Coronatus
Secrets of Nature

This is the seventh Coronatus album that we review here at Hallowed, and we have interviewed the band several times as well. That would probably mean that they have to be considered one of the favourite bands for us, some albums have gotten some raving reviews as well. Their latest album Raben im Herz was released in December 2015 and now two years later they seem to unveil the secrets of nature. The line up has changed, which is usual for this band now they have an additional soprano voice to add to Carmen and the rock vocals of Maike, some male vocals and all of that. Yrlund remains as the cover makes and this cover looks a lot better than the previous, it would be great as a vinyl version.

Stylewise anyone who knows their previous works will recognise what they get to hear on this album. Symphonic/gothic metal, with soprano vocalis, with female rock vocals, with male vocals, with classical undertones and they end with a traditional song sung in Swedish. That ending is probably the only thing that sets this album apart from what they have done before, there are no surprises here and in large I think the album is a bit predictable. But the production is good, the sound and the vocals work quite well and perhaps the familiarity will go down well with the fans. The album is relatively varied within their style and the nine tracks have a playing time of around 45 minutes, which feels quite alright. The digipak CD comes with an additional CD with all the tracks as orchestral versions, which feels a little bit excessive.

It starts really well with Howling Wind; a track that I think illustrates the band really well and shows them at their best. Herr Mannelig that ends the album is the other track that really stands out on the album, the best one and the most interesting one in my opinion. So it ends and starts well, what’s in between is less interesting I think – I would claim that those tracks are a tad uninteresting to be honest but they are still quite good and probably holds the album together in a way. Personally I mostly return to the ending song as it is the one that feels most interesting, and one that doesn’t sound like something they have done before.

Those who like Coronatus’ earlier works will find this album appealing, so if you are one of them I recommend this album for you. It has its highlights but to me it isn’t one of the best albums by Coronatus and I would rather recommend one of their earlier albums if you want the better stuff. And though it is good, don’t expect to find any secrets of nature revealed in the lyrics or the artwork.

HHHHHHH