★ Review of DEVA "Between Life And Dreams" at Ravenheart Music (UK) by Philip Wooldridge • 9/10 ★

"WHEN METAL GOES OPERA..."

Beautiful Beatrice Palumbo, a bona fide, classically trained opera diva, and guitarist/composer Federico Salerno created the concept behind Deva, to forge a unique union between classical music and progressive metal, which would appeal to fans of artists as diverse as Nightwish (metal), Dream Theatre (prog), and Katherine Jenkins (female opera). The multifaceted songs swirl between soft and heavy, light and shade, with their influences coming from other bands that also have a classical element in their music. At their most gentle, Renaissance springs to mind, especially with the lovely Myriam Stallone’s John Camp like grunting bass, together with a touch of Kate Bush, while at their heaviest bands like Therion and Epica are reference points, but with more emphasis on the four musicians rather than orchestral bombast. Their more prog moments recall a heavier Yes, Focus and Genesis, with excellent soloing from Federico and synthesist Marco Castiglione, but thankfully no noodling. They also remind me at times of Streams of Passion, Edenbridge and in particular Diablo Swing Orchestra, but without the craziness and Beatrice’s voice is a lot softer and easier on the ear than Annlouice’s, who can get a bit shrill. They are not as heavy and technical as Dream Theatre, but that is the beauty of female fronted metal, the triumph of melody over muscle. It is unfair to pick out faves, all the songs have so much to commend them, but I will mention the sublime chorus of ‘Your Voice’, the Renaissance-esque opening and awesome climax of ‘Out in Fog’, the dreamy delicate ‘Fading From Here’ that gradually grows in power, I love it when a band gets into a groove and takes flight, and the incredible four part ‘Karma’ suite that is simply breathtaking. That the musicianship is top drawer is a given, I must also mention Thomas D’Alba’s skilled drumming, and the production by the band is equally impressive, everything superbly recorded and mixed with crystal clarity. There is so much packed into each song that this is a real grower, every listen revealing a fresh nuance. If you love your prog then I risk being trampled underfoot in the rush to get to http://www.self.it/ita/details.php?nb=8019991871577 to grab a copy, but I also recommend that everyone should head to www.myspace.com/infodeva to experience Deva for themselves. 9/10 (Reviewed by Phil).

★ Ravenheart Music