Crimson Blue, a female-fronted act from Moscow, Russia, are described as progressive Nu Art Metal. "Innocence" is the title of their latest album and it consists of eleven tracks. To give you a quick and dirty impression of this band, imagine a vocal style not unlike Evanescence with the instrumental musings of a grimier sounding Dream Theater. Although Dani Hellstrom's clean and melodic vocals may seem like an odd pairing against the drop tuned bass and guitar, I have to admit I quite like the end result. The keyboards complete the rich audio tapestry.
The second track, "L.M.A.", is what really hooked me in. It is the shortest, and probably the catchiest track on the album with a very memorable chorus and a punchy rhythm. But "September" is quickly becoming a favorite with its infectiously bouncy opening groove that pulls you right in and then hooks you with Dani's soaring vocals. "Flax" is yet another great tune; the guitar riffs and rhythm section work remind me of what you would hear on Faith No More's "Album of the Year". The vocals in the chorus sound almost folk-metal and similar in style to Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries in their delivery.
Despite a little progressive instrumental self-indulgence on one or two of the tracks, which might momentarily lose the attention of a few listeners, I really enjoyed this album and I've listened to it repeatedly. The production quality is quite decent, though I might question the level of the vocals in a few areas where they don't seem to mesh quite as nicely with the other instruments, but these complaints are very minor.
I would highly recommend this album to anyone with an appreciation for melodic alt rock but looking for something a little further off the beaten mainstream path. Crimson Blue are signed to Destroy the Humanity and their album "Innocence" is available by download only.
Richard Leggatt, HMS
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