Band: Ayin Aleph
CD Title: Ayin Aleph I
Year: 2007
Website: www.ayinaleph.com/
MySpace: myspace.com/ayinaleph
Label: AudioLand
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks Exclusive and Burning Misery
Rating: 7.5 / 10
More Links: Please discuss this review and band in the Loucifer Speaks forum.

When I looked at the cover for this release I had no idea what to expect. So, I put the CD into the player and wondered what these 19 tracks (yes, 19!) had in store for me...

Whatever I was expecting (even though I had no idea what to expect) this wasn't it. From the first track alone ("Hamlet") your eardrums hear the bastard child of Rock, Goth and Opera and it's all held together by a female vocalist whose range is awesome. She goes from sweet little whispers to dirty singing to full-on operatic vocals. It may sound crazy, but it works.

While this album may not appeal to your average Metal fan, it will delight those that crave something bizarre. This album is seductive and mesmerising to the extreme. Each track has it's own character and I've found that I've warmed to certain parts of various songs relatively quickly ("The Purchase Of The Cathedral" is one song that captivated me immediately and also "Black Roses" and "Hamlet" are worthy of a mention too). The only problem that I can see with this release is that it may prove to be an overwhelming experience when listened to in its entirety on your first listen.

If you're looking for something that goes against the grain and challenges the current trends of alternative music, then I’d recommend that you give this album a listen. If, however, you're looking for something altogether heavier and grittier, then this may not be for you.