Dotma - Sleep Paralyses Review
by Matt Hensch
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I really don't entrance myself with female-fronted power metal very often, but I must say Dotma is one of the most exquisite creations to be found in this realm. "Sleep Paralyses" is essentially a power metal slew glazed in symphonic and gothic elements much like Epica or other female-fronted bands of this alcove, yet I'm inclined to suggest it is definitely on a higher level of substance via Dotma's bombastic approach that radiates the identity with dazzling atmospheres and instrumentality flowing with liquefied gold. Dotma seems to have an edge of mysticism and sanguinity that conjures a thought-provoking landscape filled with dark, mysterious elegancy worth much more than just a first-glance, even though some will opt to shun them based on the ambidextrous pulls they've infused into their debut.
As I already said, Dotma is a gothic/symphonic power metal band in the vein of Epica or Delain, but it would be totally ignorant to characterize the band on a lower-tier compared to their counterparts; in fact, I'm willing to say "Sleep Paralyses" proves they are infinitely better. Dotma plays a very complex alloy featuring mid-paced instrumentality stewed over atmospheric keys, usually tuned for symphonic or orchestral arrangements. Their songs, however, feature a truckload of snazzy riffs and patterns within this highly-atmospheric realm, which gives Dotma a lot space to stretch out and do their things. For example, the eleven-minute giant "Kingdom of the Sky" soars through a plethora of structures that aren't set on a cycle of repetition, and thus, Dotma is constantly displaying various interludes and formulations that are filling like a home-cooked meal. Also, the fast riffing throughout this album is vehemently complicated, and hearing the guitars rip and remain precise is truly a testament to this band's incredible ability. Johanna Lesonen's operatic vocals fall into the group's equation quite marvelously as well, but Dotma just seems heartfelt and natural at what they do; a lot more red-blooded than what my hindsight detected.
More importantly, there's this quality in gothic/symphonic power metal called 'metal' that needs a little lovin' too. Dotma thankfully embraces their heritage instead of side-lining it for symphonic influence or whatever; surprisingly, it works to their advantage. Sure everything has its degree of importance, but Dotma unleashes the big guns when the songs ignite at a million miles an hour through slicing riffs and brisk percussion. "Reborn," for instance, never lets galloping riffs subside and welcomes a burning solo that could make Steve Vai piss himself. "The Cave" goes into this blissful passage where blazing tremolo leads and blast-beats intoxicate the symphonic bloodline with an uncharted amount of power, and is my favorite part of the album because of its unforgiving boldness. Without getting overtly-bloated with examples, the album is loaded with real, 100% natural m-e-t-a-l. Not the heaviest thing ever, but the steel flame is certainly alive and well within Dotma's chromosomes.
I'll be the first to admit my area of interest does not revolve around gothic-inspired power metal, but "Sleep Paralyses" rightfully indulges in the abstruse mix with a magnetic sense of purity through Dotma's exploding animation and willingness to forge an individualistic postulate. Dotma is not the most original band around, and some might call them a tad cheesy, but the album still has an excellent essence overall and sounds natural and filling, just like any power metal record should. Overall, Dotma shines brightly into the palpable brilliance that flows through "Sleep Paralyses" like an ocean's sunset, and the band's insurmountable bravery makes it one of the best debuts of 2011.
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Dotma - Sleep Paralyses Rating:8.7
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