From the great white north, Montreal pianist, harpist, and singer Gaia Guarda releases her Anatomy of Fear. Paving and playing new steps in the neoclassical dark wave sound. Tip toeing and spicing together her favorite parts creating a distinguished sound off classical, haunting sophistication with shoes in the pop world and part hove in dark industrial.
The classically-trained artist has spent nearly a decade in metal bands, choosing to step outside the loud, headbanging genre focusing on more calm pursuits. Influenced by classical and electronic music Guarda self-learned the harp making it a worthy addition to her new anatomy.
Guarda received further help from the darkness with the black metal pedigree of fellow harpist’s Lindsay Schoolcraft guesting on “I Didn’t Break,” a special bonus tune sent to supporters.
Anatomy of Fear is part Evanescence/ Mediæval Bæbes in spirit and presence, part theatrical delivery and presentation of strings, part Clandestine recording, and part Celtic vibe, though the secret will soon be out of the bag.
Vocal spirits soar high around songs, with ethereal entities woven through the experience. Guarda’s voice is an instrument in itself.
The “Anatomy of Fear” begins with deep notes like a visceral musical fog. Her voice conjures pre-battle like music, pounding with classical, pop and electric influence.
The beginning buzz of “Cravings” echoes with cave-like vocal reflection. Eerie sounds dance on the surface, shimmering lake-like with shaking crystals influences by supernatural intents. Tranquil voices crash like waves, bringing lost souls from the sea to roam.
“Carefully Haunted” tip-toes like a hike through a tranquil resting cemetery, careful not to awaken sleeping spirits.
“Answer Me” is melodic, beautiful and subtle, while “At the Bottom” has a downwind vocal riff, a bit darker and breathy in delivery.
The lady haunting the depths gets her due on “Nothing’s Hiding in the Lake” with the coolest title on the album. Guarda walks on water with divine vocals with this breezy, ballroom dance number jazzed up with a little industrial fuel, classing up the joint.
Anatomy of Fear is a brilliant, auspicious debut, a 360 rear view turn from metal, showcasing Guarda’s talents on strings and mic. There’s enough classical nuance to attract those who would never venture near metal and enough industrial/pop feel to attract moshing ears.
