REVIEW ~ EXIT EDEN ~ 'FEMME FATALES'

When Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis), Anna Brunner (League of Distortion), Marina La Torraca (Phantom Elite) and Amanda Somerville came together to form Exit Eden in 2017, they knew it was something special. Their debut Rhapsodies in Black was well received, with the album entering the German album charts at #15 and a mesmerizing appearance at the legendary Wacken Open Air Festival.

It’s been nearly seven years since we’ve seen the unbridled power of this supergroup. Several obstacles were in the way: the COVID-19 pandemic, band obligations, and the departure of Sommerville. However, The queens of symphonic metal are back and stronger than ever with Femmes Fatales.

Exit Eden’s new masterpiece refers to the “femme fatale” as a symbol of women taking control of their own narratives with autonomy, intelligence, and independence and finding back the pure feminine energy in the world. The album offers six all-original songs and six cover tracks that fuse symphonic heaviness and pop music with style, grace, and female empowerment.

The cover tracks include “It’s a Sin” (Pet Shop Boys), “Desanchantée” (Mylène Farmer), “Poison” (Alice Cooper), and “Alone” (Heart). Exit Eden re-arranged these songs into stunning rock/symphonic metal masterpieces. “Separate Ways” (Journey) and “Kayleigh” (Marilion) are surprise standouts.

The six original songs were gorgeously composed by Anna Brunner and Hannes Braun (Kissin’ Dynamite) with one exception (“Dying in my Dreams”, co-written by Marina La Torraca). “Femme Fatale”, the lead-off track, launches the listener into a musical landscape with force and “Run!” features a folky vibe with the brilliant guest appearance of Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish).

Femmes Fatales was recorded, produced, and mixed by Braun, while Jacob Hansen (Delain, Amaranthe, Volbeat, Destruction) was responsible for mastering respectively. Every track is lush, intense, and proves this trio packs a punch. When three of the most beautiful and talented women in metal unite as one, it’s something special. Let’s hope they continue recording albums, but without such a long wait next time!