MARIALENA: Vanity

Trained in classical vocal performance, under Ms. Maria Marketou, and with many appearances in musical plays and operas, Marialena has turned her gaze and her artistic interest to the metal scene, releasing a solo full-length record, entitled “Vanity” in 2020.

The “Vanity” has a sole protagonist that completely steals the show and that is none other than the amazing vocal performance of Marialena. I can only attempt to describe it and still I won’t be able to do enough justice to her singing abilities. Honestly and with no desire for empty flattering, at some point her performance was just chilling, offering shivers and leaving my jaw hanging. Marialena is trained as a soprano. High notes are her speciality but that doesn’t make it any less impressive when you hear her reaching those notes, making it look like the easiest thing in the world.

Musically, the record moves in the symphonic metal’s paths, following the traditional recipe pretty faithfully. However, that doesn’t make it any less interesting. It never feels boring like something you have heard of multiple times, but has a comfortable sense of familiarity. The compositions are nothing grand and spectacular, leaving plenty of room for the vocal performance of Marialena to shine and carry all the weight. And it makes absolute sense to leave headroom for the protagonist to come forth and shine. Also, it may be a detail but it caught my interest and I found fitting are the distinct bass lines, placed quite upfront in the compositions offering a chunky element that to me felt really exciting.

Listening to the “Vanity” reminded me of the “Angels Fall First” by Nightwish at times, especially the song “Eternity Awaits”. Also, songs like the “Prophecies” and “Vanity” brought to mind something of Therion, adding a darker, more mystical tone to the overall aesthetic of the album.

Concluding, the “Vanity” is a great debut built around the amazing voice of Marialena. Through the comfortable feeling familiarity that the compositions offer, the vocal performance finds the neccessery space to shine, producing a really beautiful result that I highly recommend to listen to.