Avantasia - Moonglow (2019)

Avantasia is the market leader for making metal opera concept album, since their first debut in 2000. Moonglow is their 8th studio album, relased in 2019. As a big fans for Avantasia, I expected much that this album will still contained epic power metal stuffs. Sure it still does. Tobias Sammet continued to bring along his legion of Avantasian singers such as Jorn Lande, Bob Catley, Michael Kiske and others. The highlight is the addition of Candice Night that sing in their album title song, Moonglow.

My favorite is the first song, Ghost in the Moon and Moonglow . All songs written in the spirit of Avantasia operatic power metal style. Memorable choruses. Songs are more varied in this album than ever, from epic 11 minutes The Raven Child that sounds like Blind Guardian song, to the ballad piano Invincible performed by Geoff Tate, that sounds like Queensryche stuff.  Fans of Michael Kiske can cry joyfully for the song, Requeim for a Dream, which is one of the heaviest in the album. Another catchy song is Starlight, which have one of the best creative guitar riff that outstanding to the ear.

Moonglow is another epic continuation for Avantasia universe. Even though the same formula has been applied in numerous studio albums, the band still have brazen ideas to be baked into enjoyable power metal songs.

by @jullbei  for  metalharem.blospot.com

Avantasia - Moonglow (2019)
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 1. Ghost in the Moon
  2. Book of Shallows (feat. Hansi Kürsch , Ronnie Atkins , Jorn Lande & Mille Petrozza)
  3. Moonglow (feat. Candice Night)
  4. The Raven Child (feat. Hansi Kürsch & Jorn Lande)
  5. Starlight (feat. Ronnie Atkins)
  6. Invincible (feat. Geoff Tate)
  7. Alchemy (feat. Geoff Tate)
  8. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (feat. Ronnie Atkins, Jorn Lande, Eric Martin, Bob Catley & Geoff Tat
  9. Lavender (feat. Bob Catley)
  10. Requiem for a Dream (feat. Michael Kiske)
  11. Maniac (feat. Eric Martin)

    Tobias Sammet – lead vocals, additional keyboard, bass guitar
    Sascha Paeth – guitar, bass guitar
    Michael Rodenberg – keyboard, piano, orchestration
    Felix Bohnke – drums

Guest vocalists
    Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids)
    Jørn Lande (Jorn)
    Eric Martin (Mr. Big)
    Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche)
    Michael Kiske (Helloween)
    Bob Catley (Magnum)
    Candice Night (Blackmore's Night)
    Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian)
    Mille Petrozza (Kreator)

Avantasia's Tobias Sammet Moonglow album review

Powerwolf - "The Sacrament of Sin" (2018)

Just like character classes in video games, power metal bands are having their own “character class”. For example, Blind Guardian is like the Mage class, like Gandalf. Manowar is Warrior type, with his big sword. Rhapsody of Fire is Elven guys, Nightwish is the Wizard, usually a support roles. Now, Powerwolf is the band that sacrificed themselves opting to become the “bad character”. Powerwolf is the Werewolf / Vampire / Necromancer of power metal world. Power metal fans turn out to like the bad guys too. So, after few albums, Powerwolf is one of the rising power in this fantasy world. Well, their music are good too. The band dressed themselves as their vampire theme. Matthew and Charles Greywolf are main force of the band. Their vocalist is Attila Dorn , whose hobby are admiring the Romanian werewolf lore. In short, Powerwolf able to gained attention from power metal world with six studio albums already. And yeah, they are from Germany.

Official Video - Fire & Forgive from "The Sacrament of Sin" Powerwolf

In 2018, their seventh studio album released. Titled as “The Sacrament of Sin”, Powerwolf continued their havoc with more vampiric power metal music. For their past materials, I like most of their hits because the dark-gloomy-gothic theme were very good incorporated to their music. Their hits like “Amen & Attack” are very original. So, as the band did not change much their direction in this new album, “The Sacrement of Sin” is another enjoyable addition to their song library. Their first song “Fire & Forgive” is of course their best hits. As the titled pattern, the band very good with a song with “…….. & …….” passage (Amen & Attack, Demons & Diamonds, Sacred & Wild). “Killer with the Cross” come as my next favorite for its story telling verses and sing-along choruses. “Where the Wild Wolves Had Gone” is the Manowar-like, anthem song. The darkest opening riff then fall to “The Sacrament of Sin”, this is like Iron Maiden’s Fear of the Dark combined with Helloween. Every power metal album should also have their Latin chorus song, “Venom of Venus” the answer, a song to played for your choral member friend.

As addition to the original studio album, there is a B-side bonuses, which is equally interesting. In the bonus tracks, Powerwolf asked (or invited) another band to covered their song. So, you’ll have the band best hits covered by famous band like Epica, Amaranthe, Caliban and others. Of course this is a serious bonuses that maybe even bigger than the album. Enjoy Powerwolf songs interpreted by other band, which is seriously kick ass.

“The Sacrament of Sin” is one of best power metal album released this year of 2018. If you haven’t listen to Powerwolf, this is your chance to experience it. The album are typical power metal with many church-organ layers, so you can imagine the atmosphere. There is a dark side of the band in which their theme is the counter act of some religious community. Well, in the world full of hatred nowadays, we should avoid making fun of other believe, shouldn’t we? Apart from that, “The Sacrament of Sin” is a strong album that every power metal can listen with little harm, except for being head banging too hard. 

Powerwolf - "The Sacrament of Sin" (2018)
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01. Fire & Forgive
02. Demons Are A Girl's Best Friend
03. Killers With The Cross
04. Incense And Iron
05. Where The Wild Wolves Have Gone
06. Stossgebet
07. Nightside Of Siberia
08. The Sacrament Of Sin
09. Venom Of Venus
10. Nighttime Rebel
11. Fist By Fist (Sacralize Or Strike)
12. Midnight Madonna [bonus version]

Disc 2 - Communio Lupatum 
 1. Sacred & Wild (Epica) 04:47
 2. We Drink Your Blood (Saltatio Mortis) 03:40
 3. Kiss of the Cobra King (Caliban) 04:17
 4. Resurrection By Erection (Battle Beast) 03:47
 5. Night of the Werewolves (Heaven Shall Burn) 05:15
 6. The Evil Made Me Do It (Kadavar) 05:29
 7. Let There Be Night (Kissin' Dynamite) 04:16
 8. Army of the Night (Amaranthe) 03:02 9. Amen & Attack (Mille Petrozza and Marc Gortz) 03:56 10. When the Saints Are Going Wild (Eluveitie) 03:44

Charles Greywolf Bass, Guitars
Matthew Greywolf Guitars
Falk Maria Schlegel Keyboards
Attila Dorn Vocals
Roel van Helden Drums

The Sacrament of Sin - Powerwolf album review

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave 20 Year Anniversary Edition (2017)

Glory to the Brave 20 Year Anniversary Edition is a reminder to us that 20 years has passed since the new generation of power metal wave back in the 1997. A great year it was. Hammerfall, in the beginning only as a side project, released this debut with its 10 tracks of pure power metal. Little that they knew (or maybe they knew...) Glory to The Brave will become one of power metal album that catapult the power metal genre back to its glory. In the Southern, an Italian band  Rhapsody of Fire also debut their first album (Legendary Tales ),  which also bring Rhapsody as one of the legend from the era. In their near soil, Nightwish from Finland spring their debut, Angel Fall First, which although not recognized yet, Nightwish will also grow as a big band as today. In the mainland of Europe, Edguy discharge their official debut, Kingdom of Madness. Hammerfall, which is Swedish band, was then part of new power metal generation such as Freedom Call, Dark Moor, Angra from the South America, Sonata Artica, Kamelot from USA,  and Firewind from the Mediterranean sea. Together, these band continued the legacy of their "senior" Helloween, Blind Guardian, Stratovarius and Gamma Ray. Glory to the Brave was an important album that part of this history.

