In Thirteen, singer Audrey Lahaije and keyboard player Jeroen van der Wiel (Odyssice) have joined forces. According to the press sheet the main influences are Nightwish, Within Temptation, Evanescence, Pink Floyd, Muse and Marillion. So a cross between old school prog, neo prog, gothic and pop rock with progressive overtones? Well, for sure childhood idol Madonna did not leave a mark on this album. 🙂
In my ears the outcome is a somewhat heavier version of what most will call neo prog. In that aspect they are more close to Arena. The bombastic metal typical for the Gothic genre probably needs a more massive production to show itself. Yet, the keyboard arrangements sometimes have a modern flavour, with sequenced parts that move across the speakers. The music is well arranged and executed, with lots of variation, some great guitar solos, beautiful piano parts, good and solid rhythmic support, and so on. In the more peaceful moments like the opening of Just Leave or Arabian Nights, Audrey convinces with an emotional delivery. In the more heavy parts I sometimes felt she sounded somewhat insecure as her voice seemed less solid.
Well I hope that over time the experience and confidence will grow, as she shows a lot of talent.
So another promising debut from this new Dutch contender and surely one worth checking out.
