Album Review: Souls of Diotima - Janas
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Hailing from Sardinia, Souls of Diotima is a four-piece symphonic metal band who have been active since 2004. ‘Janas’ is their fourth full-length and it’s a bit good. Whilst I rarely find symphonic metal bands hit the right spot, Souls of Diotima possess more grit than some of the bigger, better-known outfits on the scene. They can rock out with the best of them and in vocalist Claudia Barsi they have a secret weapon. Boy can she sing and with a range that matches anyone else active now.
‘Janas’ is the follow up to 2016’s ‘The Sorceress Reveals … Atlantis’. Thematically it continues the concept started on that release, telling stories and legends of the band’s home country, something which Sardinia is apparently particularly rich in. There is rarely a moment when the attention drops off 100% throughout this album. It’s bookended by first single ‘The Black Mask’ and closing anthem ‘Sherden’ which envelope a further eight tracks, all of which provide variety and dramatic delivery.
‘The Black Mask’ refers to a well-known figure in Sardinia, the Mamuthones, a creature with a black mask who dresses in fur with heavy cowbells on its back. Together with twelve other similar creatures, it jumps rhythmically, sounding its bells to warn of its passage. This characteristic dance, often perceived as a little macabre, is reproduced in several parts of the song. Something etched into memory from childhood, it’s the ideal opener with the synthesiser intro, thumping drums and heavy crushing riffs that soon take centre stage, allowing Barsi to open the pipes and demonstrate her quality.
Having spoken to Claudia recently, she confirmed that the band had stripped back their sound from previous albums. I’m slowly working my way through the back catalogue but what I can confirm is that ‘Janas’ works on every level. There are heads down rockers like the thunderous ‘My Roots’ with it’s electro beat and jagged riff, Barsi’s rapid fire delivery echoing the mighty Doro Pesch, the pulsating power of the title track, complete with a layered approach and some addictive hooks that sink deep and the hard rock of ‘Mediterranean Lane’, complete with a liberal dose of industrial synths that provide a hard edge. This is balanced with some calmer moments, such as the ballad ‘The Princess of Navarra’ and the Eurovision pomp of ‘Ichnos Superhero’, a song that is likely to get live audiences jumping up and down with sheer joy.
Souls of Diotima combine driving heavy metal with symphonic and progressive elements to deliver a really engaging sound that blends the Northern European influences with the band’s roots in the Mediterranean. Every track provides something different, including delicious melodies and sparkling guitar work. It all adds up to one special album which will hopefully get the band some well-deserved recognition.
In case you missed it, check out our interview with Claudia here.
