This is my first review of a album so I though I would start of with some heavier stuff, cause it's what imp listing to at the moment.



Test system -
Home stereo - pioneer PD-s802 cod player using optical output to a sonny receiver through mbquart/rockford speakers.
Home studio - played back through Fostex PM-1's (6inch active monitors)
Car - clarion HXD2 to audiocontrol EQT's, then to Rockford punch 40's feeding USD d2 horns and 630 midbasses.

Most people probably haven't heard of this band cause they're relatively new and hailing from Norway they're a blend of Norwegian metal and melodic operatic style vocals from Liv Kristine (side note: fans of cradle of filth will recognize her from guest singing on their song nymphetamine).
This cd is rather interesting because when it heavy its really heavy! But entwined is very melodic acoustic and almost folk type ballads tracks 1,5,8,10 and 12 are perfect examples.

The finish is perfect, not a hint of it having every last bit of volume squeezed out of it leaving nasty clipping Every so often which is so common with a lot of albums I've heard (and I hate it with a passion!!) and For some reason it usually appears in the left channel!.
I have also found the volume a bit strange, with it changing a few times with different songs, especially with the instrumental ones with just vocals and no drums, I think this was to highlight her voice, as they have seemed To put a fair bit of effort in making it stand out and the music taking a step back just a little.

Some of the dense heavy guitar passages seemed jumbled with not a huge of definition on my normal home stereo and car system but really shined on the Fostex's it was the same with the drums as well with not masses of heavy kick drums But rather enough so that you know its there.
I did notice that there isn't a huge amount of bass but what there is very smooth and complements the drums well.
I also think after listening for a while that its mid is fairly scooped out it may be something else but that's the impression I get, it may be the reason for the slight lack of definition in the drums especially the snares
As there fighting with the guitars for a good spot!

Then there are tracks like 'AMHRAN' that remind me of enya! Nicely recorded instrumental with just voice, timpani and Violin, the track 'MORNING SUN' is more traditional with acoustic guitar with a folk feel like 'LEAVES' EYES' it has a very open and sparkly sound but never getting harsh and sounds great with the addition of cello and other Acoustic instruments.
For some reason you can listen to this album and know there from one of those cold countries! You can just picture a Viking ship crossing a cold ocean or the bleak middle of winter....... um oh yeah!!! Overall I love it! I really like this style of music; tracks like elegy, the thorn and twilight sun are very cool!
This sort of music has heaps of dynamics and that's what makes it interesting cause if there weren’t the beautiful melodies and quiet passages
The heavy bit wouldn't seem as good! That's my theory.... you can't have dark without light.