Undoubtedly Anneke Van Giersbergen is one of the most beloved female vocalists and she finally returns to fully embrace a heavier progressive metal approach, joined by talented musicians, in the new music endeavor Vuur. The brand new debut album “In This Moment We Are Free – Cities” showcases a prog oriented complexity that inevitably becomes more unique due to Anneke’s passionate signature vocal delivery.
“My Champion – Berlin” opens the album with vibrant guitar melodies over strong layered modern prog metal riffing and eclectic tempo variations. The main music core is filled with crunchy heavy guitar riffs that offer a cohesive support for Anneke’s melancholic yet radiant vocal performance.
“Time – Rotterdam” offers monolithic guitar riffs amplifying the darker & heavier side of Vuur but the whole impeccable instrumentation is always ready to allow Anneke’s fascinating vocal prowess to become the center of attention. Towards the end of the song, Anneke’s vocals acquire a sincerely introspective depth within soft emotional arpeggios swiftly followed by an absolutely entertaining sharp guitar solo.
On “The Fire – San Francisco” guitars acquire warm tonalities delivering gentle sorrowful melodies always enhanced by Anneke’s voice that becomes rather haunting during the mellow moments and throughout the song effortlessly embodies different moods and styles.
“Days Go By – London” showcases mature & complex musicianship as guitars lead the way with remarkable shredded melodies often bearing darkened vibes even when engaged in frenetic acrobatic rhythms while Anneke delivers impressive multifaceted vocals that range from solemn high tonalities to softer dramatic delivery.
“Your Glorious Light Will Shine – Helsinki” is characterized by a colder melodic approach with loads of loveable gloomy guitar melodies that will reach a dazzling acme with an excellent guitar solo. Anneke’s ethereal voice passionately follows the darker instrumental intensity and the layered harmonizing backing vocals contribute to further embellish the rich atmospheric textures.
With a Middle Eastern style “Save Me – Istanbul” features pleasant melodic guitar progressions steadily entwined with heavier fiery guitar riffs. Through a maze of complex tempo changes Anneke flawlessly matches the exotic mood consistently harmonizing with powerful luminous vocals that, once again, display a striking vocal range.
Crafted as a majestic hymn to freedom “In This Moment We Are Free – Cities” hopefully marks the beginning of a long music journey since Anneke, just like in previous unforgettable projects, with ex novo enthusiasm and a genuine search for diverse creative outlets truly shines in her rightful role of band vocalist.