Cadacross - Official Website
Corona Borealis - The Northern Crown |
Finland
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Review by Adam M on April 3, 2012.
This is a melodic venture that shows a symphonic side that can be likened to material by bands like Nightwish and perhaps earlier material by Within Temptation. The music here is bolstered by an enchanting sound that gives the songs character and passion. There’s a fun feeling to the songs that is maybe akin to what might be found with Within Temptation.
The amount of energy put into the songs is commendable overall. However, this band doesn’t quite live up to the top works of that band or earlier material by The Gathering either. It’s a solid album and certainly well above average, but there isn’t enough interesting moments thrown throughout. The vocals are a very nice and accommodate the music in an appropriate manner. The music is also under the guidance of keyboards that help spruce up the songs quite appropriately. The overall vibe "Hour Of Joy" is as the name suggests very upbeat and positive throughout. There are few moments that really standout throughout, but the album is fairly consistent from beginning to end. There is a crystalline feel to the songs and an icy winter like atmosphere that enhances the entire proceedings.
Still, though the feeling is pleasant, it isn’t as grandiose or memorable as what The Gathering or Within Temptation produced at their peaks. Still, there is a lot to like with this disc, such as the delightfully glorious 'Circle Of Power'. Overall, "Hour Of Joy" was a fun endeavour that was very enjoyable to listen to.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 7.5
Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Review by Adam M on February 11, 2012.
This album is one that has a very accessible flavour and lightened up by many keyboards and similar instruments. It moves along at a brisk pace that is similar to Children Of Bodom, for example. Throughout the length of the release, there is a great deal of excitement shown by the band, but the music is fairly mundane sounding to some extent, only catching your interest from time to time.
There isn’t anything particularly wrong with the musical performances, but they just don’t stick out in any manner whatsoever. Like Children Of Bodom, the music here is adequate and reasonably well structured, but not particularly interesting on the whole. It leads to a digestible, but forgettable listen overall. Similarly, the vocals are of the rough, high-pitched style that is similar to Children Of Bodom. They fit the music nicely, but aren’t anything noteworthy either. The best element of this album is probably the classical feel that it has, which does give it a slightly original feel, though it’s still quit derivate overall. The melodies are audible, but not really poignant either. This sense of melody is demonstrated on the early track 'Among The Stars.
Again, there’s nothing terrible with this release, but also nothing that makes a big impression either. "Corona Borealis" is a slightly below average album overall.
Categorical Rating Breakdown
Musicianship: 6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Production: 7
Originality: 5.5
Overall: 6.5
Rating: 6.3 out of 10