“Just another symphonic metal band with lyrical singing.” Considering the number of formations that abound in the genre, you can think it. And of course, you can say the same thing seeing land from Italy the five members of Crysalys and their first album The Awakening Of Gaia, released by Aural Music. Presented as a “post-opera” band, you should not be fooled now; we all know that these labels don’t want to say much (with some exceptions). In short, it’s without a lot of enthusiasm that I’m starting to do this review. But perhaps they’ll stand out? Mystery.

Line-up:

• Chiara Malvestiti - Vocals
• Fabio Amurri - Keyboards
• Lorenzo Marcelloni - Guitars
• Giuseppe Cardinali - Bass
• Alessandro Camela - Drums

Tracklist:

1. The Awakening Of Gaia
2. Butterfly Effect
3. Angelica 
4. Scarlet Crusade
5. By Stars Revealed
6. My Will Be Done
7. When Sirens Sing
8. Time For Vultures
9. Lilium
10. …And Let The Innocent Dream

Under this term rather redundant “post-opera” hides a rather classic symphonic metal. Understand by that, many keyboards, an opera singer, and a slightly adventurous and original music, which complies with the conventions of the genre. In short, as many will say, it is still a group that will drown in the mass. And this is not the first song that will defy the critics, unfortunately: pompous, slightly coherent, trying in vain to appear inspired to fall flat too quickly. Few catches on the eponymous track, which, be reassure, is the worst of the album, whom will be easily forgotten when it comes to listening to the whole. Everything really starts, therefore, at the second track, which is, either, not the most original, and of course, it will continue on this path. Crysalys remain on marked trails, but the Italians are seeking themselves but still play safety, and basically, when we see the fiasco that is the first track, we thought, that’s better like that. They remain on solid foundations and try to find a place, there are other ways to achieve that than with originality, and the band has understood it. But you must still dispose of these assets. I’ll end the suspense: the quintet possesses them.

First congratulations go to Chiara Malvestiti whose voice is superb. Needless to seek a clone of Tarja, this is not here that you’ll find it. In Crysalys, we prefer the beautiful operatic voice, in the service of music and which take a spectacular flight of lyricism, conditions met because the lovely has amazing talent, not only in his lyrical register, but also in other areas. In light tones, she is doing well with her rather bass and warm tone, able to gain pure power (“My Will Be Done”, very good song), to make flights of great accuracy, short, she’ll not let glimpse weaknesses. Where it is wrong, it’s when her voice became less “natural” as the combo decide to put effects on her superb performance. In “The Awakening Of Gaia” it’s more than enough. Fortunately, they subsequently, used them sparingly, because the talent of Chiara really deserves to be emphasized.

But we might be regret that “The Awakening Of Gaia” lacks of a track particularly striking, a hymn which is retained, that would remain in your head without leaving. Despite a lot of energy, a presence of guitars much higher than in lots of groups of the same mold, a power that emerges, the titles slide, are enjoyable, partially retain but none really holds attention. And yet, all (or most) are good, without being transcendent, but you do spend a very good time with the Italians. And the advantage is that you do not get bored at all, another point that allows Crysalys to go ahead of others. Without having killer choruses, the formula is still found to prevent going to listen with half an ear. The listener, captivated, remains and listens, enjoying titles like “My Will Be Done”, “When Sirens Sing” or “Time For Vultures”, which form the winning trio. Each deserves also to be mentioned, the first to introduce the singer in a more aggressive tone, the second for its superb demonstrations and oriental atmosphere, the third to be a hit in power, with small forays into prog really well done.

In addition, despite the apparent classicism and appreciable, Crysalys like to hide little surprises. It’s quite simple, if you dig a little, the tracks don’t resemble as much as you might think, and small blows of hearts appear here and there. Therefore, the trio mentioned above that won the support directly, because these three titles deserve to be mentioned among the best symphonic pieces of the year. And, in the album in general, yields a small trend, a strong desire from the combo to want to show that they’re not here to stay in the second division and support indefinitely Echoterra, Forever Slave or Magica in this uninteresting limbo. And just for the attempt, which is not inherently clumsy (except the first title, and again, we quickly forgive the Italians), the effort is appreciated immediately. But however, there is still the point of the ballad on which our comrades are not yet past the rank of experts, because even if they are far from being bad, they do not bring much. “Angelica”, “Lilium” and “… And let the Innocence Dream” will listen without pain (the third one being very nice), but deserve a bit more work to appeal completely. Given the potential of Crysalys, we know that it will be better in the next effort. Anyway, missteps are forgotten with a swift riff or a battery that is far from being put down, the production being advantageous, not placing their feminine voice too outrageously forward, the instruments have their say. And we can, therefore, be aware that in this group, everyone has talent to spare.

If the rules of the genre are met, and that at first sight, Crysalys only seems to be another group plugging the style, you must go beyond appearances, because it is well known, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Thus, this charming combo from Italy sounds like a pretty nice hope for the future, with a singer carefully avoiding the worst clichés. Even better, she proves that she has a wonderful comfort in all registers. And not only that, but the other musicians are not left out either! Thus, there are still some flaws to correct and their own trademark to find, “The Awakening Of Gaia” is quite good, and present us the talented young people who want to show what they are capable of and that they have their place. So, welcome to Crysalys and its first incarnation, which makes us looking forward to know the future of the band!

Highlight: My Will Be Done, When Sirens Sing, Time For Vultures