MaYaNDhyana

In their first two offerings, Quarterpast and Antagonise, Dutch outfit MaYaN attempted to gel death metal with symphonic metal, coupling the soaring cries of female vocals with Epica harsh vocalist and MaYan founding member Mark Jansen’s hellish cries, wrapping up rabid guitars and colossal drums into a well-intended gift.

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And though Jansen’s beloved side project may have begun with best intentions for a glorious hybrid of these two sounds, the marriage wasn’t successful—until the birth of Dhyana.

Dhyana’s makeup includes a sensational lineup of Epica drummer Arien van Weesenbeek, vocalist Marcela Bovio and George Oosthoek of Orphanage to name but a few, but the real star of this show is the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

MaYaN have, since their inception, proven to be a unique blend of all that is right in metal’s subgenres and with Dhyana, they’ve not just raised the bar …

This combination works as well as chocolate in cake, the classical musicians offering a delightful density to the otherworldly performances of the alternative musicians. Inspired by a mutual love of film music within the band, Dhyana is a cinematic experience in its own right, tracks like The Rhythm Of Freedom establishing suspense, the haunting softness offered by the title track establishing some sort of twisted romance in the saga, choral runs running throughout the album adding to dramatic intent.

MaYaN have, since their inception, proven to be a unique blend of all that is right in metal’s subgenres and with Dhyana, they’ve not just raised the bar (and hit it) for themselves, but for anyone who dares follow in their wake.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Tornado Of Thoughts (I Don’t Think Therefore I Am), Satori, The Flaming Rage Of God
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Epica, Xandria, Nightwish