Domina Noctis - Second Rose

This Italian gothic band started in 2001, this is their second LP.

The singer, Edera, has an excellent voice, as a prerequisite in the genre. Her vocals move along the lines of Anette Olzon from Nightwish. The allusion is the strongest if you listen to the radio ready lead off, Electric Dragonfly, which sounds pretty close to ’Amarath’.

After this little commercial excursion, the disk settles into a pleasantly smoky midtempo, with sustained vocal melodies. The guitars are never obtrusive, as they are busier creating a rich canvas than showing off. Besides the obligatory eastern flavours there are some surprisingly Sabbathy riffing as well. The other main component of the sound is the constant shimmering keyboards, introduced in full glory during ’Into the Hades’. ’Because the Night by Patti Smith and Bang Bang by Nancy Sinatra is reworked by the band.

The disc is well-executed gothic metal which should please its fans.