HB - Frozen Inside CD review

Posted by Gregor Zimmerman at 8:57 PM


HB

Frozen Inside (2008)

Band
  • Johanna Aaltonen - Vocals
  • Antti Niskala - Piano
  • Markus Malin - Drums
  • Tommi Huuskonen - Bass
  • Janne Karhunen - Guitar
Overview
HB (Holy Bible) is a symphonic metal band from Finland, and Frozen Inside is the band's first album with English lyrics. Fans of Nightwish and Evanescence will probably find a lot to like about HB. The band uses lush layers of sound, combining symphonic keyboards with crunchy guitar and a tight rhythym section.

Songs
  1. God Has All Glory
  2. It Is Time
  3. Be Aware
  4. Holy Secret
  5. Frozen Inside
  6. Years Go By
  7. Ambition
  8. Way
  9. Lovesong
There really isn't a need to break down the review by song, because the band uses a standard formula throughout the album. You have slightly operatic female vocals over crunchy guitar and symphonic keyboard arrangments. The tempo of the songs do vary quite a bit. Songs like "God Has All The Glory" and "It Is Time" have a slightly power metal feel to the tempo of the songs. "Be Aware" and "Ambition" have a prog metal feel to them. There are several ballads as well.

The production on the album is flawless, and the mix is good, but the vocals may be a little too up front for some tastes. Johanna has a beautiful voice though, and her vocal melodies are strong, so it doesn't bother me. Essentially, if you like one HB song, you will probably like them all.

Conclusion
I found myself really enjoying this album alot, even though the sound is a little more commerical than I normally like. I have to admit that the passion behind the vocals and lyrics are what attract me to the band. Each song unashamedly glorifies the King and tackles issues of faith head-on. This straight-forward approach is refreshing. I am glad that there are metal bands like HB and Theocracy who are not afraid to let their faith shine through in their art.

The band has already released another CD, Piikki Lihassa, with lyrics in their native language. I hope that 2009 sees another English language release from the band, because they offer a fresh voice in the symphonic metal world.
4 Swords Up (out of 5)!

 

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