The band remastered all their classic tracks to commemorate their 20th Anniversary. The sound are much clearer, they added more reverb to it, and the guitar distortion got even crunchier than before. Unlike Rhapsody of Fire that re-recorded many of their classic with the new line up in their Into the Legend album,  Hammerfall opted to just remastered their works. The original line up was, surprisingly, Glenn Ljungström as the guitarist that responsible in playing all their classic riffs from the album. Soon, Stefan Elgram joined the band and Hammerfall embraced their further glory with him. As for today, Hammerfall original line up remained Joachim Cans and Oscar Dronjak. The band wisely not re-recorded Glory to the Brave with their current line up.

While their contemporaries try to come up with new direction in power metal : Rhapsody (of Fire) with their theatrical Hollywood score and Nightwish with thick symphonic and female vocalist, Hammerfall done their style with the basic ingredients. Catchy riffs and straightforward song is the trademark of this album. The Dragon Lies Bleeding was extremely basic power metal song. It consisted of one opening riffs and then the whole song run in quiet basic guitar power chord. Same thing with The Metal Age,  the intro riff is just a play harmony of their twin guitar attack. Two songs were a cover version indicated that this was indeed a side project : Child of the Damned was a Warlord cover and Ravenlord was a Stormwitch cover.

For this 20 Year Anniversary Edition, the bonus included another eight tracks live version of the songs. We have listen to this album many times and we are going to listen again. Add this to your collection for sure.

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave 20 Year Anniversary Edition (2017)

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1. The Dragon Lies Bleeding (Remastered)
2. The Metal Age (Remastered)
3. Hammerfall (Remastered)
4. I Believe (Remastered)
5. Child of the Damned (Remastered)
6. Steel Meets Steel (Remastered)
7. Stone Cold (Remastered)
8. Unchained (Remastered)
9. Glory to the Brave (Remastered)
10. Ravenlord
11. Glory to the Brave (Radio Edit)
12. The Metal Age (Live)
13. Steel Meets Steel (Live)
14. Stone Cold (Live)
15. Glory to the Brave (Live)
16. Hammerfall (Live)
17. The Dragon Lies Bleeding (Live)
18. Glory to the Brave - Medley (Live)


 Joacim Cans – vocals, background harmonies
 Oscar Dronjak – guitar, backing vocals
 Fredrik Larsson – bass guitar, backing vocals
 Glenn Ljungström – guitar
 Jesper Strömblad – drums (Writing credit Only)
 Patrik Räfling – drums

Arrayan Path - Dawn of Aquarius (2017)

Arrayan Path is power / heavy metal from the island of Cyprus. They currently released their 6th studio album, titled "Dawn of Aquarius". As expected from the Mediterranean landscape, their music abide with strong Hellenistic influence. Dawn of Aquarius is kind of concept album with firm connections between songs.

The opener "Equilibrium" is started with folk-like acoustic instrument. The songs started after a minute of intro with a vocalist resembling the of early Kai Hansenese. The highlight of this album are in their Youtube releases : "The Hundred Names of Kali Ma", "So It Shall Be Written",  "Dawn of Aquarius"and  "Lotus Eyes".

Arrayan Path success in bringing their originality in this album. The whole album is heavy and oriental-melodic packed. The Leptos brothers very well handling the song writing that almost the entire album are fresh in my memory after only couple of listening. A very interesting band and album to listen to.

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Arrayan Path are:
Alexis Kleidaras-Guitar
Nicholas Leptos-Vocals
Stefan Dittrich-Drums
Socratis Leptos-Guitar
Paris Lambrou-Bass
George Kallis-Keyboard


Arrayan Path - Dawn of Aquarius (2017)

1. Equilibrium 05:52
2. The Flower Born of Itself 04:49
3. Dark Daughter of the Snake 03:18
4. The Hundred Names of Kali Ma 05:15
5. So It Shall Be Written 06:38
6. She Who Is Primordial Wisdom 04:14
7. Dawn of Aquarius 04:01
8. Cremation Grounds 05:51
9. Empress (Reality of All the Threes) 04:24
10. Lotus Eyes 04:19
11. The Eleventh Mantra 06:11
12. Guardian Angel 05:00
13. Garland of Skulls 03:40

The Ferrymen - The Ferrymen (2017)

Magnus Karlsson had started yet another metal project. This time, the guitarist from Primal Fear teamed up as trio with drummer Mike Terrana (Tarja, Axel Rudi Pell, Yngwie Malmsteen) and vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow). A strong line up indeed! The trio doing yet another melodic metal stuffs, but of course with such creative mind on board, there are many wet ideas to be found.

First thing about this record is the presence of Ronnie Romero's. His new energy spend in this album will added more color to those who already familiar with his voices. As for started "End Of The Road" is a traditional heavy metal tunes that remained us to Rage, Masterplan and Primal Fear, bands that belong (or ex-belong) to the member of The Ferrymen. Magnus Karlsson released his beastly shredding with creative riffs and speed light solos, to lift up the expectation of his guitar hero status. "Ferryman" is a promising melodic metal stuff dive into the area of old Stratovarius. For Mike Terrana, he truly he meet his match in the third track "Fool You All", where Magnus Karlsson trying to mimic old Whitesnake "Fool for Your Loving" riffs. Mike blasted out some powerful drum fill in every connecting passages. Ronnie Romero try out old Rainbow-like stuff in ballad "One Heart". "Eternal Night" show this album tendency to expanded into the old '80s stuff, with nostalgic high notes singing.

The Ferrymen is not that ordinary side project with random veteran musicians jammed up. This album is a very productive collaboration between three musicians that happened to be big names in their respective band. Listeners can expected traditional heavy metal stuffs with details performance of Magnus Karlsson guitar works and Mike Terrana drumming. On top of that Ronnie Romero is doing great job interpreting ideas with his vocals. Song writing is a fantastic factor in this album, that basically done a regular heavy metal and power metal stuffs. Lovely and successful debut album indeed.

Metal Harem class : ********** nine stars out of ten

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The Ferrymen - The Ferrymen (2017)

01. End Of The Road
02. Ferryman
03. Fool You All
04. Still Standing Up
05. Cry Wolf
06. One Heart
07. Darkest Hour
08. How The Story Ends
09. Enter Your Dream
10. Eyes On The Sky
11. Eternal Night
12. Welcome To My Show

Mike Terrana : drums
Magnus Karlsson : guitars, bass, keyboards
Ronnie Romero : vocals

Legendary Years - Rhapsody of Fire (2017)

As we know, the saga of world once most bombastic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire has really reach its climax. In 2011,  a friendly split had taken the band into two groups. It took six years later that Fabio Lione, the voice Rhapsody of Fire has also finally left the band. On this matter, Giacomo Voli been recruited as replacement for new vocalist. The other long time member, drummer Alex Holzwarth also left the band and respectively replaced by Manu Lotter. As the most up to date formation, it is only Alex Straropoli that being the only original member of the band. With this in mind, the almost new band of Rhapsody of Fire decided to do a compilation album. The problem is, they redo all the songs despite of how legendary the original one is. Legendary Years is a remake of Rhapsody of Fire's favorite tunes. If you haven't decided how to put all RoF best hits into one album, well, the compilation of songs for Legendary Years is well selected. In this album, the band bring the best riffs, the best ballad and the best epic for listener.

