Dendura - New Life

circus_brimstone · June 1st, 2006, 02:41 PM

Dendura – New Life
Self-Released – April 22nd, 2006
By Jason Jordan

Whereas Nile possess no traits that directly link them to Egyptian culture, other than a general affinity, the female vocalist of Dendura is actually part Egyptian. Falling somewhere between the angelic Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) and the demonic Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy), Aziza comes across as a compromise not unlike Kirkevaag of Madder Mortem. As forceful and aggressive as the lead vocals are, the music itself is keyboard-fueled prog, which walks the line separating rock and metal like a tightrope – attempting not to sway too heavily in either direction. Admittedly, for those of you who favor the clear-cut approach, this style is not this reviewer’s favorite.

Still, contrary to numerous unsigned bands, the creators of New Life have enjoyed a heap of positive feedback since forming a mere two years ago. In addition to various newspaper articles, the Michigan-based quartet has contributed to six movie soundtracks, with negotiations for a seventh pending. One featured song has been “I Have a Gun,” which, when examined alongside the others, is a bit out of place on an album that also carries song titles such as “I, Nephthys,” “Isis,” and “Mummified.” At first it might sound as if the beginning of “I Have a Gun” is the tip of a symphonic black metal iceberg, but prog rock/metal is really all you’ll be colliding with. In fact, most of the 36-minute, middle-paced New Life has about as much bite as a toothless hobo – the pressure still inflicts pain, though the end result is less excruciating. However, Dendura’s songs are quite focused, if not overwhelmingly determined to reach their respective destinations, plus the fact that their lyrics complement the horror genre has evidently bolstered, or perhaps even triggered, their success. But – and the following applies to myriad unsigned bands – their output could use better production and tighter musicianship.

4.5/10

UM’s Review Rating Scale

UM’s Unsigned Spotlight with Dendura
Official Dendura Website

BrandonS · June 1st, 2006, 02:50 PM

OOoohh burrnn... They've worked for soundtracks? Sounds cool.

Dendura · June 1st, 2006, 03:44 PM

I am happy we got a review from Jason who at least took the time to listen to it constructively ... some people don't even write about the lyrics, sounds and elements into a review like Jason did. You can tell he took his time. Thank you for the article too. My words were completly accurate! We will be sure to send Jason our EP this coming Winter. Aziza

Zack · June 1st, 2006, 06:49 PM

^Ok is there sarcasm I'm missing here?

BrandonS · June 1st, 2006, 08:26 PM

Hmmm I read that earlier today and I didn't realize if it had been sarcastic or not. All I can say is, it's good to see the group has such integrity as to come in and peacefully reply to the review... if it had been a review for my band like that with such a low score, yeah, I'd be pissed. But these guys weren't - I don't think - so much respect for that. I'm not implying any sarcasm here and I'm not sure if they were but for the most part, I don't think so. I might check them out and see if I like them... like I said before, they did music for soundtracks... sounds cool to me. Might have to hear some of it.

Zack · June 1st, 2006, 09:11 PM

Well the reason I said that is because he said Jason talked about lyrics, which I don't think he did. Maybe I'm missing something... Anyway, any publicity is good publicity because I wanna check these guys out now.

BrandonS · June 2nd, 2006, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

plus the fact that their lyrics complement the horror genre has evidently bolstered, or perhaps even triggered, their success.

That's enough info about the lyrics for me. ^_^
I'm gonna check them out too, yeps.
I've been pretty lazy and busy lately though.

Dendura · June 2nd, 2006, 08:43 AM

Hey guys,
No it's not sarcasm at all. I am complimenting Jason for having his honest opinion and I can tell he read the lyrics (because he could tell they were written about horror stories, self empowerment, and Egytian mythology & history), our articles etc. I am not pissed at all. There are some good things in there. I even posted it in our band forum. It's all about personal taste and if that's someones opinion, that rightfully is their opinion. He actually is a good writer and I appreciate someone who writes well and takes the time to actually listen. Believe me, there is music I don't like out there and I have that right to not like that just like he has that right too. We are in the wrong business if we take things to heart that much. This is a huge message forum and either way, we are happy for the extra exposure, like you said, any publicity really is good publicity. Thank you for the read and if we reach extra fans off here, then all the better. Here is the interview if you didn't see that yet. Everthing is word for word too. Dendura - Rock Like an Egyptian XOXO Aziza

Feeble_Screams · June 2nd, 2006, 01:21 PM

I have " new life " and I really like it. Dendura are a really good group. Its fine if you don't like their new album, but anybody whos reading this post and havn't heard it yet should really go and check it out!.

BrandonS · June 2nd, 2006, 02:52 PM

Heh cool, all of the members are sexy. Nice picture.

Checking out this interview.

June 6th, 2006, 11:18 AM

Dendura's album rocks!

Why do I say this?

Because when I got it, I had listened to it on repeat all the way home and for several days thereafter.
I especially like the first track, "I have a gun"
Very powerful.
All in all, listening to the vocal combined with the guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, it is a terrific combination the like I have never heard in music before. I mean the whole album is great!

Dendura is going places, thats for sure.

I also recommend track 7, "Shadowman"

You must listen! You must!

DO IT!