BENEDICTUM / DOMINION (2011)

Benedictum was formed originally as Bound by vocalist Veronica Freeman and guitarist Pete Wells in San Diego, California in 2005. The two founding members were previously in the band known as Malady for over ten years. Freeman and Wells recruited the drummer Blackie Sanchez and keyboardist Chris Morgan. After the addition of Sanchez and Morgan, the group produced a three-track demo with the aid of producer Jeff Pilson, who also contributed playing bass guitar. In late 2005, they signed a record deal with US label Locomotive Records.

After signing with Locomotive Records, Benedictum entered in the studio to record their debut album with production by Jeff Pilson and mixing by Pilson and Tommy Henriksen. The band recorded eleven songs including two Black Sabbath′s covers for "Heaven and Hell" and "The Mob Rules". "Seasons of Tragedy" garnered more great reviews and were on many a list for top albums of 2008. Guest appearances again by Jeff Pilson, Craig Goldy and also George Lynch who added his special flare to the track Bare Bones and the cover of Accept’s "Balls to the Wall". Their driving music and energetic shows allowed Benedictum to grace the stage of many festivals including Wacken, Gods of Metal, HRH and a tour with DORO.

So, nowadays Benedictum are back with a new contract, Frontiers Records, a new effort and they are ready to thunder us with their powerfull music and Veronica Freeman's amazing vocal lines! A more harder edged than in their previous works but, also, some progressive elements as well, "Dominion" will be among this year's top album! Pete Wells guitar work takes the band to a higher level with some really inspired solos and riffs! There are plenty of great tracks in this release, such as "Beautiful Pain", "Grind It" and "Bang" that are simply brilliant tunes!

All in all this is an excellent metal album with attitude and some really good performances! Well done!
HeavyParadise's Rating : 7,5 / 10

TRACK LIST : Dominion , At the Gates , Seer , Grind it , Prodigal Son , The Shadowlands , Beautiful Pain , Dark Heart , Bang , Loud Silence , Epsilon , Sanctuary (bonus track) , Overture/Temples of Syrinx (bonus track)