International Women Of Rock – Bannermans, Edinburgh 23rd August 2022 Gig Review

I had been looking forward to this show since it was first announced a couple of years ago, admittedly with a slightly different line up. I have to say this line up is a belter. 

On stage first were Carved, a dual vocalled (Laura Ginevra Tonarelli and Cristian Guzzon) symphonic death metal ensemble from Italy. They did a fine job opening for Edge Of Paradise and Temperance. A lovely blend of clean vocal from Laura combined with the grunts of Christian who were so well entwined it sounded like an old married couple having an argument.

Edge of Paradise were up next and I have to say I was genuinely excited to see this band live. After hearing their album The Unknown (released in 2021) this band had me hooked. Live, they were exceptional. Margaritas voice is really unique. A cross between Minnie Mouse on Helium and Cyndi Lauper. Their sound was massive, her voice outstanding and guitar sols to really melt your face.  They certainly whipped the crowd into a frenzy for Temperance. Edge Of Paradise are a band on the rise and well worth checking out.

The Temperance performance was something just that bit different and special. Sadly Alessia had voice problems so couldn’t perform. BUT instead of cancelling the show (like so many acts would’ve after losing a key members vocal) The band appeared as a four piece with Alessia’s parts being covered by main vocalist Michele and guitarist Marco. The boys did a fabulous job (helped by an iPad with the lyrics for Alessia’s bits) and had an absolute ball trying something different as Alessia watched the band perform from the audience for what must’ve been a surreal experience for her.

Although they did lose a little bit of the sparkle, they didn’t lose the magic. It just made it a very different listening experience. To hear the songs without the female vocal was odd but it was still a joy to hear them performed by 2 incredible vocalists. Marco doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a background vocal as it is but he showed his worth this night. Absolutely sublimeness. 

A spellbinding performance of the acapella Catch The Dream finished off their set with Marco leading the charge that was quite spellbinding. 

All three bands were astonishing and the combined talent of all Carved, Edge Of Paradise and Temperance is unrivalled in this genre. If you get a chance and either (or all) of the bands roll into your town/city, buy a ticket and watch.

A special mention needs to go to Stu Gordon of Bannermans  for providing a great front of house sound for all 3 bands, and of course to Mr. Kimmet. Without whom these shows wouldn’t be possible