Symphonic gothic metallers TOTHEM are considered by the international critics as one of the most talented and promising bands of the Italian and international melodic metal scene.
See TOTHEM live in Rome, Italy on Dec. 8th, 2013 at Locanda Atlantide, in support of Paul Di'anno (ex-singer for Iron Maiden).
Check-out the official video for ‘Run to You’, the lead off track to ‘Beyond the Sea’ streaming on YouTube !
TOTHEM is:
Roslen - Vocals
Black Cyril - Guitars and backing vocals
Marco - Keyboards
Leo - Bass
Andrea ‘The Joker’ - Drums
"Out of Italy comes TOTHEM, a band formed in the early 2000s, with also already a couple of EP releases in their back catalogue. However, their official full-length debut CD ‘Beyond the sea’ is now released and I have to say that it does sound quite impressive. They are a female fronted band with a sound close to EPICA, AFTER FOREVER and NIGHTWISH, so basically typical Gothic Melodic Metal. Female singer ROSLEN is a powerful singer, who can also go for the incredible high soprano/opera range, although the few times she does this, it does not have a very positive influence on the overall sound of TOTHEM, because the music of the band is actually already interesting enough to listen to without the opera/soprano vocals. The ballads “Light of soul” and “So close so far away” are both really beautiful and probably the highlights on the album, sounding very sensational. Another highlight is the superb midtempo “Smile again” that is reminding quite a bit of EPICA. Instrumental it all sounds quite strong, with the sensational guitarwork of BLACKCYRIL being another remarkable fact. Although TOTHEM is not there yet and it will be hard to beat the past works of NIGHTWISH and AFTER FOREVER, which set the standard for this kind of Metal already years ago, TOTHEM is nevertheless a nice addition to the scene and they have a bright future, because the ingredients are present and a first impressive album is now available." - Strutter Zine (nl) [rating: 8.3/10]
“Beyond the Sea takes things to whole new level for this young band. The pounding drums lead into the rumbling guitar of the opener, “Run to You”. Lead vocalist Roslen is quite impressive as she alternates between a clean metal voice and an operatic style. Musically, Tothem is very much a guitar driven band. “Smile Again” is next and starts off with a serene piano intro and leads into some more heavy riffing. This song has a chorus that is undeniably catchy as hell. This would be a great choice for the next single, in my opinion. The overall production on “Beyond the Sea” is so sharp and crisp. The songs are definitely well written and Roslen has the right mixture between operatic and a more melodic style – she never overdoes it and is a huge asset for Tothem. “This is the Time” is another fantastic song and a pure highlight. “Light of Soul” is a stirring ballad and packed with plenty of emotion. “Rescue”, “Beyond the Sea” and “The Witch” maintains a high level on the CD and the closing number “Where Angels Lie” is a good way to end things. “Beyond the Sea” maintains its consistency throughout the 49-minutes worth of playing time." - Tony Cannella (Femme Metal Webzine)
"In perfect unison ravishing Roslen can change her vocal style without blinking, from Amy Lee alternative, to Sharon Den Adel semi operatic, to Tarja soprano, to all points between, from innocent child to grand opera dame. The songs sail from light reflection to rocking up a storm to operatic grandeur, making for an absorbing listening experience. They don't mess about with an intro, but launch into the raging riffage of opener 'Run to You', they then assail you with the more lilting lyrical but still powerful numbers 'Smile Again', and 'Still', big power ballads 'Light of Soul' and 'So Close So Far Away', songs that are a touch more 'folky' 'This is the Time' and lead single 'The Witch', mini epics that run the gamut 'Fight With You' and title song 'Beyond the Sea', and the catchy rocking 'Cross The Line', probably my favourite tune. The eastern flavoured track 'Where the Angels Lie' closes out the opus. The sound is good and well produced but a bit guitar heavy which stops it from becoming fully symphonic. Tothem have set sail with a terrific well crafted album that is sure to find an anchorage in the harbours of all discerning metal fans." - Ravenheart Webzine
credits
released November 18, 2013
‘Beyond the Sea’ was produced by the band in the summer of 2012 at MM Studio in Rome, and mastered by Creative Mastering in Forli, Italy.
Digipak artwork was beautifully designed by Adhiira Art in Rome.
It's a great blend of different metal genres and styles, with great solos in basically every song, just that touch of oriental influences that feel natural but not artificial and above all else, performed by the beautiful, haunting voice of Jelena Dobric, who uses it in a way that is not the typical operatic approach as we are used to from other female-fronted bands wormys_queue
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