Since their first EP “Daughter Of The Night”, Whyzdom was able to make proud the French metalheads presenting a neat and great music, not skimping on choirs and orchestrations. After “From The Brink Of Infinity” well received by critics, several changes vocalist and numerous concerts, it was the turn of“Blind?”, second album of the band, to try to convince us. Therefore we will discover immediately if my compatriots were able once again to honour the French metal production.

Line-up:

• Elvyne Lorient - Vocals
• Vynce Leff - Guitar Orchestration
• Nico Chaumeaux - Drums
• Regis Morin - Guitar
• Xavier Corrrientes - Bass
• Marc Ruhlmann - Keyboards

Tracklist:

1. The Lighthouse
2. Dancing With Lucifer
3. Cassandra’s Mirror
4. On The Road To Babylon
5. Paper Princess
6. The Spider
7. The Wolves
8. Venom And Frustration
9. Lonely Roads
10. The Foreseer
11. Cathedral Of The Damned

On first listen, “Blind?” can leave the listener somewhat dubious. Indeed, it is a complex opus, which requires a careful diving into his world to be appreciated at its true value. For “Blind?” is darker than its predecessor, more tormented, more dense. The work of composition is certain the structures never fall in evidence, and we feel that Vynce Leff and his colleagues never let go to the ease. The key changes are frequent, breaks in the rhythm just energize the various titles, the riffs are effective and symphonic effects are used wisely. “The Lighthouse”, the first song revealed to the public, is at once an excellent example: short ramp-orchestral underline the verses and intensify the vocal lines so both subtle and grandiose. In truth, when he lends an attentive ear, “Blind?” is full of innovative and interesting finds, such as alternating between guitars and flutes on “Cathedral Of The Damned”, the powerful and original end of “Venom And Frustration”, or to use Maurice Ravel’s piano style on “Paper Princess”, semi-ballad where Marc Ruhlmann amazing shows us the absolute mastery he has of his instrument, creating disturbing dissonance to finally resolve them. Yet, the best way the album is definitely, by far, the magnificent introduction “On The Road To Babylon”, where the solemn and mystical melody carried by the chorus goes so sudden major in, illuminating the title and immediately providing a musical moment with a superb intensity. A song that has the gift to enthusiasm evens the most reluctant!

However, amidst all this interesting and complex, blunders are still present, and diminish the positive impact of “Blind?”. Indeed, some titles are rather monotonous, and are connected to each other without scoring particularly your ear, as “Cassandra’s Mirror”, the rhythm may seem somewhat boring. Similarly, the song “The Wolves” is disappointing; a perky passage sounding very rock, breaks with the drama that was beginning to fall into place. We also note that when the orchestra and the metal instruments pack together, the effect is not always well balanced and can give an impression of ‘too much’. The use of the singing is not ideal: the verses still use part of the bass range of Elvyne, and absolutely all the choruses ask her to get in treble. This recursive structure makes the vocal lines often predictable, but knowing the past troubled of the group with its various frontwomen, it is difficult to blame Whyzdom for lacking some care on that dimension.

Let us come precisely to the newcomer Elvyne Lorient, whose pretty face appears on the cover of“Blind?”. Less original and versatile than Telya the first singer of the band, the young woman does provide an interesting tone, misty and charming bass and insured treble. We feel a great mastery in her vocal technique and a real potential. Her singing full of sweetness ​​illuminates the pleasant ballad"Lonely Roads“, the Celtic tones combined perfectly with her voice. Her oriental vocals in an Epica style on ”The Spider“ also represent a commendable performance, and it comes to be regretted that the compositions do not exploit better all facets of the talent of the young lady. Composed before that Elvyne joined the group, “Blind?” could not really fit her personality vocal and the next installment will not be either because the group has now as official singer Marie Rouyer. Would Whyzdom be the FrenchSirenia, with all that implies - in all honesty, we hope not!

It’s therefore a matured Whyzdom which returns with this album, and we are pleased that the group has been able to replace the sometimes bombastic sides of their early compositions by an atmosphere where darkness reigns. And especially when superb interludes like ”On The Road To Babylon“ and ”Lonely Roads“ allow us to feel the dawn light and sight return to the blind! In simple words, this not the best album of the decade but it’s a good one. Hopefully their next album with their new singer will be even better.

Highlight: On The Road To Babylon, The Spider, Lonely Roads