Metal Underground.com

With their excellent "A New Horizon," the Shiver will give you goosebumps. It's fine female-fronted alt-metal that has an edge that pushes it beyond the Evanescence imitators that have sprung up lately.

Not to belabor the comparison to Evanescence too much, but let's just say that if you like Amy Lee's voice, you'll find much to love in Shiver singer/composer Faith's powerful vocals. She's joined by Francesco Finch Russo on drums, while producer Alessandro Paolucci plays bass and Stefano Tocci plays the guitar parts. There are also numerous keyboards, orchestral sounds and electronic elements, which actually complement songs like "The Fragile Sound" rather than competing too much with the other conventional "metal" instruments.

The best thing about the album is its sense of restraint. Yes, Faith can let loose with a soaring vocal line in the choruses, but equal effort and emphasis is given to the verses on songs like "Nothing Left To Waste," an aggressive number in which Faith lets loose with a couple death metal shrieks.

Yes, you'll find balladry here, such as the quiet "Through This Cold Winter," and once again, pleasant restraint is the order of the day. Complemented mostly by quiet keyboards and guitars, Faith's vocals are delivered, at times, in a near-whisper, until she cuts loose at the end.

And, lest you think it's going to be all-symphonic-all-the-time, I'll point you to "Answers," with its speedy, aggressive riff, screaming background vocals and powerful drum line. Sure, you'll also find a melodic piano floating around, but that adds a pleasant contrast.

On the down side, there are a few times when the album gets repetitive in the sense of songs starting light and then getting heavy. "Answers" and "The Fragile Sound" both begin with gentle piano before revving up considerably. Still, that's a pretty minor quibble.

This is an excellent album, offering a variety of sounds. If you're looking for a mix of melody and ass-kicking riffs, as well as one of the best female voices in metal, set your compass for the Shiver's "A New Horizon."