An ageless, timeless
feel to the plight of the Watcher Angels
Flames
Rising
This is a remarkable debut!
Side-Line
Magazine
Dead Can Dance, Loreena McKennitt, Kari Rueslatten come
to mind showing that Michelle is an extremely talented singer.
One of the most climatic albums of the year.
Music
Extreme
In the past, noted author and gothic personality Michelle Belanger
has utilized her beautiful operatic voice to perform as a guest
vocalist for the bands Nox Arcana and Urn. Now, with the release
of her debut solo album Blood of Angels, Michelle steps
into the spotlight, re-teaming with Joseph Vargo and William
Piotrowski to create an eclectic assortment of dark melodies
and moving ballads. Belanger’s ethereal vocals blend with piano,
harpsichord and violins to produce haunting works. The mystical
invocations of "Ella Sheena" are complimented by hypnotic Middle-Eastern
rhythms reminiscent of Dead Can Dance. The title track, "Blood
of Angels" is a powerfully orchestrated epic with an ominous
choirs of layered chanting that features Belanger’s amazing
four-octave range, while the final track offers a seductive
and catchy dance mix of the Enochian opus "Children of Heaven."
Blood of Angels is a captivating debut that allows Belanger
to spread her musical wings and take flight through the darkened
heavens.
Camille Ambrose, Dark Realms
Michelle Belanger is a consummate artist, she's an accomplished author best known for her writing in the book, Psychic Vampire Codex, and she's also one of the founders of the House Of Kheperu, so I'm not surprised to see her doing well in music. On her newest release, Blood of Angels, Belanger seemingly goes for it all in tapping the legendary Goth masterminds Nox Arcana to paint the tapestry to her lyrics.
Lyrically, Blood of Angels speaks multitudes of mythology and ancient folklore as it's written entirely about the Watcher Angels who left heaven for mortal love. Each of the nine tracks is a journey through the eyes of forbidden lovers who fear nothing except not knowing true love. It's a spinetingling thrillride that opens the doors of the darkest desires of man and angels. Outside of all these enchanting lyrics, Nox Arcana weaves a luxurious soundscape in which one can become lost for all of eternity. Belanger's vocals are extravagant, she has a beautiful Soprano voice that could only be compared with artists like Loreena Mckennitt and Enya.
If you're looking to venture into a disc that has a fabulous storyline and incredible musicianship, Blood of Angels is an excellent choice. With this disc you get the best of both worlds, as it could be passed off as a New Age release as well as a Gothic Masterpiece.
Black Angel Productions