The good things of the remake happen to fall to all songs from their first album : Legendary Tales.  "Flames of Revenge", "Land of Immortals", "Legendary Tales" are the song benefit from this remake. The modern recording and mixing quality are worth for the remake. Even though we all love the original version of course. Simply say it, the one with Luca Turilli! However, the band decided to decreased the volume of the orchestra channel. Listen to the first song "Dawn of Victory", just when the orchestration joined in, the power is not as bombastic as the original version. The other thing to notice is how the guitar distortion is softer than the original version. Two songs that slightly affected by this version are "Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain" and "Holy Thunderforce", I just love the original version because its guitar rawness compare to the new one. The last thing to compare is the vocal done by Giacomo Voli, although I will simply enjoy the new singer to reinterpreted all these songs.

Legendary Years is  a great compilation that shown how the band become as legend-wait for it-dary, as today. Fourteen songs selected to refill our memories on the best moment in the late '90, where we all wait for new Rhapsody album to be released from Italy! All the remake done in 99.99% faithful to the original. Modern technology help us owned these new recordings. Let's put the past behind us and welcome the once again new Rhapsody of Fire line up, performing our favorite classic tunes from the band.

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Legendary Years - Rhapsody of Fire (2017)

1. "Dawn of Victory" Dawn of Victory 4:44
2. "Knightrider of Doom" Power of the Dragonflame 3:58
3. "Flames of Revenge" Legendary Tales 5:32
4. "Beyond the Gates of Infinity" Symphony of Enchanted Lands 7:21
5. "Land of Immortals" Legendary Tales 4:53
6. "Emerald Sword" Symphony of Enchanted Lands 4:23
7. "Legendary Tales" Legendary Tales 7:49
8. "Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain" Dawn of Victory 4:47
9. "When Demons Awake" Power of the Dragonflame 6:46
10. "Wings of Destiny" Symphony of Enchanted Lands 4:17
11. "Riding the Winds of Eternity" Symphony of Enchanted Lands 4:12
12. "The Dark Tower of Abyss" Symphony of Enchanted Lands 6:51
13. "Holy Thunderforce" Dawn of Victory 4:20
14. "Rain of a Thousand Flames" Rain of a Thousand Flames 3:43
15. "Where Dragons Fly" Emerald Sword (Japan Bonus)

 Giacomo Voli – lead vocals
 Roby De Micheli – guitar
 Alessandro Sala – bass
 Alex Staropoli – keyboards
 Manu Lotter – drums

Seven Kingdoms - Decennium (2017)

The existence of power metal in Easteros is less heard than in Westeros. However, a group of free-swords from little swamp area of Florida had been crafting this genre of skill for a while by now. They called themself "Seven Kingdoms" , obviously worshiper of the Iron Throne in Westeros. So far the band had released to the world at least four albums. Their latest is called "Decennium", consisted of ten musical poems. Just as their previous released, Decennium is a compilation of tales about what happening right now in, well, the Seven Kingdoms.

Since the death of Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark, the unrest had been going on for several winters by now. The first poems heard in "Stargazer" should revealed what the rumored we have heard so far. And if the tension between the Northern and Southern hasn't got enough for us, the next poems "Undying" and "In the Walls" are not for children to listen. These tells about the white walkers. There also a strange gossip script in "The Tale of Deathface Ginny", whether this is a pure entertainment or maybe a hidden message, the music is quite amusing. "Castles in the Snow" has an opening riff that seems like a competitor to one of the band in Easteros, HammerFall. The two axeman are of course the large part of attraction in this album, their magic skill of guitar playing is beyond the capable of normal human.

The passion of Jaime Lannister and his sword obviously been an inspiration in  "Kingslayer". If you interested in the triangle love story of Cerse-Jaime-Brienne, well maybe there is a chance that is included in the lyric. The band also trying to dig the mystery of "The Faceless Hero". Where the rumored we known so far had strongly connected to Arya Starks. As for the rest of the album, are songs taken from what the bird whisper, probably to the ear of Lord Petyr Baelish, the Little Finger.

The young woman screaming in this compilation is Lady Sabrina Valentine. She was with axemen Camden Cruz and Kevin Byrd, who happened to be a brother to the percussion master, Keith Byrd. To complete the formation, is a low string pluckman, sir Aaron Sluss, probably from one of the House in Qarth region. Decennium is a love war story from our realm. If you have listened to the band before, Decennium should be familiar as their style of art hadn't been of any changes. The band had continued their success by marrying power metal and strange tales in Seven Kingdoms. Do not miss the chance to entertained our self with this wonderful album, grab them in the nearest tavern and shop. Especially when the Dragon Queen is about to land in Westeros, very soon.

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Seven Kingdoms - Decennium (2017)

1. Stargazer 05:08
2. Undying 05:12
3. In the Walls 04:52
4. The Tale of Deathface Ginny 04:55
5. Castles in the Snow 05:09
6. Kingslayer 05:56
7. The Faceless Hero 04:16
8. Neverending 05:46
9. Hollow 04:49
10. Awakened from Nothing 05:32

Keith Byrd Drums
Kevin Byrd Guitars
Camden Cruz Guitars
Sabrina Valentine Vocals
Aaron Sluss Bass

Aldaria - Land of Light (2017)

Just when we thought the metal opera genre is slowing down, here the new supergroup ALDARIA with their metal opera album Land of Light. Aldaria kind of marked a new wave of power metal band by bringing mostly new army on his belt. The project was initiated and created by Frode Hovd from Norway band, Memorized Dreams. The line up musicians included Roland Grapow, who produced the album. Names such as Mike LePond, Fabio Lione, Uli Kusch, Rob Lungren were listed. However when names such as PelleK, Tommy ReinXeed, Yannis Papadopoulos, Sigfried Samer and so on appeared, this is the other side of power metal forces that screaming to be heard in a project like metal opera.

Land of Light is a metal opera album, the concept are crystal clear in their website :

In the year 1247 AD, there was found an ancient scroll deep within a tomb below what once was the glorious city of Babylon. The scroll was believed to be written by our Creator Himself, describing a world yet unknown to mankind. These scrolls have, until this day, been kept hidden and locked up, deep within hallways below Rome.  

 The gospel speaks of Aldaria, a place and dimension between Heaven & Hell where the fallen are reborn as angels, and where the sinners come to be redeemed or forever banished to Hell.  Today we learn about these stories, the foundation of our existence, as there are signs of a darker time ahead. Reports from all around the world talk about torn and slain angels falling from the sky, each with a common warning: The darkness has found a way into Aldaria, where the Key to enter the Gates of Heaven has been hidden since beginning of time.   .... and so on

With that premises, we got an album that strictly followed what a traditional metal opera album should be. We got "Excitare Ad Lucem" as the intro, a Latinesque opening choir. The songs, and the finale that of course lasted ten minutes up, "Land of Light". The whole album is a combo between elements of Avantasia, Rhapsody of Fire, oldies Helloween and Dan Brown.

Aldaria Land of Light brings us the first serious metal opera album in 2017. This album supported by zillions of metal musicians. This album is as power metal as it can be, originality is never really their issue. You will listen tons of familiar riffs, song are quite straight forward. The strongest point in this album is about listening to our favorite singers and musicians working together constructed a story about angels and demons. Come and join the crowd in Land of Light.

