Sunday 14 July 2013

Review: Helalyn Flowers - White Me In Black Me Out

Since forming in 2005, Italian metallic electro rock band Helayn Flowers have sent shockwaves through the dark underground scene. Touring with the likes of Emilie Autumn and Theatres des Vampires, they have built up a fanbase becoming rising stars throughout Europe.

Their latest offering is "White Me In Black Me Out". The album combines some of the finest elements of goth, metal and industrial presenting something that is powerful, infectious yet easy to digest. Helalyn Flowers are in tune with the alternative, but also have the potential to appeal to the mainstream.... In other words this is how modern music should sound.

The 69 Eyes meets Blutengel with a touch of Theatres des Vampires thrown in for good measure. Powerful electronic beats are combined with heavy guitar chugging and soaring leads. Harsher synth sounds are mixed with smoother sounds throughout making the album more dynamic. The female vocals are smooth and pleasant, definitely fitting with the music. At times Noemi is more expressive, I don't know who to compare it to but Sonya Scarlet, though much less extreme.

The good songs are really really great, but on some tracks inspiration seems to wane a little... leaving me with moments thinking: "I'm not sure about this, do I like it?" Things are turned around pretty quickly, though and I'm left thinking "Fuck yeah, this is great!" This is an album that is easy to enjoy, easy to dance to... but definitely not easy to get out of your head. 7/10