Winter In Eden

Winter In Eden is a British symphonic metal band with a sound that combines symphonic instrumental passages, aggressive metal, strong vocals, melodic hooks, keyboards, bass and heavy drums. The band forms in 2007 and remains active, with a lineup that includes Steve Johnson on keyboards and Vicky Johnson on vocals, both credited from 2007 to 2023 and again from 2024-present.

Releases and recognition

The band releases two full-length albums and two EPs between 2009 and 2013, before later issuing a third studio album, Court of Conscience. Their debut album, Awakening, is recognised as one of the albums of the year. A track from Echoes of Betrayal, titled “Lies”, receives Classic Rock Magazine’s track of the day recognition. Their work also earns nominations at the Classic Rock Society Awards for Best New Band, Best Live Act and Best Female Singer across the 2012/2013, 2013/2014 and 2014 cycles.

Court of Conscience

Court of Conscience is recorded in Holland and contains eleven songs. It is produced by Ruud Jolie of Within Temptation and mixed by Stefan Helleblad, also of Within Temptation. The album features live strings, guest vocals from Jermain van der Bogt of For All We Know and Ayreon, Nathaly Heijne, and a spoken narrative by Damian Wilson of Threshold, Headspace and Maiden United. It also receives strong critical responses, including Album of the Month from Guitar Techniques Magazine and a full score of ten from Powerplay Magazine.

Live activity

Winter In Eden tours extensively in the UK and Europe and performs alongside Delain, The Pineapple Thief and Coma. Festival appearances include main-stage performances at Cambridge Rock Festival and The Dames of Darkness Festival, and the band is chosen to headline Northern Symphony, described as the UK’s first symphonic rock and metal festival.

Critical reception

Press descriptions place the band within female-fronted symphonic rock and metal, with praise for its songwriting, vocals and musicianship. Reviews in the material also describe the group as a leading British example of the style.