Metal Harem class : 7.5/10 

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Aldaria - Land of Light (2017)

01. Excitare Ad Lucem
02. Another Life
03. Guardians of the Light
04. Sands of Time
05. Lost in the Darkness Below
06. Test of Time
07. Trail of Tears
08. Where Reality Ends
09. From the Ashes
10. Answers in a Dream
11. Land of Light

Musicians:
Guitars :
Frode Hovd (Memorized Dreams), Christer Harøy (Divided Multitude), Jimmy Hedlund (Falconer),
Roland Grapow (Masterplan), Eskild Kløften (Divided Multitude) ,Filip Koluš (Signum Regis)

Bass :
Rayner Harøy (Divided Multitude), Mike LePond (Symphony X) , Ronnie König (Signum Regis)
Filip Andel (Within Silence) ,Kenneth Skarsvaag (Memorized Dreams)

Drums :
Andreas Nergård (Nergard), Uli Kusch (ex Helloween), Robert Myrhaug (Memorized Dreams)

Keyboards
Mistheria (Mistheria), Peter Danielsen (Darkest Sins)
Gabriels (Gabriels) , Peter Crowley's Fantasy Dream

Vocals:
Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire), Todd Michael Hall (Riot V), Rick Altzi (Masterplan)
Mathias Blad (Falconer), Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland), Tommy ReinXeed (ReinXeed)
Yannis Papadopoulos (Wardrum), Rob Lundgren, David Åkesson (Qantice)
Marit Minniva Børresen (Marit Børresen), PelleK, Bernt Fjellestad (Guardians Of Time)
Vasilis Georgiou (Sunburst), Sigfried Samer (Dragony),
Kristoffer Göbel (ex Destiny / ex Falconer), Mina Giannopoulou

Freedom Call - Master of Light (2016)

They were described as flower metal, happy metal by audiences. Freedom Call had been in this territory ever since their first debut in 1999. Since then, the band had released nine albums, Master of Light is their latest in 2016. Master Of Light falls right between this category as well. Songs are as pompous as ever. In the meantime, Chris Bay and friends try to insert fresh elements also.

In mastering the flower metal, the album first track "Metal is for Everyone" is really  for every (flower) metal lover. The song is grander with their bold opening chorus. This tune can be line up to any Freedom Call catalog and fans will not divided between Trump or Hillary to called this their trademark. As mentioned before, the band try their best to bring new ideas. The percussion-like interlude in the middle is kind of strong idea in this effort. "Hammer of Gods" started with melodic intro, typical to their arsenal. The formula with catchy chorus line is the best way to start another boastful tune, as in "A World Beyond". For the title song "Masters of Light", the band decided to start calmly. Yet they always find a way in bringing the storm to the daylight. Another melodic intro is for "Kings Rise and Fall". "Cradle of Angels" is acoustic ballad in spirit. The remaining of the song notable to mentioned is in "Ghost Ballet". "Rock the Nation" is a flower-ed rock tune.

Master Of Light is another flowery delivery from Freedom Call. The whole package can be sing together with good old friends and beers, as all songs are design to be enjoyed in this situation. Chris Bay sings as epic as before. The guitar works is more simple compared to their "younger" years, yet sufficient to metalized everything. We still enjoy the works of two long-time friends of Freedom Call, Lars Rettkowitz in guitars and Ramy Ali in drum. Compared to their two last albums,  Master of Light is unchanged in their retorika will full of "for everyone..." words. Talking about band consistency, Freedom Call is one of that band that happy with their direction. In short, Master of Light is another touchdown continuation in Freedom Call world.

Metal Harem class : ******** eight stars out of ten

Freedom Call - Master Of Light  (2016)
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1. Metal is for Everyone
2. Hammer of Gods
3. A World Beyond
4. Masters of Light
5. Kings Rise and Fall
6. Cradle of Angels
7. Emerald Skies
8. Hail the Legend
9. Ghost Ballet
10. Rock the Nation
11. Riders in the Sky
12. High Up

Chris Bay (vocals, guitars)
Ilker Ersin (bass)
Lars Rettkowitz (guitars )
Ramy Ali (drums)

Narnia - Narnia (2016) Album Review

There was a moment in Christian metal world where several bands co-exist together. The bands that storming this area included, Rob Rock, Impellitteri, Golden Resurrection, Divinefire, ReinXeed (although they are not really a christian metal band), further to German Pascua band. Along this cross breeding cage, there are two musicians Carl Johann Grimmark and vocalist Christian Liljegren. Both had been around the Christian metal realm with those bands mentioned above.. Taken a name from the famous C.S.Lewis novel, they found  Narnia and wanted this band to be at least three styles in their veins: progressive , neo-classical and christian metal altogether. History seen them as successful collaboration, releasing several albums that considered ground breaking in the genre : Awakening (1998) up to The Great Fall (2003). The band suddenly disbanded after T.G.F. which considered their best. A quick reunion was found in 2009 and thus born Course of a Generation (2009), but the band taking a step diverted from their previous styles and also Christian step aside as vocalist replaced by German Pascua.

For seven years later, in today 2016, Narnia reunited the two founders, C.J. Grimmark and Christian Liljegren to released their new, seventh studio album self titled Narnia. Narnia 2016 is a returned to their root, progressive christian metal full of shred guitar works. For example the first song "Reaching for the Top" the drum intro almost mimicking their song "Nothing to Lose" from T.G.F. Reaching for the Top  started up with classic four bars guitar riffs then we greet by Christian voices. The song surely set up the elements of Narnia musics : sustained string layers in background, harmony choruses and many muscular progressive power chords. "I Still Believe" is simple melodic metal that easily remember by first time listener and it is, well, very melodic. On "Thank You" the band downgrade the locomotive gears to middle tempo and allowed passenger to enjoy a solemn song that really shine Christian's vocal quality. We also have music video for "Messengers", which a strong song with creative structure, inventive guitar chords and demiurgic song writing.

In speaking about lyric, the Christianity theme is their main inspiration. However a lyrics :
".... man kinds who do you follow,
 maybe He comes tomorrow...."  - Who Do You Follow
is simple yet fit the music well.

In general, Narnia is a strong returned from the band. Song are in extremely high quality. Carl Johann is re-nown guitar virtuoso, his works in this album is in heavenly standard that will satisfy all guitar fans. Is anything, the album is also closely similar to Christian Liljgren other band, Golden Resurrection, just slightly less neo-classical compared to them. If you really into Christian melodic metal, Narnia 2016 is a definitely strong album to have. In short, this is the album for both prog metal, believers and non.

Metal Harem class ********** nine stars out of ten

Narnia - Narnia (2016)
Buy it Here - Amazon

1. Reaching for the Top
2. I Still Believe
3. On the Highest Mountain
4. Thank You
5. One Way to the Promised Land
6. Messengers
7. Who Do You Follow?
8. Moving On
9. Set the World On Fire
10. Miracle (bonus)

Christian Liljegren - lead vocals
Carl Johan Grimmark - guitars
Martine Harenstam - keyboards
Andreas Johansson - drums
Andreas Olsson - bass

Hammerfall - Built to Last (2016)

Not long ago as in 20 years ago, in the town of Gothenburg Hammerfall was born. They were built with tarnished catchy metal tunes. The storm of power metal had landed in the Nordic region in good form. Assembled by five grown up long haired dudes, the band invented Hector the Paladin as their band mascot and released their first album. The rest is history, HammerFall is one of band that stand the test of time, consistently delivering album in the spirit of power metal and catchy choruses. Built to Last is their tenth studio album. Almost twenty years ago when Glory to the Brave released. As I listen to this album, I find nothing differentiated them from two decades ago. Songs are full of blasting riffs, galloping beat, solitude ballads and of course the epic choruses.

