Vandroya - One

Vandroya One cover
Vandroya
One
Inner Wound Recordings
2013
6.5
Vandroya is hailing from Brazil and although they exit for more than 12 years, they now are presenting their debut release. Fronted by the beautiful lady Daisa Munhoz (Soulspell), the band’s music is moving on heavy/power European metal paths with some bits of prog metal music. Daisa’s voice is very powerful and she does give some wonderful performances on the album. It would be unfair though, not to say that all the guys are executing in high level here.
 
The album was mixed and mastered by Heros Trench (Korzus) and the artwork is created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Iced Earth). The production is heavy & very dynamic as well. Adding various melodic features to their music, Vandroya sometimes sound a tad “commercial” but that ain’t a bad thing at all. For instance the wonderful ballad “Why Should We Say Goodbye” could be the album’s “hit” and it may get some airplay too. There’s also a guest appearance by Leandro Cacoilo (ex-Eterna) on “Change the Tide”.
 
What it may hold back a big heavy/power metal like myself from this album are the several clichés and generic parts of the genre. I know it can’t be done otherwise (or can it?), but if you’ve been around listening to this kind of music for more than 20 years, then I think you can hardly be surprised anymore. Nonetheless, there are many good moments to fancy here and if you are fond of female fronted heavy/power metal bands then give Vandroya a chance.