Dead Venus - Bird Of Paradise (2019)

DEAD VENUS was formed in 2015, when Swiss multi-instrumentalist and vocalist extraordinaire Seraina Telli decided she needed her own team around her to help develop ideas. She has also spent time fronting the German Neo-Prog band SURRILIUM, as well as fronting the all-female Metal giants BURNING WITCHES. Through drummer Mike Malloth, Seraina landed bassist Andre Gaetner and the circle was complete. The music here is a different world than we are used to hearing from the ultra-heavy BURNING WITCHES. It is more atmospheric and progressive than anything I have personally heard from Seraina. It is also extremely beautiful.

Opening with an airy instrumental piano piece titled “Latitudinarian,” the record does not take much time to get into the real meat here. “Bird Of Paradise” is a six-minute piano-driven song; and with apologies to Ms. Telli, I can’t help but draw a comparison to Amy Lee and EVANESCENCE. As stated above, the music on this track is very atmospheric, but around the 3:30 mark, it takes a different direction with a repeated bass lick and filtered vocal that lends itself well to the remainder. Lyrically, the track is incredible; trying on the fear and intimidation of a new relationship.

“Kiss Of The Muse” follows and begins with much the same feel as “Bird Of Paradise.” Within a couple of minutes, the song takes on a decidedly more metallic feel, full of overdriven guitar and an absolutely bombastic bottom end. This song gives a glimpse into Telli’s past endeavors, with a heavier, growling (at times) vocal and upper register range. One point of note is that a few of the songs on this release are long and multi-faceted in their delivery. This particular cut covers over seven minutes. One other track, the epic and incredible “The Beauty,” covers almost nine.

The band is stylistically diverse on every song. I hear not only the obvious Metal leanings, but also penchants for jazz and classical music as well. “Dear God” is a gorgeous piano ballad, with an understated vocal that is as haunting as anything I’ve heard in recent memory. “Sirens Call” mixes softer, acoustic stylings with heavier elements to rival the best around.

Don’t expect a copy of BURNING WITCHES with this release. You will be disappointed. If you, however, would like to hear an artist’s musical growth and development of a new direction, this is for you. One of the best I have heard this year.