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When I reviewed Amaran's promo CD last year I was hoping that a full-length would follow soon. The band quickly got signed by Listenable Records and there we have it. "A World Depraved" is their first full-length album, which includes songs from last year's promo. The promo was very well received and the band has elected to build on their winning formula, the overall album being in much the same vein as their promo material. Once again Amaran treat us with an intelligent blend of melodic hard rock/metal - and once again so damn catchy that I can't get most songs out of my head, thanks in part to another great vocal performance by female vocalist Johanna De Pierre whose voice is quite melodic and relaxing but can also hit the high notes when needed.

While the album is melodic in essence, there's still a couple of songs that can practically be put in the "rocker" category, the guitars becoming heavier and more aggressive than on the rest of the material. A very good debut album for Amaran that should please those who liked their previous material. And only some other melodic "metal" bands with female vocals, this here is guitar-driven... That in itself is a good point in a time where too many bands are starting to put keyboards before guitars. I think Amaran will outlast some of those bands that are more pop-ish gimmicks than real bands that can produce quality material on a regular basis. Highly recommended.