelsen - Vocals and choirs
Jan "Örkki" Yrlund - Guitar and programming
John Stam - Guitar
Gerry Verstreken - Bass
Steve Wolz - Drums
Audun Gronnestad - Orchestrations


Website


 
Song Review

01. Fallen Angel – 4:35
Violins together with a simple drumbeat are the base for the melodic voice of Helena. Sweet, but with a strong emotion she makes the listener shiver. Dramatic, theatrical, but in a normal way. This is what she is and it comes straight out of her hart. It is clear that this woman knows all kinds of emotions and that is reflected in her sound.

02. A Womans Diary – 5:08
Piano, guitars in contrast with the low voice of Helena create an atmosphere which is melancholic and reminds me of the autumn. It flows and with the classical arrangements (clarinets, fluits and choirs) is gets more positive. This song shows how easy Helena can change her voice: from low and dramatic, to higher opera parts. She opens her soul and it is an explosion of all kind of emotions. Defenitly one of the best songs on the record.

03. Little Princess – 4:31
The songs are totally different from each together. The spanish guitar, the sweeter voice, but still with a high diversity. She grabs you and tells her story with passion and, together with the high quality musicians, the song grows. It makes the listener curious about the end. In the end she reminds me a bit of Kate Bush.  Helena has full control: she can do everything with her voice and it is all very balanced. Good production to make it not too full.
 
04. Butterfly – 4:18

A more catchy, jazzy song. There is a lot to discover in this song: the voice, the arrangements and still it stays in your head. The clean guitar makes it more heavy and also very attractive to the more metal fans.

05. Lead You Through Fire – 4:02
There is no risc of getting bored, but when you listen the record for the first time it can be overwelming. Especially with this song. There are the dramatic, classical arrangements and above that the guitar and more raw drum parts. That together with the melodramatic voice of Helena makes it full, but it is still very natural. It all comes together in a catchy, up-tempo song.
 
06. Mother – 4:42
Helena together with the piano and some classical arrangements. The most fragile song where she uses her voice differently again: lighter, but with the same emotion. The song is totally build around her voice and the story Helena wants to tell. You almost can feel her, desperate and with her eyes closed. When you weren’t convinced about her voice then this song will prove it totally.
 
07. Glow in the Dark – 4:40
A balad, sweet like Tori Amos, but with the realistic view of her own. She is not only talented to sing in a classical way, but also the more regular things are easy for her. This song could be a single on the radio. There is a strong balance between the classical parts, the guitar sound and Helenas voice. A joyfull song that gives me energy. It is not that melancholic. It is good to see that this woman also has a very positive site. 
 
08. Flames of Desire – 4:32
The sirenity of the classical choirs are mixed with a catchy drumbeat. And on top of all that the opera voice of Helena. This song would fit well on a gothmetalparty. She plays with the dramatic site of her voice: a wink to all those gothic vocalists. She leaves them all behind easily.

09. Darkness – 2:46
The dramatic sound of voices create a very dark and unpleasent atmosphere: it could be a soundtrack of a thriller. It is funny, but when the song progresses and the rain is passing by there was a moment of rest.

10. Little Girl – 5:52
Sweet guitars, a classical violin and the fragile sound of Helena. This ballad is more dreamy and leads you away to another world. She creates a special atmosphere with each song.

11. Love of My Life – 5:36

More peacefull and with the violins the song get a deeper dimension. Sometimes I get the feeling that it is a part of a long story and with the epic sound it would be suitable for a fantasy movie or something.
 
12. Funeral – 2:51
The totally other side of ‘Love of My Live’ with a dark and doom sound. The ochresta is beautiful and you feel the exitement when it suddenly explodes into a faster theme. Then suddenly the end is there.


Extra

The limited edition digipak bonus:
- Don't Wanna Run (Extended version)
- Only One
- Video from Don't Wanna Run


Cover Picture

angel
 

Technical Summary

Total playing time:  53.40
Total songs: 12

Conclusion

Where shall I start? There are so many things to say about this record. Helena has a beautiful, diverse voice and she shows all her qualities on this record . Not only does she have a good feeling for the vocals, her lyrics are strong and emotional. She really brings the story alive. Together with some great musicians she made an impressive debut record. The variety is amazing and the combination between the strong voice and the arrangements are well balanced. This record is maybe hard to get in the cdshop, but when you have it there is no disapointment. Not only suitable on a dark eve, but also when you want to go to a party. Don't compare it with her other work: this is unique.

Rating

Music 8
Sound 8
Extra’s -
Total   8

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