Female-fronted metal that is actually heavy and aggressive!
Robert Pontzer | State College, PA United States | 12/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Swedish band Amaran released their debut album "A World Depraved" in 2002. This album is incredible, especially for a debut! This album is chock full of creative riffs of the Swedish melodic death metal variety (ala Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, Soilwork, In Flames, etc). But Amaran adds a twist, a melodic female vocalist. This creates a stunning combination of heavy, fast riffery and pretty, ethereal female vocals... a unique experience. The riffs on this album just never stop! No boring guitars during the verses... the guitars churn out complex, melodic riffs at every turn. The guitarists make great use of dissonance and harmony. The sound reminds me a bit of Nevermore, of thrash, of Gothenburg melodic death with the added bonus of female vocals. The lyrics have a very personal nature. Many of the songs have very catchy choruses courtesy of the sweet singing of Johanna DePierre. The production is very thick and heavy. The album kicks off with "Faith Healer", sounding like it could come from a Nevermore album with its hammering drums, super-heavy and fast riffing. "Rusty Warhorse" follows with a huge chorus. All of the songs are in a similar style, but they are each excellent compositions. Witness the stunning classical guitar solo in "Void" or the harmony guitars and soaring vocals in "Daffodil". "Imperfect" and "Little Victory" (one of the best songs) both feature brutally heavy riffs. I can rave on and on about this suprising debut album. If this is a debut... I can't wait to see what Amaran has in store for us in the future. Female-fronted metal isn't just boring goth bands anymore... Amaran have paved a way for heavy, fast, agressive female metal with passion and prowess!"
Simply a great cd!
Robert Pontzer | 04/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is definitely one heavy hitting yet melodic cd. The female vocals put the perfect touch on a very hard hitting, heavy band!It seems to have a mixture of an "In Flames" and "Meshuggah" type mix! Simply a great cd!"
Voice is amazing..
Metal Queen | Portland, Oregon | 09/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this release. It's awesome for a debut. different. connected. riffs, and tempo changes, they got it together. I think this is a extemely creative metal goth band with a woman singer. that to me is a f**king plus!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1