SIRENIA - 1977 / CD Digisleeve

Exploring a new style like never before – symphonic metal icons SIRENIA revolutionize their melodic darkness on the brand new studio album, 1977, out May 26, 2023 via Napalm Records. Transporting the listener to a retro auditory arcade harking back to when groovy synthwave melodies dominated the world of music, the international band merges late 70’s and 80’s pop rock stylings with synthwave elements and their remarkable, hard-hitting symphonic melodies - shaking the listener to the core. Once again, Norwegian mastermind, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter Morten Veland produced the 11th record, while HK at Vamacara Studio, France, took care of the mixing. It marks another prove that, after more than twenty years of existence, SIRENIA still rank at the very top of the genre.

Captured within the magic of captivating 80’s sonics, the four-piece opens up their enchanting new offering with the captivating opener “Deadlight”. The world of soulful violin and fragile piano lines builds up an energetic atmosphere, underlined by the wistful tunes of the multi-talented mezzo soprano voice of French singer Emmanuelle Zoldan. The track is followed by the fast-paced “Wintry Heart”, which gives a bittersweet taste of early 90’s vibes and roaring guitars, while “Nomadic” represents SIRENIA’s characteristic dark and heavy side as shredding guitar riffs alternate with playful interludes while relentless drums and symphonic electronic elements go hand in hand with another. “A Thousand Scars” marks a totally new fusion for SIRENIA, as heavy symphonic tunes dressed as remarkable rock riffs and poppy rhythms dance together with the feathery light vocals of Emmanuelle. With the eerie and epic tunes of “Fading to the Deepest Black”, the song is reminiscent of their last album, Riddles, Ruins & Revelations (2021). Kicking off with vertiginous blast beats and a mesmerizing performance by Emmanuelle Zoldan, a warm vocal interlude by Morten Veland supports the song's stunning atmosphere before it leads into an impressive guitar solo. Following their operatic symphonic highs, the heavy side of SIRENIA is not forgotten and appears especially towards the end of their 11th record. Wrapping up their multifaceted album, 1977, the bonus track “Twist in my Sobriety” is an absolute time machine. The cover of the million-times-over streamed song by German born British singer Tanita Tikaram matches the surprisingly deep voice that presents Emmanuelle in a very new range, while the eerie mid-tempo appears in a brand new light of modern synth beats and characteristic synth-oboe. Morten Veland states: “‘Twist in my Sobriety’ is a track that I have enjoyed since it was originally released by Tanita Tikaram back in 1988. The song has a very melancholic vibe to it, which in my opinion makes it a perfect match with SIRENIA.” Transporting their fans right into smokey, neon lit nightclubs, the eclectic mix of 1977 opens up exciting new facets of symphonic, electronic and groove elements in SIRENIA’s music.