Atargatis
Nova

March 2008
Released: 2007, Massacre Records/Sound Pollution
Rating: 1.0/5
Reviewer: Anders Sandvall

This German act is fronted by Stephanie Luzie who also sings in Darkwell. Atargatis started out in 1997 and released an EP two years later, finally putting out their debut WASTELAND in 2006. Matthias Hechler (Crematory), Thomas Helm (Noekk, Empyrium) and Tialupa (ex- Junge, Sinfonic Berlin) make guest appearances on this melodic gothic album. Luzie takes care of most of the lead vocals, sometimes handing the duty over to Lornhold and they both create a mystical atmosphere with their voices. The musical landscape the band and producer have built is very grand and epic with orchestral parts and violin passages, but at the same time it feels like the band has trouble deciding if they want to be a gothic melodic band or a strictly symphonic metal opera act.

Luzie lacks the capacity to keep the numerous symphonic opera parts alive with her voice, which makes the album an epic failure. There are musical similarities with Nightwish but with the exception that Luzie can’t handle the music like Anette Olzon or Tarja Turunen. It feels like the album lacks joy and passion and it just feels very uninspired overall.

As you can see, I don’t have many positive things to write about this album. I want to hear more dedication and a little more passion and better songs - then it might make NOVA more bearable.