Benedictum is an American band from San Diego. “Uncreation” is their debut-album, distributed by Spanish Locomotive Records. “Uncreation” was one of the first CD’s I received in 2006 and this year could not have got a better start for me.
Benedictum is overwhelming: the power, the riffs, the dark metal-influences, the sound and especially the voices. I’m impressed by the strength of this album. Veronica Freeman, yes it’s a woman, does the vocals; she has an extreme power and a great voice. For me it is one of the best voices in the heavy metal scene. Sometimes I am very privileged by getting such a jewel.

“Uncreation” is co-produced by Jeff Pilson (ex-Dio, Dokken) who is also guest musician. Other guest musicians are Craig Goldy (ex-Dio) and Jimmy Bain (ex-Rainbow, Dio)! What more do I have to say? Most bands have to work with far lesser musicians.
Benediction is obviously strongly influenced by Black Sabbath and Dio, the guitar-riffs are heavy (they strongly remind my of the famous Black Sabbath-riffs), the songs have strong melodies, great guitarsolo’s and as I said already, a superb voice.

Victoria’s voice surely has comparisons with Dio, listen to “Heaven and Hell” and “The Mob Rules”. I was very curious to the performance of these songs, I personally think these songs shouldn’t been covered at all. Benedictum however succeeded, “Heaven and Hell” has become a great cover, and it is a huge dignified mark of honor to Black Sabbath and Dio. “The Mob Rules” is amazing, a marvelous end of a great album.

The other 9 tracks are also really strong songs of a high quality. The intro of the first song , the title-song, is really evil. Listen to the voice, it is recorded back to front (what is the message?), followed by screams of Victoria and very powerful riffs. It gets me goose flesh. It is an impressive beginning of the album with only highlights. For all the metal fans, listen and enjoy. I like it, you will like it too!