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Releases like the debut from Serpents Kiss are one reason why I
continue to write reviews and always strive to find new
underground bands. Hailing from Northern England, Serpents
Kiss is a 6 person band that utilizes two female lead vocalists
in Kate and Catherine. Along with country mates Intense,
Serpents Kiss is an excellent power metal band that relies more
so on a traditional foundation rather than the Helloween style.
Opening with Black Wizard, guitarists Will and Mike lay down
thick riffs that are well accompanied by the vocals of Kate and
Catherine. Structurally, the song sort of calls to mind Be
Quick Or Be Dead by Iron Maiden. Strider finds the dueling
vocalists going to work against a male vocal as well. The
female vocals intersperse between normal and a more "angelic"
style. Slaves To The Light is another straight forward
gallop that has hints of Iron Maiden and a touch of early
W.A.S.P. Vipers has a certain Hammerfall feel to it and
features some excellent fretwork as well. My personal
favorite track on the disc goes to Kingdom which has a certain
epic vibe and finds the female vocalists contrasting each other
very exquisitely. The song has hints of early Chastain in
the guitar department. Victory goes more in the direction
of melodic speed metal than any other track on the release in
the Stratovarius vein sans the overblown keyboards.
Closing track Winter's Eve is lovely in its morose simplicity
that once again features three different vocal lines.
Most importantly, Serpents Kiss is also able to write very
catchy songs that stick with you after a couple of listens.
The songs are straight forward and the soloing is strong and
flashy all the while keeping in mind melody.
Track Listing:
Black Wizard
Strider
Slaves To The Light
Coils Of The Serpent
Vipers
Kingdom
Victory
Winter's Eve |
