Far too little do women in our particular corner of music have a chance to properly shine in such a way that doesn’t just give them a platform, but really show us what they’re capable of in their entire capacity instead of in a single instance. There are more than a few bands out there throughout the different levels of the underground that have had their chance to really show us what they’re made of whether they come from the world of doom metal like with Promethean Misery or black metal like Myrkur with more successful names like Messa not easily forgotten, but it has got to be from within the realm of death metal that we see such representation of women taken to its greatest length in metal, especially when they’re at the helm on vocals. We could sit here and only concern names like Arch Enemy to just then leave the conversation there, but there is far more talent begging to be discussed with Moyra one of the latest to really bring something impressive to the table with its debut album.

Of the biggest issues I have with female vocalists in any section of metal other than their relatively small presence in the wide picture of it all, I absolutely cannot express how disappointed I feel when their talents are used as not much more than mere enhancers with virtually no dynamic range with it being too often that they’re used purely as a smooth voice for contrast and not much else. Thus, when we do get an example of someone really taking hold of the opportunity to the maximum it stands out to a magnificent degree such as what we see throughout the whole of Moyra’s debut album, “Omen”. A collection of twelve strong tracks that really take the concept and run with it, there is true undeniable potential with what Moyra has brought to the table here with it being not out of the question that they’re primed to take over a crowd in the world of death metal that may not quite be aware that this is very much the album they didn’t know they needed. There is more than enough of the melodic element to make the whole of “Omen” a hook-heavy piece that doesn’t know how to let the listener go for even a moment with it is the impressive range of everyone involved in the band’s sound that really sets this act apart from the rest in my experience. Just as capable of massive intensity just as much as soaring beauty, Moyra capitalizes where few bands in death metal dare to venture, but if there is one thing to take away from witnessing Moyra’s debut it’s that they aren’t scared for so much as a moment to seize the moment itself.

Even with an unexpected Lady Gaga cover, I cannot find myself looking upon all that has gone into “Omen” and feel as though any opportunity for excellence was dropped even in the slightest. With this being but the beginning for what Moyra is able to summon forth, I can only imagine what is to follow “Omen” with there being so much potential, dynamic range, and power within this creation that I am truly confident in saying that Moyra is a name we need to keep a close eye on from here on out.

LISTEN to “Omen” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Moyra on Facebook here.