Earlier this year, I positively reviewed Israeli-based group Orphaned Land's sixth LP, Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs, which reignited my interest in heavy acts from the other side of the globe. While there certainly plenty of other worthy and mentionable international artists, it was Orphaned Land's use of Middle Eastern instrumentation and delicate sense of melody that truly caught my eye. Although the following band is a decent flight over Turkey and the Black Sea from Israel, their unique approach to metal reminded me of how effective Orphaned Land was able to craft impactful, dynamic music.
Ignea is a Ukrainian band consisting of Helle Bogdanova (vocals), Evgeny Zhytnyuk (keys, vocals), Xander Kamyshin (bass), Dmitriy Vinnichenko (guitar), and Ivan Kholmogorov (drums). Last year, they released their debut LP, The Sign of Faith, which solidified them as oriental fusion metallers not to mess with. A year later, the group continues such badassery with the "Queen Dies" single.
If you're into experimental symphonic and progressive metal, definitely check out the music video below. I'm now an instant fan considering "Queen Dies" is as beautifully anthemic and melodically enticing as it is crushingly heavy. The clean vocals harmonize so smoothly and then you are blindsided with punishing growls and riffs galore.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KMqB1tTruo][/youtube]
