This is the debut album from Simone Simons, a symphonic metal artist from the Netherlands.
I’ve always had a healthy respect for Epica, and for the vocals of their talented singer Simone Simons, so when Vermillion appeared, it only made sense to check it out. I’m so glad I did.
On her first solo album Simone Simons has collaborated with
Arjen Lucassen from Ayreon, with impressive results. Her voice, the obvious focal point, is flawless throughout. The singer of Arch Enemy guests on one song and the guitarist of Epica on two, providing vocals that act as harsh barked counterpoints to the expressive clean singing.
Across Vermillion‘s 46 minutes symphonic, progressive, and power metal elements collide, (and more besides these), giving shape and form to ten songs of high quality material. The songwriting is tight and well-developed, with emotive depth and memorable hooks aplenty. It’s very well-crafted, and revels in its melodic power and vocal prowess.
Vermillion covers a lot more ground than you might be expecting, with different moods, flavours, atmospheres, feelings, and influences being felt on each song. Bringing it under one core aegis is the strong songwriting, the shared creative vision, and the singer’s marvellous voice.
On Vermillion you’ll find a lot of different ingredients have gone into the making of a very tasty and satisfying meal. At various points there’s a lot going on; some are constant across the record, while others appear at select moments. There’s an epic streak a mile wide, and an orchestral symphonic grandeur that’s to be expected, but one that’s frequently delivered in particularly creative ways. The music is rich in operatic scope and cinematic artistry, delivering songs that feel immense and multifaceted. We also get treated to electronic and industrial enhancements, progressive metal flourishes, and heavier metallic aggression.
One of the things I like about Vermillion is that it doesn’t stint on the guitars. It’s layered with keyboards, effects, and of course the gorgeous vocals of the singer, but it is also aware that it is ultimately a metal album. Vermillion has way more riffs than albums of this sort typically have.
Vermillion sets a high standard for itself, and succeeds with remarkable grace and ability. I wasn’t 100% sure what a Simone Simons solo album would bring, but I’m genuinely impressed by the variety and depth of the music.
If you’re a fan of the bands that operate in similar realms as this, then this is a pretty mandatory listen for you.
Wonderbox Metal 