11

Thrice as nice

Multinational Melodic Metallers EDEN`S CURSE return with their brand new studio album "Trinity", their first since the critically acclaimed 2008 release "The Second Coming". Aptly titled, ''Trinity'' the third album in the group, is the best yet from Eden's Curse and possibly is as good an album as you're likely to hear all year. No doubt album #4 will be subtlety titled 'Quadraphonic' or something equally similar.

Produced once again by the bands long term engineer Dennis Ward (Krokus, Angra, Allen & Lande, Pink Cream 69), "Trinity" picks up where "The Second Coming" left off, but with a certain added oomph! Packed with all their traditional trademarks, "Trinity" is arguably the most powerful sounding EDEN`S CURSE record to date. From Thorsten Koehne's wall of razor sharp guitars, to Messrs Logue and Newdeck's pounding rhythm section, Dennis Ward's sublime production has allowed these songs to explode from the speakers in a sonic assault wrapped around the instantly recognisable sound of Michael Eden's powerful yet crystalline vocals.

"Trinity" also marks the bands recorded debut with new keyboard player Alessandro Del Vecchio (Glenn Hughes / Ian Paice / Edge Of Forever / Moonstone Project) whose contemporary approach to the keyboards harks at hints of Kamelot thanks to the huge orchestral passages throughout, yet never detracts from the signature EDEN`S CURSE sound. As has become accustomed with each EDEN`S CURSE release the band have once again recruited some outstanding guest vocalists to collaborate alongside, and this time they have truly outdone themselves.

Duetting with Eden on the epic Melodic Metal anthem 'No Holy Man' is none other than Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, who also contributes backing vocals on the whole album. Elsewhere Andi Deris of Helloween duets on the bruising 'Black Widow' which is the bandīs heaviest track to date, somehow managing to marry power and melody perfectly.

The opening intro 'Trinitas Sanctus' gives the feel of a concept album. Those expecting a 'Mindcrime' needn't bother. Concept it aint, but powerful melodic rock it certainly is. 'Trinity' sets the stall out for what is to follow, Eden's higher registered and Marmite trademarked vocal stylings (certainly a voice that does not match his look), but gives Eden's Curse a very distinctive sound. 'Saints of Tomorrow' is akin to a Firewind groove, great playing, cool harmonies, and good chorus. Pulling James LaBrie for 'No Holy Man' is a bit of a coup. Some may remember him for his melodic pre DT role in Winters Rose, and proves again he can sing comfortably in a range of styles – even the video has a DT, NADS feel to it.

'Can't Fool The Devil' is one of the faster tracks on offer, edging more towards metal than their usual melodic-ness. Andi Deris' duet on 'Black Widow' proves to be one of the fastest and heaviest songs, and works very well with both vocalists.

The band also closes the album with a recorded tribute to one of their idols, the late Ronnie James Dio, with their rendition of 'Rock 'N' Roll Children'. I look forward to cover versions, but Eden tackling Dio is not the best of bets. True to the original, but passable as a cover.

"Trinity" is a classy affair that sees EDEN`S CURSE once again take steps forward and cements their place alongside many of their contemporaries in todayīs European Melodic Metal scene. After two successful and extremely well received albums, now "Trinity" shows EDEN`S CURSE even more improved and powerful than ever before.


For me the key to the whole album is the brilliance of guitarist Thorsten Koehne, whose playing ranges from subtle to killer, and is the shining star of "Trinity" without a shadow of a doubt. More Whitesnake than Queensryche, EC have an album in "Trinity" of which they can be truly proud. It won't necessarily bring in shitloads of new fans, but those already into the band will not be disappointed.

2011 is proving to be a great year.