Flowing Tears - Razorbliss

[Liu]

Flowing Tears - Razorbliss
Century Media

The female-fronted goth rock style has gained popularity in the last few years, thanks in part to the success of Evanescence and to a lesser degree Lacuna Coil. I enjoy the style quite a bit, so I'll give anything that comes my way a chance. Flowing Tears is another in a long line of these bands and Razorbliss is their first with new vocalist Helen Vogt.

What makes or breaks these bands is usually the vocalist and that's where Flowing Tears main problem lies. Helen Vogt has a very deadpan monotone voice, lacking any actual dynamics in her delivery. At first I wondered if I misunderstood something because I couldnt tell if it was a woman singing. After several songs, you begin to question whether the band hired her for promotional pic opportunities rather than singing ability. I don't necessarily expect every female singer to have soaring pipes, but I'll be damned if it sucks out all the energy from the music. And its truly a shame because some of these songs could have been great with a better singer. Undying, Snakes Of Grey and Unspoken have the makings of really memorable songs, but Helen's limited range negate them from getting anywhere past average.

If you're seeking for something to hold you over until Lacuna Coil releases their next album, look elsewhere.


01. Razorbliss
02. Believe
03. Virago
04. Undying
05. Radium Angel
06. Firedream
07. Ballad Of A Lonely God
08. Snakes Of Grey
09. Mine Is The Ocean
10. Maladine
11. Unspoken
12. Pitch Black Water

Score: 5/10