The Hillinoise – My Sleeping Butterfly (2015)

Arriving from Italy, today we have newcomers The Hillinoise and their superbly enjoyable EP “My Sleeping Butterfly”. Fusing elements from bands like The Gathering, The 3rd and the Mortal, early Xandria and even some Slowdive influences, the band delivers three excellent tracks filled with melancholy.

The release starts with the mellow “Lighter”, a very melancholic piece that has some touches of early The Gathering meets Sylvaine. The vocals of Dana Stefanelli are quite innocent sounding, giving the music that certain sense of bleakness that we greatly appreciate. However, it is the pulsating bass guitar line that shines though out the release, in particular “Nymphetamine”.

Creating a very minimalist and ‘alternative’ vibe in their music, it is quite impressive that the band captures the listener’s attention from the first moment to the last in this EP. Saving the best for last, the playful “Sleeping Beauty” closes down this release with a nice Proggy/Jazzy edge to it. If you like the more alternative side of bands like Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, and early Xandia, look no further and pick up this excellent little gem.

Label: Club Inferno Entertainment

Release: June 18th, 2015

Genre: Alternative/Progressive Gothic Rock

Country: Italy