Independent Release

Review By Tony Cannella

 Asylum Pyre are a Progressive/Power Metal band from France. They include the female operatic vocals of Carole Alcantara and the male vocals of Johann Cadot who also plays Guitar. With their debut "Natural Instinct?", Asylum Pyre look to enter the increasingly crowded Female fronted Power Metal field. Is it a successful first attempt? Mostly, yes. "Natural Instinct?" begins with "Taken Away To The Asylum" and it is a good way to start things. You get a taste of both the male and female vocals.

The male vocals provided by Johann Cadot are deep in tone giving it a Gothic type feel to it and of course Carole's style is operatic. "...Asylum" is a great lead-in for the next track "The Asylum Pyre" which is really more of an up-tempo number that features some more give-and-take between the two vocal styles. I have always been partial to long, epic type numbers, as long as they are interesting and Asylum Pyre have included a great one with the 11-minute "Different Sides, Same Thoughts", which is definitely my favorite song here, that is followed by another highlight with the 8-minute "Jester of the Power"."Natural Instinct?" is completed by "When We Are Wolves" which was taken from Asylum Pyre's 2008 demo. There are more great moments, like: "Laughing With The Stars", "Don't Waste It" and "Love Ecstasy". "Laughing With The Stars" in particular has a great melody to it and it is another favorite.

A good first release from this talented French band. "Natural Instinct?" is a strong effort that showcases the bands talent and the strength of the songs. I like operatic female vocals as much as the next guy, sometimes they can be overdone though, but that is not the case with Asylum Pyre. Carole Alcantara is really an excellent talent, and her voice compliments the songs perfectly. Each song has it's own atmosphere and vibe going for it and for that reason Asylum Pyre are a band that is worthy of attention.

Rating - 85/100

Tracklist

1. Taken Away To The Asylum
2. The Asylum Pyre
3. Laughing With The Stars
4. Coral's Riff (Now Hell)
5. Don't Waste It
6. Love Ecstasy
7. Different Sides, Same Thoughts
8. Jester of the Power
9. Whispers of the Jester
10. When We Are Wolves (From 2008 demo)

Line Up

• Carole Alcantara - Vocals
  
• Johann Cadot - Vocals, Guitar
  
• Hervé Schiltz - Guitar
  
• Tony Decaillon - Keyboards
  
• Julien Peuch - Bass
  
• Emeric Arnaudeau - Drums

Links

Asylum Pyre Official MySpace

Asylum Pyre Official Site

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