Amberian Dawn is yet another female fronted symphonic power metal band from Finland. But don't hold that against them because they have the quality and tenacity to stand the test against most of the competition in a genre where it is hard to stand out and be original, so don't expect a revolutionary release here.

'River of Tuoni' holds ten very strong compositions not that remote from genre icons like Nightwish and Within Temptation as well as some lesser known representatives like Krypteria and Sirenia. Front siren Heidi Parvainen has a classical trained background, and her style of singing makes one think of another well known Finnish vocalist.

Their style is straight ahead and powerful speed metal with great symphonic harmonies, not as technical as some of the competition and not as grandeur either. 'River of Tuoni' is a very accomplished and composite album with lot's of fast guitar harmonies, twin leads and keyboard and guitar duels that gives the album a good counterweight for the soprano singing of Heidi Parvainen, who delivers a very convincing performance on the entire album.

A very good debut album, a bit on the short side; only 36 minutes, but still an album with plenty to offer for genre fans, and is a mandatory buy if you are into this style and any of the above mentioned bands.