Sirenia - Perils of the Deep Blue (2013)

After a somewhat disappointing, yet still not bad release in 2011, Sirenia have returned with what is their most ambitious album to date. Incorporating classical/power metal elements is just what the band needed to kick them out of their slump. Songs like "Seven Widows Weep," "My Destiny Coming to Pass," and "The Funeral March" are some of the best songs they've ever written. Ailyn really shines on this album pushing her voice into the operatic realm and doing an ace job at it. The growls fit perfectly and really enhance the melodramatic quality of the music. There's lots of really good, heavy, dark riffs here as on previous records and most of this album actually is still gothic. While some may consider it good that they've kept much of their old sound on this album, I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't as bold a leap as I was expecting. That said, even the more old-sounding songs on this record are still very good. If they continue in this direction on their next album, they might even rival the mighty Nightwish or Epica.
9.25/10