A quick look at the cover and I sense something might be wrong. They are advertised as a melodic Death Metal band that mixes Slavic sounds and classical compositions in their style. They are compared to bands like IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY and CHILDREN OF BODOM. Well, those are bands I used to like, specially their first albums. Back then it was quite different and refreshing, but they were still Death Metal. But, too much keyboards or more guitar show-off was going to be dangerous. I was proven right. All those bands turned into Power Metal bands with growls. AEPHANEMER from France is exactly that. A Power Metal band with growls. That is not Death Metal. Not even close. The vocals are courtesy of a nice lady who also plays guitar. And I must admit that the production is quite well done, maybe a bit plastic sounding at times. All the musicians are very good performers, something that can be heard without doubt. But, but… there is a lack of emotion here. The band basically plays in mid tempo, so there is hardly any chance to show some aggression in a faster mood. And there is way too much melody and keyboards. To be honest if the band gets a normal vocalist this will be a a lot better. There is nothing Death Metal here and it is a good Power Metal band that tries to sound tougher by adding growls, but that is not exactly working. And I have nothing against melody in music, but this cannot be called Death Metal no matter how melodic or what the lyrics are all about. Those who like Power Metal with growls here you go. Those who want real melodic Death Metal do not get close. They can be a very good Doom / Folk / Power Metal band. But please, leave that growls out. www.aephanemer.com, www.facebook.com/aephanemer, www.primevalrecords.fr