Enchantya – Cerberus (Inverse Records)
Friday, 28th April 2023
This Portuguese symphonic gothic metal band Enchantya started with vocalist Rute Fevereiro back in 2004, slowly evolving through different lineups as EP and album releases took place. Now having time to assemble new material during the pandemic layoff, this third album Cerberus may be the quintet’s most ambitious offering to date. Incorporating numerous metal subgenre trademarks beyond outside influences, these musicians captivate the listeners through a dynamic journey of nine main tracks plus three calmer instrumental placeholders/interludes.
The equity of keyboard/orchestration to guitar parts keeps the proceedings equally engaging on the cinematic, dramatic spectrum side as much as the bold, gothic to heavy/extreme metal angles. Those shifts can happen song to song – “All Down in Flames” more traditional for those who love the catchier, melodic side of symphonic metal, while the follow-up “Lunar Fire” features a mixture of heavier riffs, blast beats, and deep growls against the normal gothic-oriented, operatic power proceedings. Channeling exotic melodies and musical support of the Middle Eastern part of the world for the 6:05 “Existence”, when the main riffs/tribal-like progressive drum parts hit, you get the sense that the band are channeling some Epica/Arch Enemy textures, making this rollercoaster riff parade and exquisite lead break from Fernando Campos with its soothing orchestral measures mesmerizing for the fine vocal delivery Rute employs. Rute occasionally shocks the airwaves with some sinister runs – elevating her game up and down her operatic register for “Collective Souls”, while also turning in some killer growls for brutal contrast as the cascading keyboards and faster to mid-tempo transitions create more aural intrigue. There are times where many may wish the digital, typewriter-sounding double kick tone could have been given a bit more natural touch – but overall, the key elements are all in place in appropriate doses, as there’s a lot of layers to uncover throughout the record.
Enchantya possess those stirring qualities that can keep a diverse set of followers interested song to song, record to record – it’s a progressive blend of symphonic gothic metal that can be alluring and melodic one moment, then heavy and extreme the next without veering too far off a chosen course. As such Cerberus would be a good starting point to discover this band, and hopefully elevate the profile a few steps higher in reaching a larger footprint on the scene.
