There must be a natural instinct to associate certain female fronted metal bands with the gothic genre. It could be the sultry nature of softer vocals with a European metal backing or it could be a primal need to slot bands into whatever genre makes you comfortable. Whatever the reason this crowded scene has seen somewhat of a revival of late with the likes of Delain, Sirenia and Epica all releasing fine albums which make similar releases of the last 5 years sound lazy or below par at the very least. Self confessed epic cinematic metallers Splintered Soul from Dartford in North Kent could have timed their comeback perfectly.

When Splintered Soul took to the stage at the Red Roar Festival back in 2009 it was obvious there was a long road slowly but surely unravelling in front of them. More than any other band that weekend they had this large, crashing sound of epic proportions that was maximised a year later at the Kent Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses final. On winning this final they went on to play the festival proper, after which things began to dissipate, eventually leaving founding guitarist Chris Frost as the only original member.

Fast forward to May 2011 and the mark 2 version of Splintered Soul are ready to present themselves to the world for the first time at Sound in Leicester Square, Central London. Such a mass of changes to the line-up could have meant this performance was one of stabilisation, a cautious step towards the world of gigging if you will, but the way the band glide through haunting opener 'Awakening' signifies anything but. It only takes several minutes for new singer Erica Mengod to not just establish herself in this new line-up but show off her powerful vocals which wrap themselves around the weighty 'Iceni's Vengeance', Chris Frost's hefty guitar sound making it impossible to ignore the rebirth of one of Kent’s best bands. Nik 'I'm in every band so deal with it' Sampson is turning out to be not only one of the most consistent guitarists but also one of the most versatile. When you consider he currently plays in a groove metallers (Zocalo), thrashers (Prolapse) and the more straight down the line European sounding Inner Fire this guest slot with Splintered Soul is even more impressive.

One reason the band have always had one foot hovering near the major league is their ability to weave wonderfully crafted tapestries of music like 'The Epic'. The track combines progressive passages with powerful metallic blasts and is an experience in itself, especially with Australian Sally Jo providing some valuable folk elements courtesy of her 6 string electric violin. Her position alongside diminutive singer Erica Mengod forms a powerful dual female focal point which greets the rapidly growing crowd in front of them.

Band favourite 'Cambyses' with its Egyptian theme gives the set its spine, drummer James Burrows using his Portnoy-esque drum technique perfectly to underpin a track that sounds like a film score that could be used in any epic Hollywood movie released in the next 5 years. The twin guitars combine with the bass of Andrew Penders to create a menacing rumbling resonance that continues to drive the band onwards and upwards into new track 'Hate Crime' and the soaring encore of 'Oblivion', its outstanding chorus alone worth the price of entry.

Tonight Splintered Soul have done more than make a return to the live arena. Alongside The Mariana Hollow, Splintered Soul have shown they are the best up and coming female fronted band in the UK, showcasing a refreshing brand of cinematic metal which will leave the likes of Pythia looking over their shoulders and with a debut album due out later in the year 2011 could be well and truly splintered.

Photo courtesy of Martin Hobby Photography