Vindictiv - Vindictiv
Escape Music
Melodic Progressive/Neo-classical Heavy Metal
10 songs (46'18)
Release year: 2008
Vindictiv, Escape Music
Reviewed by Marty
Surprise of the month
Sweden's Vindictiv is the brainchild of guitarist Stefan Lindholm, who founded the band back in 2004. After completing a demo with vocalist Tommy Karevik (Seventh Wonder), he left and the band was without a lead singer. Enter Goran Edman, the vocalist who fronted Yngwie Malmsteen's band for the Fire And Ice and Eclipse albums back in the 90's. Stefan Lindholm is an obvious Yngwie worshipper as evident with his guitar style and getting a vocalist like Goran Edman to front his band must have been a dream come true for him. The result is a debut album that has obvious Yngwie neo-classical heavy metal influences yet crosses the borders into melodic heavy metal territory with some elements of progressive metal as well. Vindictiv has a very unique sound and it's quite refreshing to hear a band that places such high value in vocal melodies and strong soaring choruses as this album has some of the best that I've heard in long time.

The album begins with a strong track in Fool's Paradise and it a great introduction to this band and to the rest of the album. Stefan Lindholm's speedy Yngwie styled scale runs weave in and out, much like they do in just about every track and Goran Edman sets the tone with his trademark strong melodic vocals. Caesar's Commentaries boasts a stronger keyboard presence with Goran's voice taking on more Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) like qualities. The Royal Loo (weird title!!) sees Vindictiv speeding things up with Andi Deris/Chris Bay (Freedom Call) vocal styles and a more progressive metal feel with it's rich synthesizer leads. Dreams Of A Demon's Head (where did they get these song titles!!) is more of an atmospheric neo-classical track with a big rich chorus and a much more concise arrangement along the Kamelot lines with David's House featuring hugely melodic almost Styx-like soaring and passionate vocal melodies. Stefan Lindholm exercises a little more "restraint" here with a much more controlled lead guitar style. A Quiet Life and Living Colours continue with the Yngwie inspired melodic neo-classical metal with A Quiet Life turning up the melody a notch as Goran Edman delivers an amazing melodic vocal. Hymn To Dedemona is the sole ballad on the album with it's piano/voice arrangement and once again, the passion and power in Goran's voice highlights the track. A Second Life ventures into melodic heavy metal territory in a mid tempo track with sprinkles of keyboards and a strong chorus and the album finishes with Fata Morgana, a track that features epic neo-classical heavy metal and soaring melodies accompanied by newsreel clips of everything from George Bush speeches and other newsworthy items from the world of politics to more current concerns about climate change yet offers an optimistic view of it all in the face of adversity.

Stefan Lindholm's sometimes out of place and unnecessary Yngwie-like fret board gymnastics on a few tracks initially was a bit of a turn off, but on others his beautiful sense of melody and proper root note use really adds to the overall killer melodic sense that Vindictiv has. They are a unique band that has a distinctive twist on the melodic heavy metal genre by employing elements of progressive metal as well. Goran Edman's vocal performance is simply out of this world and truthfully; I don't think I've ever heard him sound better. With a very solid sound and a mastery of emotion, passion and melody with the vocals, Vindictiv is a true joy to listen to. Ten new tracks have been written for the next album already so there should be no shortage of quality material from this band. Highly recommended for fans of melodic heavy metal who enjoy a little of the classic Yngwie neo-classical flash.

Killing Songs :
Fool's Paradise, Dreams Of A Demon's Head, David's Home and Fata Morgana
Marty quoted 82 / 100
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