Songs as "Bring It!", "Hammer High", "Dethrone And Defy" and "Stormbreaker" are extension of HammerFall collection tales about fantasy and battles. Almost every song started with newly acquired guitar riffs. Listen to "New Breed" where the power riff is just a simple pattern. As simple as that funky Japanese guy that combined Pen and Pineapple, a guitar riffs and drum's tom tom power accentuation is equal to awesome power metal catch. There are "The Sacred Vow" and "Twilight Princess" to allow some respiration time for listeners or in other word, the slower ballad tunes.

Built to Last is as ambitious as the title suggest. This album will last a long time because the construction is vigorously loud and HammerFall-ed since the first notes. An album that reflected twenty full year in hammering metal. The album resembled closely to their previous (r)Evolution album so you can got the tutti to imagine. Joacim Cans nailed this album with the same stamina we enjoyed before. His voice is unexampled in the vast universe of power metal that still last up to this album. Take a look at Hector in the front cover, he stands triumphantly on top of the keep. And that is the spirit captured in this album, ten awesome songs that will make you want to climb to the top of the roof and scream "Hammer High until I die!....."

Metal Harem class : ********** nine stars out of ten


Hammerfall - Built to Last (2016)
Buy it Here - Amazon

1. Bring It!
2. Hammer High
3. The Sacred Vow
4. Dethrone And Defy
5. Twilight Princess
6. Stormbreaker
7. Built to Last
8. The Star of Home
9. New Breed
10. Second to None

    Oscar Dronjak – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backing vocals
    Fredrik Larsson – bass, backing vocals
    Joacim Cans – lead vocals
    Pontus Norgren – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals
    David Wallin – drums

Kai Hansen - XXX-Three Decades in Metal (2016)

This is indeed a triple XXX rated for metal album. Kai Hansen is the name we should all be known by three decades ago. He was the front man of Helloween. His screaming and fast guitar playing is what transformed Helloween into international pioneer in speed and power metal. Soon after he departed, Kai is forming Gamma Ray, which existed till today with dozen of awesome power metal albums. XXX-Three Decades in Metal sounds like a compilation of his works but it is not. This album is somewhat a solo works by Kai Hansen and invited friends. Here the album compiled together awesome names in metal. He reunited with fellow ex-Helloweeneers such as Michael Kiske and Roland Grapow. He even invited Michael Weikath to do their legendary guitar duet in this album. Apart from that, many names such as Ralf Shceepers, Dee Snider, Tobias Sammet and others appeared on the album.

Overall, surprisingly, this album sounds heavy metal in general. Kai Hansen welcomely explored the straight forward heavy metal and not very much doing his trademark power metal genre he grown up with. The first song "Born Free" is very '80s American hair-metal sounding. It is just awesome guitar riff with fast double metal showering. Kai's voices is what connected us with his identity. On the reunion jamming party, here comes song "Stranger In Time" with Kiske, Sammet, and Frank Beck + Roland Grapow put in together. The song may well put into late Helloween era actually, but again it is a straightforward guitar riff + double kick. On the drumming side, Daniel Wilding is recruited for the party. Looking at his "port folio" we will see he was on board with Carcass, Heaven Shall Burn, Trigger The Booldshed and so on. He is very young and haven't even born when the first two Helloween albums on released.

Some of other, longer, song such as "Fire And Ice" gives the minutes to dedicated soloist Michael Weikath solo part. The songs invited talented young vocalist of Clementine Delauney (Vision of Atlantis), Marcus Bischoff (Heaven Shall Burn) and  Richard Sjunnesson (The Unguided), thus making the song got a bit taste of Gothic Metal and Death Metal altogether. The other highlight songs are "Making Headlines" which is catchy in song writing, minor key feel and Tobias Sammet really shine the song with his voices. My favorite in the album.

Most interesting is Dee Snider collaboration with Kai Hansen in "Contract Sun". We got to hear how's Hansen doing in the '80 metal style that more close to Dee Snider. The other dark side is "Left Behind", where Kai Hansen further delved into modernity, this is like combination of alternative metal with bit of metalcore feel. The album closed with "Follow The Sun", the only song that brings back Kai Hansen to Helloween-ish power metal.

XXX-Three Decades in Metal happened to be awesome offering from Kai Hansen. The songs are all simple, guitar-riff driven and all focused on some easy melodic song writing. Song structure are not complicated, just enough to repeat the highlight and yet that was all needed. The diversity of styles indicated the intention of the writer to experiments and try out all the other metal styles. Well, after three decades this is what some musicians like to do, isn't it? With majority of songs created based on the guest singer style association, the album become potentially able to reach out more listener. Final words, it is a fine album where Kai Hansen sharpening his musical journey with adventurous songs.

Metal Harem class : ********* nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Kai Hansen - XXX-Three Decades in Metal (2016)

01. Born Free
02. Enemies Of Fun (Ralf Scheepers & Piet Sielck)
03. Contract Sun (Dee Snider & Steve McT As The Manger)
04. Making Headlines (Tobias Sammet)
05. Stranger In Time (Michael Kiske, Frank Beck, Tobias Sammet & Roland Grapow - Guitar Solo)
06. Fire And Ice (Clementine Delauney, Marcus Bischoff, Richard Sjunnesson & Michael Weikath - Guitar Solo)
07. Left Behind (Alexander Dietz & Clementine Delauney)
08. All Or Nothing (Clémentine Delauney)
09. Burning Bridges (Eike Freese)
10. Follow The Sun (Hansi Kursch & Tim Hansen - Guitar Solo)

Line Up:
Eike Freese - guitar (Dark Age)
Kai Hansen - vocals / guitar (Gamma Ray, Unisonic, ex-Helloween)
Alex Dietz - bass (Heaven Shall Burn)
Daniel Wilding - drums (Carcass, The Soulless, Trigger The Bloodshed)

Derdian - Revolution Era (2016)

Derdian is the Italian power metal band that years ago known for their "New Era" trilogy. The trilogy offered full power metal acts. At the time, power metal seems on top of every album releases and Derdian must compete hard with other, well, almost similar concept and songs. The band put it lots of hard works and gained power metal community attention as a rewards. The two albums after that was "Limbo (2013)" and "Hard Reset (2014)", also in the style of bombastic power metal atmosphere. Over the years the band stand the test of time, as by now I see less power metal survived the era of 2000s-2015s, Derdian stood up still. And in this 2016 album, Derdian re-visited their "New Era" songs, a compilation of their most bombastic tunes. The new album is called "Revolution Era", is actually compilation album with the songs re-recorded with guest vocalist. Not much arrangements changes, except this one mixed with bigger low frequency, making it sound fatter and "modern". If you like traditional high pitch power metal mixing, then just referred to their original version in "New Era" album, part 1 to 3.

