Melodic metal band, Ginevra, released their debut album, We Belong to the Stars, on September 16, on Frontiers Music Srl. Ginevra is formed with members, Kristian Fhyr, on vocals, backing vocals, and keyboards; Magnus Karlsson, on lead guitar, and keyboards; Jimmy Jay, on bass; and Magnus Ulfstedt, on drums. They also have created a wonderful duet between Kristian Fhyr and Frontiers’ famous female vocalist, Chez Kane, on the track, “Masquerade”. (More on this later). In addition, Alessandro Del Vecchio, plays guest keyboards, along with also producing, mixing and mastering the album.
This is one of the best new melodic metal bands that Frontiers has released this year. Every track on this album is exceptional and well planned and executed. Serafino Perugino, Frontiers Records’ Executive Producer and A&R, pulled the band together, based on the strength of songs that Kristian Fyhr sent him. They were so good Perugino built a band around him, and it is excellent. On top of building this great new band, Perugino, also chose Magnus Karlsson, who contributed to the songwriting, and plays his virtuoso lead guitar throughout the debut album.
The songwriting is strong. Great lyrics and an overall sound that sounds similar to Europe or Survivor, only with the metal electric guitar of Karlsson pinned to the highest level. The keyboards from Karlsson and Del Vecchio are brilliant, especially at the opening of most of the songs. The keyboard arrangements grab your attention immediately, from the opening of “Siren’s Calling”. Once they have your attention, they lay on the power blitz of Karlsson’s metal axe. Jimmy Jay, levels everything off well, with bass; and Magnus Ulfstedt, conquers the thunder on drums.
My favorite tracks were:
“Siren’s Calling”, the perfect opener. It kick-starts the heart well. “Unbreakable” has some lightning, blazing guitar from Karlsson, and Fhyr’s vocals will bring back memories of Dave Bickler. Another thunderous anthem of determination like Phantom Elite’s “Titanium”. “We are unbreakable”. The piano is excellent on this track as well.
“Apologize”, also opens with some warm piano that is unforgettable.
“Masquerade”, is probably the reason you bought this album. It was the reason for me to want to write about it, for sure. Chez Kane is the best female singer in melodic metal, and she reminds me a lot of Patty Smyth of Scandal. The acoustic guitar at the opening is warm and welcoming. Kristian Fyhr leads it off well, before Chez joins in, and together they turn this song into a potential number one. Like the “Warrior”, from Patty Smyth, this song hits all the right chords and emotions. The best song on the album. Two new chart topper singers, working together to make modern history, along with some poetic strings, at the end to close this masterpiece. Everything I expected and wanted from the pairing. Hopefully there will be more.
How do you follow that power? They try with some excellent music, but the best may have just been done. “Brokenhearted” has some great opening keyboards and powerful singing and guitar work.
“We Belong to the Stars”, the title track, is an excellent bass showcase for Jimmy Jay, who makes his presence known early on in the track. Magnus Ulfstedt’s drums will make you want to play this one over and over again. The guitar work and solos from Karlsson are absolutely brilliant, and shine forth with their own light.
“Falling to Pieces”, has one of the best keyboard openings before power drums and guitars take over. The keyboards return to keep pace, at times.
“My Rock and Roll”, is another classic song, with Kristian Fyhr singing a softer ballad, and he does it well. A great album closer that leaves you wanting to hear more.
Ginevra is another fantastic band from the mind of Serafino Perugino. Get this debut! It is a keeper. I think you will be hearing more from this band in the near future. The drums throughout this masterpiece are perfect. Magnus Ulfstedt definitely knows how to rattle the bones. Kristian Fyhr’s vocals are perfect for this music. There is no other choice but Magnus Karlsson, for guitars. Bring back Chez for duet number two on the next one, please. Or add a new ferocious female singer like Marina La Torraca as well. This is a great album. You will not go wrong here.
Track List:
1. Siren’s Calling
2. Unbreakable
3. Apologize
4. Masquerade Feat. Chez Kane
5. Break The Silence
6. Brokenhearted
7. We Belong to The Stars
8. I’ll Be Around
9. Falling To Pieces
10. The Fight
11. My Rock’n’roll
Produced, mixed & mastered by: Alessandro Del Vecchio
Executive Producer / A&R: Serafino Perugino
Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/GinevraRock
https://www.frontiers.shop/ginevra/
You Tube: