Stillskin – ‘Through Time’

(Lions Pride Music)

Hailing from Denmark Stillskin are a new female fronted Melodic Rock act with an alternative vibe. To be honest some of the comparisons been thrown about I don’t quite get or would use myself, those been Halestorm and Evanescence. I understand why those acts are named as it is a way of highlighting the bands alternative tone, primarily in the guitar work, where the Melodic Rock tag would not allude to that aspect of the band. For me though Stillskin are very much a Melodic Rock act, just one with varied influences and modern swagger to their style.

The album flows quite nicely even with the varied influences displayed on different tracks. The strongest Alternative tracks are ‘Broken’ and ‘Rise Again’ and if these were the only tracks you heard I’d understand those aforementioned comparisons more readily. ‘Destination Unknown’ and ‘High Roller’ have a strong Blues based Hard Rock tone even making me think of them as Thunder with a female vocalist.  Songs like ‘A Place Where Anything Can Happen’ and the energetic ‘Lesson Learned’ emphasis the Melodic Rock with ‘Long Ago’ been the most obvious Melodic Rocker with a hint of Danger Danger to it.

I like Bonnie Jones’s vocals; she might not display the most powerful voice but I find her tone enchanting enough and I feel she pushes these songs to a higher level with her performances. There is some wonderful guitar work throughout and it contains some wonderfully infectious guitar hooks which are just as memorable as the big choruses that feature prominently.

I like the emotional punch of the ballad ‘Run Away’ which starts sparse and atmospheric before building to a fuller heavier impact which gives the lyrics a more stirring and emotive delivery. Another ballad that makes a strong impression is ‘Broken’ which has an Alternative edge and whilst been less obvious in its melodies has a powerfully indelible chorus. For me though ‘A Place Where Anything Can Happen’ is the obvious single and a good place for people to start checking Stillskin out.

‘Through Time’ is a solid album full of entertaining and enjoyable songs which is a must for fans of female fronted melodic rock acts. The varied influences displayed throughout the album help the band stand out and feel more unique amongst other straight forward woman led Melodic Rock bands. It may not set the world alight in originality but it is still well worth genre fans giving some time to.

8/10

Essential Track - 'Long Ago'

Review by Woody