Lindsay Schoolcraft found fame with Cradle of Filth as backing vocalist and keyboardist, but in case you missed it, she has a solo career as a singer/songwriter, pianist and harpist. Lindsay Schoolcraft’s new album Martyr has gorgeous lyrics and beautiful structure, here’s a brief overview of what to expect.
The first song “Savior” will be a hit with her previous fans and fans of goth-rock with an alluring piano introduction. Intensifying drumming follows, then an electro static sound transitions into heavy goth rock style guitar chords before softening with Lindsay’s vocals.
“Dangerous Games” and “Stranger” follow this trend before breaking into the catchy fourth track, “Into The Night”. Orchestral elements infused with piano and guitar, flowing with steady drum beats, this song is a stand out for me.
“Blood From A Stone” is darker producing a melancholy vibe. A lot more simple, vocals over piano, this song is softer, sorrowful and full of heart. Powerful and moving, the vocals and piano meld perfectly for a haunting experience.
“Dawn” is the shortest track, featuring an atmospheric, near instrumental piece before moving on to “Remember” which mixes the orchestral with a touch of the initial goth rock vibe. A dynamic blend of sounds creates a surreal atmosphere
The heaviest track, “See The Light” brings an industrial metal edge featuring guest male growls and would probably be the best for a Metalhead to start with.
“Where I Fall”, an Evanescence influenced song, not a surprise with Lindsay’s known love of the band, even sporting a tattoo in support. This shows through in many of the tracks and much of her work in general so definitely worth checking out if you’re into female fronted gothic rock and metal bands.
“My Way Without You” softens again, more delicate sounds with dominating vocals touching on similar themes from previous songs, it carries the story of the album through a flux of highs and lows creating an intense musical journey telling a tale of love, heartbreak, loss and the journey to coming back to the self.
Ending with “Lullaby” an eerie, poetic piece that seems more dramatic and nightmarish rather than the gentle song to slumber as the title suggests. Orchestral and industrial elements mix creating a different atmosphere from the majority of the album.
Overall a worthy album for fans of clean vocals and goth rock with a slight metal edge and neo-classic orchestral undertone. Most Cradle of Filth fans probably will not appreciate Lindsay’s solo work, but if you are not genre bound, definitely worth a listen for something different.
TRACKLIST
Saviour
Dangerous Game
Stranger
Into The Night
Blood From A Stone
Dawn
Remember
See The Light
Where I Fall
My Way Without You
Lullaby
