Review by Anna on March 8, 2011.

"Doch' Lunnogo Sveta" is the second full-length release from Andem. This band is quite obviously the Russian "version" of Nightwish, and as much as I don't want to compare bands this way, it is true. The difference is Andem is quite good, not just for a few select songs, and the singer can sing (well).

Just like their neighbors this is heavily Symphonic Power Metal, and that is the only part that is way too much for me. As the gem of this band is most definitely the vocals, everything else tends to register as "chatter". But here the vocals are so good that I would willingly sit through the over-the-top instrumentals to bask in what it has to offer.

Vocalist Yuliana is just amazing. This broad sings powerfully yet beautifully, with a husk in her voice that's ever so slight, almost sensual. Her vocal lines are compelling and sophisticated, commanding a level of dignity to each song under any circumstance. As a "foreign" listener, I observe that the language here fits noticeably well with these melodies, which are easily understood on an emotional, universal level; within this "medium" there is no sense of foreignness or even exoticness to me as the music dissolves any potential "peculiarities", and beyond that, the emotions within this "medium" are helped by said "peculiarities" as it smoothly and fittingly enables their emergence in a flawless way.

Unlike (Tarja-) Nightwish, the vocals are sung "naturally", not in the classical or God forbid, "semi"-classical style, which, under the fast and furious demands of Heavy Metal causes a strain and discomfort that subconsciously and empathically registers with the listener. This being Power Metal the vocals should flow and "narrate", and with Andem, it does.

I was deeply touched many times during this musical journey, and I'm not really into bands like this. Definitely check this out if you're into Gothic/Power Metal type bands, are sentimental, or appreciate rich melodies and good singing.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 8.4
Overall: 8.7

Rating: 8.8 out of 10