Review Summary: While being their most accessible album, Sirenia's influences stick out like a sore thumb.
To put it simply, Sirenia is a Nightwish clone - albeit a good one. In the lines of successful gothic metal, Sirenia utilizes orchestrated music to embellish their sound. The extra instruments and notably the choir can sound misplaced and awkward due to simple song structures. The choir often feels like an unnecessary gimmick used only as a cheesy filler as opposed to a real asset. However, some songs use it to the full extent such as ‘The Mind Maelstrom’ which calls upon the choir to sing the chorus. This recalls a certain song by Within Temptation dubbed ‘Our Solemn Hour’.
The guitars are good but nothing to write home about - the same can be said for the drums and vocals. The guitars are skull crushingly heavy and well produced, but often fail to impress due to simplicity. As far as vocals go, the band has adopted a different singer every album, perhaps wishing for a mainstream breakthrough. Sirenia’s newest singer carries a gothic presence with her disinterested voice, but at the same time sheds no power through her fatigued style. She has a bittersweet voice that fits well in the gothic scene. The lead singer, Ailyn, can easily draw comparisons as a less memorable version of Anette Olzon (Nightwish’s new singer). Since the acceptance of Ailyn, her pop-oriented vocals have given Sirenia a more accessible sound; this approach is best displayed in their second song ‘Lost In Life’. Fans of Nightwish’s newest material may enjoy this, but extreme metalheads may be appalled.
Although many dark clouds remain in the album, silver linings are easy to be found. The atmospheric effects and keyboards are beautifully produced, arousing new life in the album. Every instrument or element has a specific point where they cash in. ‘Led Astray’, for instance, fuses together all instruments in a perfect blend; the electric guitar even receives a small thrash section. Sirenia implements death growls to provide a bombastic sound to the material, but does nothing to make them unique. When listening to them, a mental image of After Forever pops up in the way of the listening experience. Minor annoyances occur throughout the album but ultimately lead up to a pleasant conclusion. For example, although Ailyn can sound bored or annoying at times, her voice fits the band’s ambient sound like a comfortable shoe.
Bottom Line:
Fans of Within Temptation, Nightwish, and Evanescence should enjoy this, as there is a diverse array of familiar influences in Sirenia’s music. For those going through withdrawal since After Forever’s breakup, ‘The 13th Floor’ should not disappoint. Those who are looking for something groundbreaking, however, should turn to other bands such as Draconian.
Pros:
Inspired symphonic metal
Cons:
Overly inspired symphonic metal.
End Result:
3.5/5 – Great
Recommended songs:
The Path To Decay
The Mind Maelstrom
Led Astray
Winterborn 77