The highlighted guest vocalist range from Fabio Lione (in Lord of War) to Ralf Scheepers. From D.C. Cooper to ex- Dark Moor Elisa Martion. Selection of songs are impossible because these are indeed the best song selected from their trilogy. Even so, I will say the first three songs are the best to represented Derdian, Burn, Beyond the Gate and Battleplan, are the songs that championed Derdian into front line of power metal. They are traditional "cheeky" yet you can't resisted to keep listening and headbanging. The only song I can't find references is "Lord of War" by Fabio, perhaps a new song. Forevermore is newer version to their "Part. 3" album, featuring Elisa C. Martin and Terrence Holler, they performed this beautifully as always. The most simple form of power metal can be found in the song "Eternal Light", you only need one hell of guitar melody, cliche singing line, the guitar power chords and double pedal drumming. Yet, this are the backbone of everything done since the day of Helloween's Keepers.... to Rhapsody of Fire. "Black Rose" is piano ballad in the intro then unfolded into full band, one of song which shine from their new singing intrepretation. The last notable song is "New Era" which is now sung by female voices, Elisa Martin, making this version the most difference to its original. The band also like to inserted comical piano passage, as happened in this song.

In short, Revolution Era is celebration of Derdian's career. Enjoy your power metal singers re-interpret Derdian's songs. They are in some way kind of "cover version" because the original version also stand out pretty well. Interesting idea by the band. In the line up notes, the previous Derdian singer is no longer there, which is the position in the band that always changing. If you are somehow interested in listening to Derdian, Revolution Era can be your best introduction. On personal note, we are fans of the band and enjoy this album very much!

Metal Harem class : ********** nine stars out ten

See New Era Pt. 3 review by Metal Harem

Derdian - Revolution Era (2016) 
Buy it Here - Amazon

01. Overture (feat. Apollo Papathanasio  - From "New Era Pt.2")
02. Burn (feat. Henning Basse - From "New Era Pt.3")
03. Beyond the Gate (feat. GL Perotti - From "New Era Pt.1")
04. Battleplan (feat. Davide Damna Moras - From "New Era Pt.3")
05. I Don't Wanna Die (feat. D.C. Cooper  - From "New Era Pt.2")
06. Screams of Agony (feat. Mark Basile - From "New Era Pt.1")
07. Lord of War (feat. Fabio Lione)
08. Forevermore (feat. Elisa C. Martin & Terrence Holler - From "New Era Pt.3")
09. Eternal Light ( feat. Roberto Ramon Messina - From "New Era Pt.1")
10. The Hunter (feat. Ralf Scheepers  - From "New Era Pt.2")
11. Black Rose (feat. Andrea Bicego - From "New Era Pt.3")
12. Incitement (feat. Leo Figaro - From "New Era Pt.1")
13. New Era (feat. Elisa C. Martin  - From "New Era Pt.2")
14. Cage of Light (feat. Apollo Papathanasio - From "New Era Pt.1")

Line Up:
Enrico "Henry" Pistolese - Guitars, Vocals
Salvatore Giordano - Drums
Marco "Gary" Garau - Keyboards
Dario Radaelli - Guitars
Marco Banfi - Bass

Guest vocalists:
Apollo Papathanasio (Ex-Firewind, Evil Masquerade)
Henning Basse (Metalium, Firewind)
GL Perotti (Extrema)
Davide Damna Moras (Elvenking)
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear)
D.C. Cooper (Royal Hunt),
Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra)
Mark Basile (DGM)
Elisa Martin (Ex Dark Moor)
Terence Holler (Eldritch)
Roberto Ramon Messina (Ex Secret Sphere, Physical Noise)
Andrea Bicego (4th Dimension)
Leo Figaro (Minstrelix)

Before the Storm - Thobbe Englund (2016)

Thobbe Englund, also spelled as Thorbjörn Englund, is Sabaton forefront guitarist. Thobbe coming to the band in 2012 when Sabaton undergo massive lineup chances. While on his duty in Sabaton, Thobbe manage to release two solo albums under his own name. The first one is "From the Wilderness" in 2015 and happened to be guitar instrumental album that will pleased many shred guitar fans. A year has passed and Thobbe back to his latest studio album called "Before the Storm". This album contained massive songs, about 20 tracks of them. Unlike From the Wilderness, in Before the Storm Thobbe embarked into semi-conceptual album with full featured singer to voice this album. As expected, From the Wilderness is very well composed in my listening. The album ranged from heavy tunes, all the way to epic ballad. All these songs interlude with many instrumental tracks that fall into symphonic metal and shred guitar in combination.

The album started with heavy, low tune singing, opener called "The End of Oil". We got to taste a classic power metal guitar riff through the song. In describing the song we need to referred to the element of Judas Priest and imagine putting them into power metal spirit! The second following track is "The Eye of the Storm", very much Sabaton in style and this one is the first instrumental overture we got. This then followed up with devilish tune on the third track "Our $oil" , which continued the storyline. "Waitng for the Water" is a rest for our ear as it is the first ballad to come.  "Mons Spiritus" is neo-classical instrumental, decorated with classical instrumental such as pizzicato violin voices and choirs. The real guitar teaser comes in "The Great White Open", which is very Yngwie Malmsteening in vibes.

There are bunch of songs coming next. At this point the style of the songs begin to diversed. "San Francisco" and even stronger is "Ain't It Grand" are songs that very Americanized, alternative rock in some weird form. "The Freak at the Sideshow" is featured with female singer. Other instrumental tracks to mentioned is "Saturday Night in Hell" , a theatrical movie score in style. As well the last two tracks.

Overall, Before the Storm is album with big range of music style, but mostly can put in the symphonic metal umbrella. The insertion of voice songs are not bad for fans that expected Thobbe to release a full instrumental album. Though the style quite differed from Sabaton, this album can stand its own uniqueness, evidence of Thobbe individual creative power outside the band. Very enjoyable album in the end, although a bit of exhausting with over 80 minutes of "exploration".

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

Before the Storm - Thorbjörn Englund (2016)
Buy it Here - Amazon

1. The End of Oil
2. The Eye of the Storm (instrumental)
3. Our $oil
4. Waiting for the Water   
5. Mons Spiritus (instrumental)
6. The Great White Open  (instrumental)
7. Sixteen
8. Broken Dreams
9. Inspiration Well   (instrumental)  
10. San Francisco
11. I Know You Don't Mind
12. Ain't It Grand
13. The Ghost of Maria
14. As Time Goes By  (instrumental)
15. The Freak at the Sideshow
16. Why the Rum Is Always Gone   (instrumental)
17. Home to a Pirate
18. Saturday Night in Hell  (instrumental)
19. She Brings the Horizon  (instrumental)
20. Obrigado  (instrumental)

Thorbjorn / Thobbe Englund - all instruments

album review

Beorn - Time to Dare (2015)

Beorn is newborn Russian band. They are labelled as "modern symphonic / power metal band from Russia. The band's music Beorn - it's heavy guitar riffs; beautiful...". Well prepared by the descriptions, I got to listen and fully agree. Time to Dare is the title of their debut album, consisted of eleven tracks of modern symphonic and power metal stuffs.

