In Strict Confidence- Holy (Review 2)

Artist: In Strict Confidence
CD Title: "Holy"
Label: Metropolis
Reviewer: Julie Johnson
Date: 2/16/04

In Strict Confidence’s latest assault “Holy” has this heavy quality about it. What is really attractive about the CD is how the songs tend to start off with many manipulating beats and edgy melodies before the harder industrial sounds take off. Many of the tracks throughout “Holy” have a thick atmosphere within the catchy melodies. The vocals are growling and strong that bring out the big sound of this album. “Seven Lifes” is a good example with driving dark beats, and crunchy vocals that take flight during the pounding and thick chorus. One of the musically highlights would also include the more metal guitars during this track. “Closing Eyes”, has an interesting mix of both male and female vocals with adds to the beauty of the overall flow of the razors sharp music. This is one of the stronger tracks on the CD. “Hert Me” was much a slower tempo song that had a passion and warmth. It had a nice downward development. This track also added to the darkness that this CD really has built within. “Another Night” brings out more of the metal guitar to make this a thunderous track. Within this track you can hear more of this heaviness I talked about earlier and I believe this could be the influence of such bands as Paradise Lost, and Love Like Blood. As much as I liked this track, I felt it lacked that intense melody, both musically and vocally. The next big song for this CD would be “The Darkest Corridor” that pulled everything together, good melodies, and vocals. After listening to the CD I feel “Holy” has many good qualities but also has some weaknesses. These weaknesses don’t hinder the overall musical experience but are there.