Album title: BEYOND THE BLACK – Beyond The Black

Nuclear Blast [Release date 13.01.23]

Fifth album from Beyond The Black and the third since the 2014 revamped line-up which left vocalist Jenifer Haben as the sole original member. Beyond The Black is completed by lead guitarist Chris Hermsdörfer, rhythm guitarist Tobi Lodes and drummer Kai Tschierschky. This is a proper band effort too with all band members involved in the musical composition and lyrics

As Jenifer said ahead of this album’s release, “Many changes happened in the world and behind the scenes during the making of this album. We were confronted by our innermost fears and hopes while trying to do the right thing in turbulent times. This is what you call growth and this album gets to the heart of this process we all share.”

Opener ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ is a perfect melodic metal song. Instant chorus and one for the live set. ‘Reincarnation’ sees Beyond The Black bring in the folk metal elements with pipes and throaty backing vocals. Another strong tune and little wonder it was released as a taster song for the album. Same applied to ‘Dancing In The Dark’, another instant hit featuring a stirring chorus and tasty riffage.

‘I Remember Dying’ is the big ballad. Nicely done and proof of what a fine vocalist Jenifer Haben is. At the other end of musical heaviness, ‘Not In Our Name’ is a fist in the air, call to arms anthem. The deeper male vocals complement Jenifer’s vocals perfectly. This is how you do symphonic metal with a crossover appeal.

Symphonic metal can sometimes be overegged (or overpomped?!), however, Beyond The Black define a classy symphonic metal album with big melodies, passionate singing, strong lyrical themes and plenty of tuneful metal. It is only January but this album will surely feature on many a best of list for 2023. Grab a copy now and enjoy! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025

HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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