Godyva
Planetarium
Razor Ice Records
By Reb Sixxx
(SugarBuzz International)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Their name is Godyva and they're one of Italy's best kept rockin' secrets.
In late April they released their latest CD entitled, "Planetarium" on Razor Ice Records. The album was recorded at the Jolly Roger Studios in Casamassima, Bari Italia and it has been mixed and mastered at the Temple Of Noise Studios in Rome. Songs "Innocent" and "No Fault" see the collaboration with Mike Tarantino, vocalist of the brutal death metal band Natron, while Luca Bellanova (Starkiller Sound) recites on "Mary in Blood".
The 5 piece band is headed up by the beautiful Lady Godyva on vocals. Her voice is very reminscent of Tarja Turunen of Nightwish fame and the wonderful Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. Godyva sounds like a wonderful combination of both of these bands but definitely have their own unique sound and the song structures are very well thought out. A mix of metal and a gothic-ballad type sound is this bands claim to fame.
Prior to this release, they self-released their debut CD entitled, "Advent" in 2002, which showed them at their most raw. They were then signed to Razor Ice Records, an indie label here in the States, and released, "In Good and Evil" back in 2006. This new album "Planetarian" kicks major ass and is by far their strongest work yet.
"The Ark" is one of my favorite tunes on the new album. It starts out with Lady's angelic voice hovering over the haunting and melodic music in the background and kicks into high gear soon after it starts. It's a tapestry of music that is woven together like a beautiful cloth and it weaves in and out from dark to light and back again. You can get a listen to it on the band's website, along with tunes from their previous releases as well.
Jumping back in time, I'd like to also talk about their last release, "In Good and Evil". Since this is probably a band you've not heard of, I want to give you a history lesson as well. Starting with the song "Lovable Sin" I have to say that this is one HELLUVA ROCKIN SONG! I love how Lady whispers throughout it. It's denomic-sounding in nature and it wears it's title proudly. It is an extremely heavy song and one that I love to drive and listen to. Of course it makes me drive like a maniac, but that's a discussion better saved for me and the local highway patrol. I am giving it to you so you can happily crash as well, so download it NOW!
I also loved the song, "In Good and Evil" off the same album. It starts out smoothly and reminds me of swimming in a clear blue lake--but then the storm begins and suddenly you're drowning in a raging sea. Go buy the album and you'll know exactly what I'm saying. Surf's up.
In general, this band is a group of very talented musicians. If you check the band website you can see who's come and gone, but the latest line-up seems to be extremely tight and fluid. There's Lady Godyva on vox of course, Anto on guitar, Botys Beezart on keys, Nick Barah on bass, and Enyo on drums.
Anto is the newest addition and replaces long-time Godyva guitarist Frahn. Anto's chops are highly skilled and he is an exceptional guitar player. Botys Beezart is extremely talented and gives the band their eerily haunting sound on keys. Drop dead GOREgeous bassist Nick Barah is has been playing almost as long as he's been alive and is a truly superior musician. The thunder of the band is rounded out by Enyo on drums with an absolutely perfect rhythm.
With the release of "Planetarian" Godyva's planning a long and lengthy European tour opening for the likes of Dope Stars, Inc., Macbeth, and Theatres des Vampires beginning soon. Do not worry though! They will eventually be in the US on tour, but it might not be until the summer of 2009. They are currently in talks with Half-Leg Productions, LTD and US tour talks are happening as we speak. Cross your fingers that they can get this hell-on-wheels metal band to the States.
They're unique and different and anything but ordinary. Go check 'em out and you'll be forever known as the cool kid on the block. Just tell them you heard it here FIRST! Ciao, baby.
The track list is as follows:
1. .W.A.I.H.T.L.I.H (intro)
2. THE ARK
3. INNOCENT
4. MARY IN BLOOD
5. DEEP INSIDE
6. PLANETARIUM
7. MY INNER
8. BLACK DOOR
9. ON THE FLOOR OF ICE
10. NO FAULT
11. GOD IS FALLEN
12. H.I.L.T.H.I.A.W. (outro)