Obliveon (Germany) - 9/10
Yes, there is metal in Taiwan! And what kind of metal! It`s really true guys, this album is absolutely great! Seraphim is a five-piece from this little island near China and if you have prejudices against bands from asia or prefer dull black metal or brainless pop music you should stop reading now. But if you like Nightwish you should invest 8 Euro and order this phenomenal piece of art from the homepage of the band / the label.

Why Nightwish? Because Seraphim also play kind of an orchestral melodic power metal and - like the finnish band - have a studied vocalist with female fronter Pay. The parallels are really amazing! Listening to most of the 13 tracks you think: "Wow, this could also be a song from Nightwish." But Seraphim is far from being a rip off, cause otherwise there are too many differences. For my ears Tarjas voice is a little bit more accent (don`t know if this is the right word in english???), but this could may be also depend on the language since Seraphim / Pay sing(s) in English.

But since "Ai" is the third release by this taiwanese band, the other two CDs have been available in english versions after a few months (as a license from spanish Arise-Label). As I do not know the first two albums - neither the original chinese versions nor the english ones - (which I will change as soon as possible), I can`t tell you more about the possible difference concerning the vocals. But I would like to add, that you won`t regret buying the chinese version. It just sounds great!

Second important difference is that Nightwish are very keyboard-orianteted while at Seraphim the guitarist Kessier writes all music. In that way the guitars dominate the sound more and most of the stuff sounds heavier and a bit less bombastic compared to Nightwish. Seraphims sound could best described as orchestral speed metal. By the way, it`s absolutely fantastic what Kessier plays on this album, always supported by Lucas on the second guitar. But we`re not talking about ego-trips. The guitars are always supporting the songs. I also want to name drummer Simon. You can definetly hear his studies on the MI in LA.

He is one of the really great drummers. Another difference brings basser Jax who is not only responsable for the lower tones but also for the sometimes thrown-in black metal vocals. You think that doesn`t fit? But it does! Sounds very interesting und brings a different note to the music. And we are not talking about the typical gothic-play between elves and evil. The one who do not orders this excellent CD (great coverartwork, multicolour-booklet with photos and lyrics in chinese and english) for only 8 Euro plus shipping/handling (the first two albums for 9 Euro/chinese and 7 Euro/english each) at www.magnum.com.tw/seraphim/ENGLISH/SHOP/Shop.htm

isn`t allowed to name itself metal-fan any longer and has to listen to Hammerfall for all times. Nine very fat points. (Ten points I am keeping for the next Seraphim-album or maybe the english version.)
www.magnum.com.tw/seraphim