Dark, epic, exciting ...

As a great friend of the gloomy underground music of course I could not stop from Franconia before this band. Because it is not so easy nowadays even gothic metal bands in the vein of Paradise Lost, Moonspell, to find Type O Negative and the likes, which also dispense with the almost usual lilting in glowing lady on the mic as the grunting monster and instead classic summon a dark, clear, male voice, the more atmospheric and mytisch brings the textual messages over. Acoustically As in the 80s when the Sisters of Mercy, but of course and respect of songwriting has definitely more modern garb. For a debut, the whole is in fact entirely produced punchy and clear.

That the sound will not drift in HIM typical kitschy clichés, lies on the still very grooving down tuned guitar work mid-paced, acting Conveniently omitted despite the one or other nice solos on the frills and just why so rousing and catchy. The best example is the opener Nightmare Lullaby or I deny in my ears a gothic rock anthem with cult potential. Also noteworthy is despite more conventional song structures partially but almost progressive drumming, which then again gives an extra kick each song and ensures that arises even in demanding listening boredom. This driving drums effect then, the Saint Astray can be found not only in the Gothic-drawer, but certainly can be made also in the melodic metal genre. The intersection between these two genres then provides for a high degree of independence and an enormous brand recognition.

A major problem with bands, where a keyboardist is Blazed, is often that one is then fed thunders on the corresponding albums overloading the bombast that one has heard a thousand times. Again, this is fortunately not the case here. The keyboards on this album tend to remain discreetly in the background and confine themselves to accompany the songs atmosphere, but that's why still incredibly important to the gloomy atmosphere and the overall sound of Far From Innocence. Sometimes less is more, and this modesty, honesty and earthiness makes so pleasant to hear this record. She does not live by the exaggerated demonstration of ability of the individual band members who want to be the main focus, as the competition in the metal sector, unfortunately often the case. But simply of great melodies, the catchy staccato-like grooves and an enormously expressive voice. At the end you get then with Insanity again a real surprise in the form of a spine-tingling piano-ballad presented, although stylistically wanders something in but every note sits and lets end the album with a worthy emotional climax.

So who can the above groups abgewinnen something or with bands like Sentenced, Charon, Lacrimas Profundere or End of Green something can begin, which can here at Saint Astray definitely want to risk an ear.