The first song they ever had is From Here To Eternity, well, the title surely inspired by their old metal folks from UK. The track is instrumental and it's not a light appetizer as there are tons of orchestrations to win your attention. Coming through that promising prelude is Riders Of The Sky. With such catching ears song title, nothing can surprised us when the song kick off as blazing double pedal beat. Melodic synth licks accompanied by trademark guitar riffs is a warm welcome present from the band. Through its three minutes of glory, amazingly the song bring all the a-b-c of power metal tricks. The second song is having much more the so-called 'originality'. Star Ocean is kind of cross over between power metal, Ibiza house beat and funky bass line. Official lyric video released on this song is a sign that the song also champion by the band themselves. Next is In Quest For Planet Eden, also a plot twist for listener, as the song turned out as sweet piano-based ballad in beginning and only delved into power ballad in the second part. The Chest Of Deadman is following some of classic power metal such as '80s Helloween sound. This basic ingredients are mixed with high energy solos and amazing instrument improvisation to give the song an epic status. Another song with very generic title is Space Invaders, which is the second instrumental track in the album. The band proved that they enjoy very much this setting and the outcome is a highly aesthetic instrumental composition. The rest of the album are typical power metal tracks with outer space theme. The band does not hesitate to bring in lot of keyboards and symphonic tricks to each song. Which bring us to the last song is ,Coming Home,  recently had been released as instrumental on their Youtube channel.

Time to Dare can be described as very interesting album. Beorn prove the genre still have so much corner to exploit. In between their blazing drum kicks and guitar riffs, there inserted many excellence solos. Much of those details rely on their individual skills, which is beyond adequate. Time To Dare is blend of generic power metal with innovative sounds without ruined the main character. This idea actually already known by several bandsm but Beorn stick to this anyway. With such promising debut, Beorn has conquered the first step to become part of power metal storm, especially coming from Eastern side of the scenes.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Beorn - Time to Dare (2015) 

01. From Here To Eternity (instrumental)
02. Riders Of The Sky
03. Star Ocean
04. In Quest For Planet Eden
05. The Chest Of Deadman
06. Space Invaders (instrumental)
07. Galaxy In flames
08. Phantom Ship
09. Ray Of Hope (Incubus Ex Abyssus)
10. The Beast
11. Coming Home

BEORN is:
Gregory Kryukov - Vocal
Andrey Zvonaryov - Guitars
Alexey Zvonaryov - Bass
Pavel Salikov - Guitars

Rhapsody Of Fire - Into the Legend (2016)

Into the Legend is the 11th studio album from Rhapsody of Fire. This is their second release after the band parted with Luca Turilli, well, still something to noted there. Luca himself lead another "Rhapsody" band and commend the band goes further into technical symphonic metal as in their latest album. However, Rhapsody of Fire remained in the same water with faithful symphonic metal, as bombastic as they were of course. Into the Legend is also their first album with new bassist, Alessandro Sala. This album span three years after their latest release, Dark Wing of Steel in 2013.

The first track is the album intro opener, In Principio. After composing ten opening tracks with almost the same vibes, this one can be noted for having percussion in the beginning. The second track, Distant Sky, is quite a surprise because this one sound exactly what expected from Rhapsody of Fire. The song resembling their heyday from Legendary Tales, same riff, same bombastic chorus and catchy string attack. If you like that one wait until you listen Into The Legend. The song got heavier and needless to say the song is one of the best produced by the band after so many years. Winter's Rain followed next. This one is rather mid tempo with the band exploring one chord riff into its maximum improvisation. Moving on, we come to the ballad with A Voice In The Cold Wind, where the flute and harpsichord enjoyed their parts alongside with other folk instruments. Another full blast song is Valley Of Shadows, now if you remembered how innovative they are/were in bringing soprano singer , this is that one song. Another ballad song, consisted of acoustic lute in Shining Star, now his duet should be with violin and string. The climax of them all is always the last track. The Kiss Of Life, as usual a 16 minutes finale to celebrated the triumphant of glorious return.

Into the Legend is exactly bring us back to Legendary Tales era. The band did not shy to admit that they do not need style changing episode to succeed  and just stick to what their best style. We come to listen what Alex Straropoli capability in leading the band with this album. Kudos to the guitarist, Roberto De Micheli, who rarely do any Turillian licks in his work, which is also what separated this album with their past classics. De Micheli confident in bringing his own style, notably a more heavy metal riffs rather than going too neo-classical. In front of the musician is the fabulous Fabio Lione who executed every song in perfect voice. With this quite bombastic review as well, we can safely say, the legend has back!

Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Rhapsody Of Fire - Into the Legend (2016)

01. In Principio
02. Distant Sky
03. Into The Legend
04. Winter's Rain
05. A Voice In The Cold Wind
06. Valley Of Shadows
07. Shining Star
08. Realms Of Light
09. Rage Of Darkness
10. The Kiss Of Life

Line Up

Fabio Lione - Vocals
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Roberto De Micheli - Guitars
Alessandro Sala - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums

Avantasia - Ghostlights (2016)

Let's me tell you about Avantasia once again. They are star assembly power metal project created by Tobias Sammet. They are first intended for a metal opera project for an act of the same name, Avantasia. In which, two discs were released , Avantasia - The Metal Opera. Nevertheless, these two albums were a great success. The assembly of super vocalists such as Michael Kiske, Kai Hansen, Rob Rock, Andre Matos re-established the genre heavily, create a wave of many other conceptual "metal opera" in power metal. The success encourage the founder, Tobias Sammet, to continued this project and made it a regular metal act. Since then, several discs had been released, all contained the trademark of Avantasia, catchy tunes sings by extremely competent power metal vocalist in the field. Thus let us see their newest album here, Ghostlights  set to released in 29 January 2016.

The best thing about Ghostlights is still about its line up. Tobias Sammet had comes to another milestone by inviting bigger and bigger names to sing in Avantasia. Let's first listen to the opener "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose", which sing by Tobias himself. It is a good opener capturing the best of Avantasia vibes, melodic intro, imaginative lyrics with piano accompaniment in the first verses. The chorus is easily grasped by listener. After that opener, the real storm descend to the second song. "Let the Storm Descend Upon You" is 12 minutes epic battle between singer Jorn Lande, Ronnie Atkins (of Pretty Maids) and Robert Mason ( veteran from the '80s bands). All of them narrated the premise of Ghoslights story line, in very decent power metal spirit. After the storm is Dee Snider singing in "The Haunting", as the title suggested, this haunting song is best sing by the Twisted Sisters frontman. When Tobi invited guest to sing here, he also composed the song to be match with the singer's background. In "Seduction of Decay" performed by Geoff Tate, the song become Queensrÿche-esque with heavily progressive metal in the background. This extended best to Michael Kiske's parts in "Ghostlights", which easily reference to his days in Helloween with all that fast galloping beat and ultra high pitch singing. Things lighter in "Draconian Love" sings by seasoned Herbie Langhans (Sinbreed, Seventh Avenue). The fame of Marco Hietala also landed him voices in Avantasia. In "Master of the Pendulum" this time not much Nightwish likeliness only the middle riff and the title is closest thing. "Isle of Evermore" by Sharon den Adel is of course also easy to shared with Within Temptation collection. After this slow interlude, we are way back to catchy guitar riff in "Babylon Vampyres". The provocative song title of "Lucifer" started out as piano ballad then evolved into full blast song.

All the song will make up your day if you are power metal listener. As in Avantasia standard, they are superb in writing and musics. The many references to each guest vocalist original band proved that Avantasia is reaching for every possible angle and fans. Though the songs are continuation of every past Avantasia albums, Ghostlights will find it place among their fans because the materials are as good as before. Another masterpiece from the band.

Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Avantasia - Ghostlights (2016)

1. "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" 3:51
2. "Let the Storm Descend Upon You" - Jørn Lande, Ronnie Atkins, Robert Mason 12:09
3. "The Haunting" - Dee Snider 4:42
4. "Seduction of Decay" - Geoff Tate 7:18
5. "Ghostlights" - Michael Kiske, Lande 5:43
6. "Draconian Love" - Herbie Langhans 4:58
7. "Master of the Pendulum" - Marco Hietala 5:01
8. "Isle of Evermore" - Sharon den Adel 4:28
9. "Babylon Vampyres" - Mason 7:09
10. "Lucifer" - Lande 3:48
11. "Unchain the Light" - Atkins, Kiske 5:03
12. "A Restless Heart and Obsidian Skies" - Bob Catley 5:53
13. "Wake up to the Moon" (Digibook bonus) Kiske, Lande, Catley, Atkins, Mason 4:43

Helloween - My God-Given Right (2015)

In 1985 Helloween released Walls of Jericho. Together with immediately Keeper of The Seven Keys I & II , this trilogy formed the very basic of power metal repertoire.  Some may said that everything else are just derivative of them. Die hard fans will divided them into Kai Hansen-era , who involved in all these album. The history saw Helloween gone through Kiske-era, then Deris-era and they are just respectively different to each other. 30 years has gone by, and Helloween is now sit safely as legendary band. The good news is the guys still consistently productive till this days. My God-Given Right (2015), is yet another new album by Helloween. Wikipedia marked this as the "first time the band releases five studio album with the same line up". The band is pretty solid in their later day too. Looking at the cover art, Andi Deris said this is the first cover art that less colorful than any other Helloween cover art previously. Something new from the old band's kitchen?

My God-Given Right is one of Helloween's album that has strong theme as almost a concept album. Major theme in the album is about future apocalypse, an old stuff recycled yet again. Musically speaking, this is the continuation of later day Helloween, quite consistent from their last five albums, a must be so. "Heroes" is the starter song.  The intro riffs is quite heavy and run in progressive-like scale rather than melodic power metal. When Andi Deris starts the song, the aroma of Helloween is immediately spread to the air. No doubt the song fits in Helloween, more precise the 2000s era of Helloween. "Battle's Won" to follow. This one is has more "happy" sound, with theatrical intro. The choruses still typically Helloween, something reminiscence of Mission Motherland. "My God-Given Right" is the closest point in the album to connected with oldies classic. The first couple bar of the song is the tribute of Power. Not sure about the anomaly in "Stay Crazy", where the intro is something like Iron Maidenesque bass line. Indeed this song in contrast quite different from typical Helloween, so something fresh to listen.

"Lost In America" is then to bring us back to power metal. Together in Battle's Won, these two songs released earlier as the singles. It brings back simple power metal with twin galloping guitars. "Russian Roule" is more of whammy guitar works in the intro. Song is again untypically Helloween. "The Swing Of A Fallen World" is darker mid tempo song, already heard since The Dark Ride era. Through the last album released two years ago, My God-Given Right is fully packed with 16 songs. The later material notable mentioned is "If God Loves Rock 'N' Roll", well, typical Helloween playing the God-theme song. "You, Still Of War", a long seven minutes song that also reminded us to A Tale That Wasn't Right feel. The rest are compilation of interesting ideas that maybe little to connect with the thirty years ago Helloween.

In any case, all songs infused with very high technical playing. Helloween surely not lessened their armor of licks after 30 years of practice. In fact, their music seems rising in complicity. Not a surprise since 30 years ago Keeper of the Seven Keys thirteen minutes composition is the epic works unparalleled by their contemporary. My God-Given Right is brand new Helloween album, material are mixed from old classic recreated , up to new fresh idea. Another meet the expectation released by the pumpkin guys.

Favorite tracks:
Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Helloween - My God-Given Right (2015)

01. Heroes
02. Battle's Won
03. My God-Given Right
04. Stay Crazy
05. Lost In America
06. Russian Roulé
07. The Swing Of A Fallen World
08. Like Everybody Else
09. Creatures In Heaven
10. If God Loves Rock 'N' Roll
11. Living On The Edge
12. Claws
13. You, Still Of War
14. I Wish I Were There (Bonus Track)
15. Wicked Game (Bonus Track)
16. Free World (Bonus Track)

    Andi Deris – lead vocals
    Michael Weikath – lead and rhythm guitars
    Sascha Gerstner – lead and rhythm guitars
    Markus Grosskopf – bass
    Daniel Löble – drums

Production

    Charlie Bauerfeind - production
    Martin Häusler - cover art

Kamelot - Haven (2015)

2015 marked the twelve year of Kamelot's first studio album, Eternity, when released in 1995. Thinking back, over that 20 years, Kamelot did evolved very much. As a power metal force in Tampa, now Kamelot is a worldwide success with 11 studio albums. Their latest for 2015 is Haven. This is their 11th studio release, as well the 2nd with vocalist Tommy Karevik. Tommy has successfully injected new blood to Kamelot on Silverthorn album. Of course, twenty years should enough to tranformed Kamelot. Their music is no longer, ehem, as catchy as decades years ago. Just like aging wine they has mature up.

Kamelot still hold unique power metal style with their low pitch singing, as opposed to high screaming style in Europe. Fallen Star is one of the extreme example of this. Tommy Karevik started the album with one short piano and voice passage. The whole album stirred to mellow mood by this. Very story telling in composition, which is Kamelot other trademark. This song also quickly become familiar, prove that the song writing has been quite strong. Insomnia to follow, with official video clip this is supposedly the album "hit". We got strong Kamelot in style here, the choruses are all familiar as heard before. A rather futuristic attempt is in third song, Citizen Zero. Let us also aware that the album is another futuristic - apocalypse theme album. Be informed also, several familiar musicians are involved in this project. First is Troy Donockley who is famous in his Nightwish position as the pipe whistling metalist. Together with Charlotte Wessels from Delain, they are soon be heard in Under Grey Skies, a beautiful done ballad.

The second part of the album begin after a connector Ecclesia and officially started with End Of Innocence . Interesting song is Beautiful Apocalypse , where many industrial elements being added to Kamelot's style. This to be climax  in Revolution where Alisa White-Gluz making her appearances. You know what roles she is in. Everything to be ended peacefully then in the last song in Haven.

Obviously, Haven from Kamelot is not everyone's cup of tea. Musically, this is a very serious works with lots of details compositions. If you enjoy Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime put into power metal platform, then this will be your thing. Good news is the quality of each song really stand ups, they are worth your one hour listening. Tommy Karevik brings us to the apocalyptic time with his voices. Thomas Youngblood is still holding his cards with lots of newly invented licks. Haven is really testing how far the genre can goes without being cliche. In retrospect of their 20 years in apocalypse metal, this is just as expected. Another quality food for Kamelot fans to chew.

Favorite tracks: Fallen Star, Under Grey Skies, Revolution
Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten

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Kamelot - Haven (2015)

01. Fallen Star
02. Insomnia
03. Citizen Zero
04. Veil Of Elysium
05. Under Grey Skies
06. My Therapy
07. Ecclesia
08. End Of Innocence
09. Beautiful Apocalypse
10. Liar Liar (Wasteland Monarchy)
11. Here's To The Fall
12. Revolution
13. Haven

Tommy Karevik – vocals
Thomas Youngblood – guitars
Sean Tibbetts – bass guitar
Oliver Palotai - keyboards, orchestrations
Casey Grillo – drums

Guest/session members

Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) - female vocals, growling vocals
Troy Donockley (Nightwish) - Uilleann pipes, tin whistle
Charlotte Wessels (Delain) - female vocals

Sascha Paeth - producer
Jacob Hansen - mastering