• Darth01 Sep 2015 Kalidia - Dance of the Four Winds

    Hey! I’m back to work for your pleasure. That’s right; the panda is now back to writing reviews. And this time, I’ll present you Kalidia and their very first EP Dance of the Four Winds.

    Line-up:

    • Alessandro Cecchini - Drums
    • Federico Paolini - Guitars
    • Nicola Azzola - Keyboards
    • Nicoletta Rosellini - Vocals
    • Roberto Donati - Bass

    Tracklist:

    1. The Lost Mariner
    2. Winged Lords
    3. Reign of Kalidia
    4. Shadow Will be Gone

    So, who are they? They’re an Italian band, created in September 2010 byNicoletta Rosellini as singer, Frederico Paolini at the guitar, Alessandro Cecchini for the drums and Nicola Azzola behind the keyboard. And in 2012, after the arrival of Roberto Donati at the bass, the band started to record their first EP, named Dance of the Four Winds at the Eden Studio with the help ofAlessio Lucatti (Vision Divine, Etherna…), EP which was released the November of the same year.

    Now that you know them, let’s talk about their music. Our little journey starts with the song “The Lost Mariner”, where the symphony of an organ is mixed with quality to some power metal. Without being exceptional, this title has some beautiful melody, every member demonstrate that they know how to use their instrument with talent. But the big surprise, for me, was the voice of Nicoletta, the young singer show us that she got it and even if there’s always room for improvements, she, definitely, is someone you want to keep an eye on. A really good first song which set the bar quite high for rest.

    We continue with “Winged Lords”, the tempo is a bit slower and the singing really calm, but you can still feel the power thanks to the guitar/drums. All of that, back up by a discrete but omnipresent keyboard. Even if this song will not be consider as the best, it’s a really useful one for a first EP, because it reveals what the band is capable of and that’s what we searched on that kind of EP. They’ve got to show who they are, what they do, give us a taste which will make us want more, like an appetizer.

    Once again, we change a bit of style with “Reign of Kalidia”. Here heavy prog verses are coupled with excellent refrain which could come directly from the 80’s hard rock. The only regret that I have with this title is maybe the lack of energy in the voice of Nicoletta, but it’s more a personal preference than an actual flaw. And the guitar solo of Frederico really make for it, this guy know how to use his instrument.

    And we end this EP with “Shadow Will Be Gone”, the ballad. We heard before what was capable of the different musician of the band and now, it’s time for Nicoletta to show us what she can do. Accompanied by a beautiful melody and the exquisite singing, you go through this song like a lovely walk on a sunny weekend.

    To conclude, Dance of the Four Winds is an excellent first EP. Not the best of the year nor the most original, but it has everything you want for a first time. We discover the band; they show us what they do and are capable of and honestly, they do it really well. Oh, and good news everyone! They’re working on their first album, so if you liked what you read here and what you have/are/will listen, well, more is coming.

    Highlight: Reign of Kalidia, Shadow Will Be Gone