Dominion is another mildly interesting but ultimately flat and flawed effort from power-packed vocalist
Veronica Freeman and company. As with their previous releases, the most compelling element by far is
Freeman's angry delivery. Newcomers would likely be surprised to find
Benedictum's singer is female. Her voice bears a similarity to
Ronnie James Dio's,
Geddy Lee's, and
Axl Rose's, with just a touch of
Grace Slick.
Freeman growls and admonishes with ferocious abandon, offering up blistering if goofy nuggets such as "I will not be broken on your wheel," "looks like a good day to die," and "I am the seer, see me." With subject matter focused on witchery, staffs of wisdom, and other hokum, the band unintentionally veer into
Spinal Tap territory. Sadly, the music that surrounds surrounds voice is forgettable, derivative metal fare, and
Chris Morgan's out-of-place keyboards further the artistic woes. Your average metal fan will likely scoff at the synths. With only
Freeman's delivery as a point of interest, and the songwriting, playing, and awkward themes lacking bite and artistry,
Dominion is a mostly amateurish, juvenile affair.