Beast Within is gothic metal, both bombastic and beautiful. The songs are a mix of upbeat, guitar driven music layered with keyboards and softer, mellower classical influenced tracks. It's a path that's been well worn by groups like Nightwish, Leaves Eyes and Within Temptation.
The band's vocalist and namesake is Katra Solopuro. She has a crystal clear soprano voice with a decent range and tone, but not a lot of power. She has an expressive delivery, but it would be nice to hear her belt it out more often.
Beast Within is technically sound and well produced, but it's just not very original. There are so many bands doing the exact same thing, and Katra's songs aren't memorable or catchy enough to differentiate themselves from the female fronted gothic metal crowd.
(released September 9, 2008 on Napalm Records)
