Cain's Offering - Stormcrow (2015)

Cain's Offering is at first the step son of Jani Liimatainen in his post-Sonata Arctica days. His collaboration with Timo Kotipelto is productive resulting in Cain's Offering first album and then their Blackoustic project. Almost six years after the band first album, the project once again resurrected in this 2nd album, Stormcrow. The line up change a bit, notably is the addition of keyboards superstar Jens Johansson, right away borrowed from Stratovarius. Jani Hurula from Silent Voice still there and new bassist Jonas.

The titled song Stormcrow started the album. Very similar to Stratovarius except for the absence of neo-classical guitar dictation. Indeed, almost the whole album didn't see much Jani Liimatainen step up for leading riffs, except for the second song The Best of Times. This song is the perfect combination of old Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius, or to be precise, Jani's heavier side and Kotipelto's interpretation. The keyboard play is reminded us to Stratovarius latest sound in Nemesis. Another strong cut in their sleeve is I Will Build You a Rome. This one come with an official lyric video. Catchy one and maximize Timo's singing. Too Tired to Run is the piano ballad with melancholy string layers.  The next song Antemortem got a bit of Nightwish's  if you listen carefully. One special instrumental track in I Am Legion to extended their score-metal passion.

With Timo Kotipelto singing, this song basically hard to different from Stratovarius, but then the music quiet contrast to his legendary band. Stormcrow got lots of symphonic elements. There aren't too many leading riffs because mostly focus on the vocal line, which is very melodic. One thing that remind us to Jani is the fast shred of all solos in this album. He is on fire with Jens Johansson, oftenly exchange the solos in one or two bars. When Sonata Arctica declined in their power metal stuff, Cain's Offering offered sequel of Jani Liimatainen legacy. Added Kotipelko on board, Stormcrow is unique power metal project that worth to check by any power metal fans.

Favorite tracks: The Best of Times, i Will Build You a Rome, Antemortem
Metal Harem class: ******** eight stars out of ten

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Cain's Offering - Stormcrow (2015) 

1. Stormcrow
2. The Best of Times
3. A Night to Forget
4. I Will Build You a Rome
5. Too Tired to Run
6. Constellation of Tears
7. Antemortem
8. My Heart Beats for No One
9. I Am Legion (instrumental)
10. Rising Sun
11. On the Shore

Line-Up:
Jani Hurula - Drums (2009-present) (Silent Voices)
Jani Liimatainen - Guitars (2009-present) (Kotipelto & Liimatainen,  ex-Sonata Arctica, )
Timo Kotipelto - Vocals (2009-present) (Stratovarius,Kotipelto & Liimatainen)
Jonas Kuhlberg - Bass (2014-present)
Jens Johansson - Keyboards (2014-present) (Stratovarius, ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen)

I Will Build You A Rome