To Hell And Back Arizona

To Hell And Back

Sinergy

Nuclear Blast Records, 2000

REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/16/2000

When is a death metal band not a death metal band?

I couldn't help thinking about this question as I listened to To Hell And Back, the latest release from Kimberly Goss andSinergy. There is no doubt that this group has many of the messages(albeit toned down) that so many of their fellow bands layer ontotheir albums. But with Goss's vocal delivery, it's sometimes hardto see this as being such doom-and-gloom material.

I realize that, this early in the review, it may sound like I'msaying that women shouldn't sing for death metal bands. I'm notsaying this; save your angry e-mails. Besides, there are plenty ofinstances on To Hell And Back where Goss easily could put a chill downanyone's spine with her delivery. The opening track alone, "TheBitch Is Back" (no, not a cover of the Elton John song), is ampleproof of this.

Yet Goss's delivery often comes across as being a little light -think Alannah Myles fronting a metal band, and that's occasionallythe impact Goss has on me. She's an incredible singer, no doubtabout it, yet I question whether her vocals are the right fit forthe band. (They ought to be; she formed the group.)