ReVamp

If you're already a fan of After Forever, I am probably not going to need to try to sell this to you, because you're probably already a huge fan of Floor Jansen's incredible, operatic vocals. However, if you're not already aware of Revamp (or After Forever), Revamp are still very much an interesting band. I had, in fact, never heard of After Forever, instead I discovered Revamp as they were supporting Epica in Germany. In fact, Revamp are very much similar in style to Epica, since Floor Jansen's voice is very much on a level with Simone Simon's, and their style of music has a lot in common.

That said, don't see Revamp as a clone of Epica or After Forever, they are actually a very talented and creative band, who have 100s of new ideas of their own. From the incredibly heavy opening riffs of "Here's My Hell", if you're a fan of female fronted or symphonic metal, you will be blown away.

My one and only complaint with the album, as some others have mentioned, is that some of the songs don't stand up to too much repeated listening. One or two are a little one dimensional and feel perhaps a little hurried. Nonetheless, with fantastic songs like the aggressive "Here's My Hell", "Million", and the fantastically dark and heavy three part track "In Sickness 'Till Death do us Part", there is more than enough to impress. The second part of "In Sickness..." (Disdain) is a massive highlight for me, with the heavy male vocals contrasting with Floor's soaring operatics.

Not a perfect album, and parts of it tire with too many listens, but it is definitely worth a listen for metal fans and existing Floor Jansen fans. Incidentally, Revamp are also fantastic to see live, as Floor will always put on an amazing performance, even heavier than you would expect from the album. Judging by this self titled debut, Revamp are going to be one to watch in the next few years, and you should definitely give them a chance.

As a huge After Forever fan and an even bigger Floor Jansen fan, I was tremendously excited to hear this CD. When I did eventually listen to it excitedly on the day of its release, my feelings were mixed. I can honestly say that it's definitely more of a grower than an instant punch in the face, but WHAT a grower.

Unfortunately the album is a little patchy. The strong moments and the weak moments can easily be identified and separated out. A previous reviewer accurately noted Sweet Curse, Million, Disgraced, Fast Forward and The Trial of Monsters as the strongest songs (and by strong I mean fantastic), although I have to say that the opener Here's My Hell is a very ambitious track with passionately executed vocals from Jansen. Other songs have great potential but somehow fall short of the mark due to unsuitably slow verse passages or generic sounds.

The lyrics are not as poetic or articulate as on previous albums from days in After Forever. However, this is clearly a conscious decision considering the heavy and more live-orientated direction taken here. The majority of these songs are definitely written for the stage, which means that a dramatic and energetic live show from ReVamp is guaranteed.

Some of songs share the common lyrical theme of taking control of one's own life. This is based on Jansen's incentive to continue living her dream by creating this new band from the ashes of After Forever. I definitely consider this a strong point of the album. It's very uplifting and full of wise words to inspire those who doubt their ability to excel or succeed in what they love to do.

Overall, I find ReVamp's debut to be a solid and excellent record, with plenty of truly great songs sung by a real pro. Despite the few moments of average songwriting, this CD is value for money and has good longevity. The lack of Jansen's arresting operative voice was also a bit of a downer for me, but again, it's such a glaringly obvious difference from After Forever that it must have been the right decision in order to give ReVamp its own distinctive force. Four stars - nearly there but just missing out on that extra magic to make a classic.

I find this CD an anti-climax as it's a backwards step from the last 2 "After Forever" releases. Floor's singing is as powerful as ever, but this is not an inspiring set of songs. Revamp are a metal band with even less "Symphonic" leanings than her former band. I find this disappointing as Jansen has a great operatic voice (which provides the main highlights here) but this is used very sparingly and keyboard sounds (which don't impress at all) veer more to Gothic backing. While mentioning sounds I've got to say that drums are totally overpowering in the first couple of tracks and needlessly complicated patterns are used in a misguided attempt to make the sound heavier.

The disc clocks in at over 50 minutes and has 13 tracks.The album was recorded with 2 other songwriters who played most of the music - neither of these are in the current touring line-up nor is the session drummer. This may be a good thing as some of the songs are clumsy (poor guitar riffs and ill-chosen synth tones). I've also an issue with intros and endings - the former in almost all cases bear no resemblance to what follows, and most songs stop rather suddenly! It is, in the main, hard-driving music which will go down well in concert. Several of the tracks have contrasting quiet passages to give Floor's voice a much-needed break.

There are a number of strong songs. "Sweet Curse" is an excellent duet with Russell Allen (Symphony X). "Million" is a more basic rocker with the choir adding to Floor's soprano. "Disgraced" is my favourite track at the moment (more symphonic and nice key changes)."Fast Forward" is another heavy track with a headbanger's section in the middle, and "Trial of Monsters" starts with an Irish jig!

The album does improve with each listen but I feel that this recording was a case of trying to force things rather than letting songs come naturally. Hopefully the new band will develop their own (better) material. If you are a fan of Symphonic Metal you can probably give this a miss - it's heavier than After Forever or Lacuna Coil, faster than Tristania but lacking any mainstream commerciality. Next album will really define Miss Jansen's credentials as a rock diva. I'd rate this as 3.8 stars. Listen before you purchase !