Turning Season Within

This band has gained some popularity in the doom scene, and not really undeserved. "Arcane Rain Fell" was good and I was hoping for them to continue down that path. Like most other newer bands populating the genre they draw their influences from My Dying Bride, Katatonia, Anathema and Paradise Lost.

Draconian's problem on the last album was definitely centered around one thing; Not enough guitars. Many of the songs were almost entirely flat in terms of guitars. It's hard to exactly describe it.. there simply wasn't enough going on. Just a melody here and there. This is however corrected here as there generally is more rhythm guitar work and drive going on.

Unfortunately the band has gained a problem they didn't have on the last disc.
After enjoying some solid doom metal for about a minute of "Seasons Apart" the song pulls to a stop for a piano break. What seemed very promising is more or less shattered by the female vocals, which are quite annoying. I know it's the same vocalist but the quality has dropped shockingly.

Instead of the often comfortable range presented on the last disc the pitch seems constantly forced. The chorus part at 3:05 is the grand example. It sounds grating and emotionless, I don't know what's happened. The goth level has also been upped, with more and more romantic and theatric themes making its way into the sound. Really reminds more of Within Temptation more than the last Draconian album. That's an influence I don't like to visit.

Generally this problem re-occurs. Many of the song have strong, Katatonia-like guitar parts and growls that really catch my interest. Then comes the female vocal break again and kills it for me. It just doesn't get there. "Bloodflower", "When I Wake", "Seasons Apart", "The Empty Stare". All great songs musically, and the growl smokes. Then comes this nasal, high vocal approach that just flat out kills them.

The general improvent of all the other aspects in their soundscape is what seals how frustrating "Turning Season Within" is. Production absolutely smokes, the band is getting heavier instrumentally, the growler keeps delivering. I really hope they can keep going down this path musically. Please just correct the female vocals for the next release and tune down the goth influences. There's potential for something much better.