Benedictum – Obey

Benedictum have just released their fourth album, Obey.  Bands with female singers are often characterised with classical or operatic style vocals and this does appeal to a certain type of fan, but a lot of metal fans aren’t keen on this style of singing in metal.  With Benedictum though there’s none of that, this is good old-fashioned heavy metal that could easily be performed with a male singer – the fact that they have a female singer makes little difference as there’s still just as much power and aggression in the vocals as with any male singer around – in fact Veronica Freeman has a powerful voice that would put most male singers to shame.

As with their previous albums, the music is based on traditional heavy metal but with a few other influences such as Power Metal to give it a more modern feel.

Brief comments on a few tracks..

The album kicks off with “Dream of the Banshee”, an instrumental track with an orchestral feel that ends with a scream from Veronica Freeman and the sound of shattering glass.

“Fractured” is the first real song on the album, and straight away sets the tone for the album – powerful fast drumming, heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals.  It’s a great track that really gets the album off to a great start.

Title track “Obey” opens with some fast heavy guitar riffs and very fast drumming giving plenty of pace and power before Veronica lets rip with her vocals.  The lyrics are a Dominatrix addressing her slave and telling him that he will Obey.  A great song.

“Cry” is a ballad that features a special guest – former Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin.  It’s a great song that gives a much-needed change of pace before “Thornz” ramps the power and pace back up.

This is an excellent album – probably the best to date from Benedictum.  Now we just need them to get themselves over to the UK for some live dates.

Rating: 9/10

Track listing:

1. Dream of the banshee
2. Fractured
3. Obey
4. Fighting for my life
5. Scream
6. Evil that we do
7. Crossign over
8. Cry
9. Thornz
10. Die to love you
11. Apex nation
12. Retrograde