Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!

Since I’ll be busy the next couple days, I wanted to post this for you as soon as possible. My latest article for Sonic Cathedral was posted today – and it’s another Sneak Peek! Perhaps you’ll remember that in March I wrote an article on an exclusive preview of an album-in-progress by the UK band The Mariana Hollow. Today’s article is similar; and this time, I’m highlighting Medea, the upcoming second album by the Dutch progressive metal band Ex Libris.

If you love female-fronted metal and have never heard of Ex Libris, you’re missing out on something special.  This band takes their loves of heavy and progressive metal styles, and combines them with classical arrangements and the dynamic soprano voice of Dianna van Giersbergen.  Think of mixing Symphony X, Seventh Wonder, Blind Guardian, and Opeth, then topping it off with a vocalist who can shake the very boots of Simone Simons (Epica), Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), and Floor Jansen (After Forever, ReVamp). Their music is so unique and creative, that comparing Ex Libris to other symphonic metal bands or bands with a classically trained singer just doesn’t do the band justice.

As for Medea, well, I can only talk about the three songs I’ve gotten to know very well over the past few weeks. Without giving away much here: I’m intrigued by what I’ve heard so far, and I believe Medea will be one of the most innovative “femme metal” albums in a long while!

Click here to read my Sneak Peek of Ex Libris’ Medea.

~ Sara