Winter in Eden - Never Untold

Winter in Eden

Independent

I was already familiar with Winter Eden's music, but when I saw them live in Eindhoven a few years ago, I was truly blown away by the quality of this band. The power of Winter in Eden is enormous. Their stage presence is energetic, and you can hear that now in their new album, Never Untold. Vicky Johnson (vocals) and Steve Johnson (keyboards, orchestrations & bass) are the foundation of Winter in Eden. Together with Arun Kamath (5 songs), Ruud Jolie (guitar on 3 songs), and drummer Owen Alec, they have created an album that is fantastic. It sounds perfect, partly due to the amazing mix at Sandlane Recording Facilities by Jos Driessen and Joost van den Broek. This album has everything a symphonic metal album should be. It is heavy, melodically strong, has its moments of calm, and is played and sung fantastically. Vicky Johnson has a phenomenal, warm voice, and on this album, she sings her heart out. The album features 10 songs, and not a single one is weak. All the music was written by Vicky and Steve Johnson, except for the track "Silence," which was written solely by Vicky. Vicky is also responsible for all the lyrics, except the lyrics for Rise. They were written by Vicky and Steve’s son Oliver. And he did a great job!

Musically, the songs are incredibly well-crafted. The guitar parts by both Kamath and Ruud Jolie (whom we know from Within Temptation) are extremely strong. Owen Alec is a drummer who can do it all. I saw him live with "Winter in Eden," but I have also been able to admire his studio work in the many YouTube videos he has made. Steve Johnson's keyboard playing is truly orchestral. He takes you on a journey of sound that is adventurous. Grand and captivating. "Never Untold" is an album you really must listen to, not just once, but multiple times, and you will keep discovering new things. From the very first moment, you are hooked and you won't be able to put it down; that is how good it is. I highly recommend this; it will finish high in my annual top 100. Vicky and Steve have done everything to make this album a success, and I wholeheartedly wish them that success. All the hard work shines through. A must buy!