UNSUN
– Clinic for Dolls
Mystic Production
I must have sinned a lot lately, because I keep
finding myself reviewing gothic metal releases with female singers. I don’t
have anything against female vocalists—especially those who sing traditional
metal; they usually have more guts than many of their male counterparts. But
the gothic/symphonic branch of female-fronted metal is another story
altogether.
If someone says that modern gothic metal lies
somewhere between the latest Nightwish releases and Evanescence, it would be
hard to disagree. Poland’s UNSUN follow that formula very closely. The band
features a good-looking singer with a soft, pleasant voice, supported by
distorted guitars that rely heavily on rhythm patterns reminiscent of late-era
Nightwish and Evanescence. Add a polished, very clean production with a strong
pop sensibility, and you have the complete package.
As a product, “Clinic for Dolls” is nearly flawless.
Everything is well arranged, professionally produced, and easily digestible.
However, I find it difficult to connect with the album’s attempt at emotional
depth. The atmosphere feels manufactured, presenting itself as dark and
dramatic while lacking the authenticity that makes this style truly compelling.
In fact, listening to releases like this often gives
the impression that they come from the same production line: similar sound,
similar aesthetics, different band names. Albums like “Clinic for Dolls” tend
to remain in rotation only until the next band with a comparable style releases
something new.
Still, credit where it’s due—the singer’s performance
is solid and undeniably charming, which ultimately pushes my rating slightly
above the halfway mark.
Nick Parastatidis
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