Independent Release
Review by Tony Cannella
Celestial Ruin is a female-fronted symphonic metal band from Vancouver, Canada. The band released their very good debut EP “The Awakening” in 2012 and now returns with their new EP “Pandora”. With the four-year gap between releases Celestial Ruin has taken a huge step forward on “Pandora”. “Murder of Crows” begins with an eerie intro before the song itself builds into a high energy, up-tempo number. Larissa Dawn’s vocals are stunning and the band provides a solid musical backdrop. “Sense of Exile” is a great song which continues the up-tempo approach of the previous song. This track also boasts a highly infectious and dramatic chorus, as well as a great guitar solo. The next track “No Quarter” slows the tempo down a bit and takes the band into ballad territory – it’s not strictly a ballad, though. It’s got its heavy moments and is quite dramatic. Some truly awe inspiring vocals are on display with this track. “Nevermore” is a symphonic metal feast of a song and quickly became (probably) my favorite. The 24-minute disc is wrapped up nicely by “Firestorm”. One thing is for sure, Celestial Ruin creates songs that are instantly memorable with some beautiful melodies. I reviewed “The Awakening” in 2012 and while I liked it very much, I honestly feel that “Pandora” far surpasses it. Celestial Ruin has grown in song-writing, musicianship and presentation. Let’s hope that a full-length is not too far on the horizon.
Rating – 90/100
Tracklist
- Murder of Crows
- Sense of Exile
- No Quarter
- Nevermore
- Firestorm
Line Up
- Larissa Dawn -Vocals,
- Eriz Crux – Guitars
- Mike “Dikk” Dagenais – Bass
- Adam Todd- Drums