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Artist: Mariangela Demurtas
Album title: Dark Ability
Release date: 11 February 2022
Label: Self-Released
Genre: Dark Pop, Alternative
Tracklist:
01. Cities
02. Classic
03. Crossing Time
04. Forgiverance
The Mediterranian muse Mariangela Demurtas, who came to prominence in 2007, when she joined the legendary gothic metal act Tristania as one of their lead singers, does not rest. Apart from being an important figure in Tristania, which has been on some sort of hiatus for almost a decade, she is also the creative force behind alternative goth-like ensemble Ardours and has now released her first solo EP, entitled Dark Ability. Moreover, some may have come across her work as she collaborated with many great names in the metal scene, such as Moonspell, Orphaned Land and DarkTranquility. If you were to think Dark Ability will follow this dark and heavy path, you are in for a surprise, because this time she is presenting us with a set of highly enjoyable and mellifluous soundscapes, rooted in dark pop.
Dark Ability is a short, yet deluxe ride through a melodic, etheric and emotionally charged set of tunes, filled with passion and devotion. There is a red line connecting all four tracks and it feels as all the tracks are juxtaposed to create a play between light and dark. "Cities" and "Crossing Time" are two very radio-friendly, catchy, light-weight tracks; nothing is overdone, yet Mariangela still manages to display her expressive vocal abilities through it. While those songs will stick to your mind and create a very breezy momentum, they are overshadowed by two tremendous works of art - "Classic" and "Forgiverance". Those songs play a much darker and personal note on the album. As the stellar work of the album I have to put "Forgiverance" on a pedestal – the grand finish of the album strikes a raw nerve. The song, as minimalistic as it is instrumentally-wise, is possibly one of the best works Mariangela has ever done, as you can hear her pour her heart and soul into her vocals and intertwining herself with the music from the first to the last second of it. I cannot help but get a The Gathering vibe from "Forgiverance", as it sends shivers down your spine. Its slightly tensive ardent and beautiful melancholy is simply astonishing, as it depicts a wide array of crestfallen emotions.
I can say Dark Ability, being a complete work as it is, is merely a teaser of what more is yet to come. The EP is a wonderful presentation of Mariangela's musical vastness; she simply does not stop and refuses to be pinned down to only one genre. If anything, now is the time for the world to recognize, Mariangela Demurtas is not only Tristania's lead singer; she needs to be apprehended as a wonderful, talented and dedicated musician, capable of great diversity, who seems to be on a massive creative journey at the moment. I surely hope, she will ride that wave furthermore, as I am eager for hearing more.
The review was written by Ines
Rating: 8,0/10
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