review by: Roberto Martinelli

addendum 12/27/04:

I gave Aphelion a tepid review in 2003. Since then, I've come to find that it is in fact an excellent record filled with memorable melodies, gorgeous vocals, and well crafted songs. Sure, it's metal "popera," but the band knows what it's doing. As this band's style has grown on me (this writing is at the time of the release of their fourth album), Aphelion has shown itself to be as good as anything this remarkable group of Austrians has produced. (8.5/10)

original review, 05/2003:  

In the candy-coated, flowery world of European power metal, Edenbridge is the wimpiest of the wimpy. This band is so wussy that it makes Stratovarius seem like Slayer in comparison. But that's all good, for in its embracing of the anti-image of metal while being a metal band, Edenbridge made a pretty enjoyable album in last year's Arcana (review here).

Aphelion, the new record, not too surprisingly sounds a lot like its predecessor. However, it's nowhere near as good. Over a career that now spans three records, Edenbridge's music has always been very low on calories, but this is ridiculous. The melodies and structures are similar, but Lanvall, the Edenbridge guitarist who writes and produces everything the band does, has gone even softer this time.

It really all comes down to the melodies and hooks not being so present here. To pinpoint even further, while the vocals of Sabine Edelsbacher are as lovely as always, there's a definite lack of passion that is especially noticeable this time around. Edelsbacher's trained, talented, sort of operatic voice is generally nonplussed; or perhaps the melodies that are given to her to sing aren't really all that challenging or interesting for her. By the time the last track, featuring guest vocals by DC Cooper, finally rolls around, the injection of some grit and force is a very welcome change.

So we recommend you start with the band's best work, Arcana. If you like that, you'll probably want to get this. Also, if they haven't already, fans of Nightwish are certainly encouraged to check Edenbridge out. (6/10)