Dutch guitarist Eveline van Kampen is a conservatory graduate (jazz & pop)
and subesequently gathered a band around her to shape her musical ideas.
The musicak style of Illumion can be called symphonic, progressive rock, with
references to, amongst others, Fates Warning and Marillion. The band often
plays with dynamics, layers and atmosphere, and obviously tries to find
their own way within the genre.
Eveline showcases her able guitarplaying but also allows plenty of space
for vocalist Esther Ladiges (Ayreon, Ixion, Unicorn). Van kampen is a good
and an atypical singer (although she does sings a lot in the same sort of way),
that gets her influencesfrom the likes of Kate Bush, Dalbello and Lorena McKennitt.
Especially the many layers of the vocallines are well worked out and Van Kampens
calm but aimed voicereally melts beautifully with the music.
'Hunting for significance' is certainly a grower, but I must remark that with a
better production/final mix (the balance between the instruments) the songs would shine more.
At any rate, Illumion is a band that does it their own way, and definitely has talent and growpotential.
Reviewer: Liselotte Hegt
Points: 76 out of 100