Search - Heavenly :: Sign of the Winner

Melodious Epic Power Metal From France!

Mr D. | Cave Creek, Az United States | 02/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For starters, I'd like to acknowledge that many [people] do not concur with my evaluation of this wonderful album. Or, should I say that although there are many [people] that see the merits of this album, there are almost an equal amount who have bashed this album to varying degrees. I like all sub-genres of Progressive Metal and what I like best about Epic Power Metal is that it seems to be the most uplifting of the sub-genres. I find it to be a pick me up. If I have to do some mindless task, I can throw on my discman, play a Heavenly, Secret Sphere, Thy Majestie or Freedom Call CD and voila, I'm a Dynamo. Epic Power Metal and Operatic Symphonic Metal (Therion) are my music styles of choice when I have work to do. Epic Power Metal is also very Melodious and Sign of the Winner is about the most Melodious album I've ever heard. It is a powerful and wonderfully executed musical experience, featuring, in addition to Ben Sotto on vocals, Maxence Pilo on drums, Fred Leclercq on Guitar, Pe Pelisson on bass, a very full and lush sound in the form of a backing orchestra and choir, plus numerous catchy hooks and a refrain interestingly woven through several of the compositions. Most of the songs are played at the normal power metal speed (not like Rhapsody's ulta speed but the slower user friendly speed) with some varying tempo and intensity. Lead singer, Ben Sotto does a credible job, though if Heavenly has a weakness, Ben does have trouble on some of the higher notes, which is not surprising considering the high pitch he sings in. Ben's voice is quite high, maybe a soprano but extremely pleasant and very compatible with the music. The songs of Sign of the Winner are consistently good with none being below four and a half and several at five stars. Standout songs If there are any, are: the instrumental introduction - "Break the Silence", "Destiny", "Sign of the Winner", "The World will be Better", "Angel" and "The Sandman", Similar Artists: Dark Moor, Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Thy Majestie, Rhapsody, Freedom Call, Secret Sphere, Dragonland, Edguy, Avantasia, Mob Rules, Supreme Majesty Conclusion Maybe it's because they're French that some reviewers bashed them! Maybe it's because they're French that they're music is so flowing and melodious! Maybe it's because they're French that they are so damn good! Maybe, just maybe, you would like them!"

Sign of the Winner

fenderboy123 | mercer island, wa United States | 09/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listen to what everyone else is saying here and go out and buy this album. If you are a fan of Helloween, Freedom Call, or Gamma Ray this would be perfect to add to your collection. The song The World Will Be Better is awesome and extremly melodic, the singer's voice is killer and the music is very fast. Don't do what I did and hold off on buying this album because no one had heard of them, go get it, you will have the melodies stuck in your head for days."

Heavenly could possibly be the best power metal band

Chad Brown | Richmond, VA, USA | 12/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sign of the Winner and Dust to Dust are both masterpieces. Ben Soto has one of the most diverse voices in power metal. The drums are very creative unlike some power metal. The song writing is interesting and there is not a bad song on the CD.



Get it now."