Sometimes, we Rockezine reviewers are given albums to review for which we need to search deep into our music fan souls for reflection and answers. Before I turn this review into a devine quest for truth which it is not, I would like to stress that I almost resent any clean female vocalled metal outfit outthere. I cannot help it. With the exception of Lacuna Coil perhaps. Being Dutch, I even resent listening to Within Temptation, Epica and After Forever.

On the outside Amaran has all the ingredients I dislike.

On the inside the band surprised me with 11 very decent, well produced heavy metal (almost thrash metal) tracks, beautifully sung by female singer Johanna DePierre. Catchy songs with a definite agressive edge but without tripping over the heavy metal line too often. Pure heavy metal with female vocals, none of that gothic circus stuff. No, instead we get powerful Maiden type guitar harmonies backed with double bass drumming and enough variation and ideas to make even me interested.