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)
Buy it Here - Amazon

 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

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.

Buy it Here - Amazon
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

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)
Buy it Here - Amazon

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)

Vivaldi Metal Project - The Four Seasons (2016)

As the universe has known, "The Four Season" is a Baroque musical piece composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Yes, that was in the year of 1723. The works actually not very much "popular" at the time, well if you lived in the era of Vivaldi you probably heard this too often, only later got its "classic" status in the next century. By the year of 2016, The Four Season is already one of the most known, universally accepted, greatest classical music composition by a subgenre of Baroque period. There are endless list of adaptation of Four Season through out the history of music.  Finally, of course they naturally reach the world we belong, the power metal world.

Vivaldi Metal Project is the most ambitious works that trying to transform The Four Seasons into power metal version in its entirety. The man behind this project happened to be Giuseppe Iampieri aka Mistheria, who works previously in Bruce Dickinson, Roy Z, Rob Rock as keyboardist and arranger. The link of full description in official website pointed out the history behind this project. In brief, mr Mistheria worked for this project for at least two full years and incorporated at least 130 musicians to make this happen. Vivaldi's The Four Seasons  then adapted into power / symphonic metal version. This version is not a notes by notes transcription, but merely a source of inspiration, as the music itself merit a huge portion of original creativity by the band.

As for reminder, here is the full movements of Vivaldi's Four Season :

Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "Spring" (La primavera)
        I. Allegro (in E major)
        II. Largo e pianissimo sempre (in C-sharp minor)
        III. Allegro pastorale (in E major)
    Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer" (L'estate)
        I. Allegro non molto (in G minor)
        II. Adagio e piano - Presto e forte (in G minor)
        III. Presto (in G minor)
    Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "Autumn" (L'autunno)
        I. Allegro (in F major)
        II. Adagio molto (in D minor)
        III. Allegro (in F major)
    Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "Winter" (L'inverno)
        I. Allegro non molto (in F minor)
        II. Largo (in E-flat major)
        III. Allegro (in F minor)

Therefore, Vivaldi Metal Project simply adopted all those 12 movements into a lyric-completed symphonic metal songs. There are two original songs though, as a prelude and in between the album. The first one is the 1st track "Escape From Hell". However, a sorry from us, these original songs largely going to be ignored as our focus is on the Four Seasons itself. "The Illusion of Eternity" is direct version of Allegro from Spring. The original Vivaldi melodies and passage well preserved, giving this song a world wide familiarity. Those who understand how hard is song writing should praise the the band creativity to be able to do this. The verses and chorus now sounds natural as they were first composed as metal song. The next song "Vita" is lesser strictly following Largo,  the song only captured the intro idea but then inserted a nice song into it. This formula repreated in many songs and they were all well fit.

Indeed, the best tunes I recommended next are "Sun of God", taken from Allegro in Summer. The piano intro works really well in mixing power metal and Vivaldi, the song as well. "Thunderstorm" is considered the most "head banging" part of Four Season, and this version serve the burden well. Prepared for the thunderstorm of shreds and bombastic works here, along with majestic choruses hired by the band. "Alchemy" also demonstrated that the band and the arrangers do a lot of homeworks to make this adaptation really stand out. This piece of music step further into the progressive metal zone, and if you got Vivaldi, power and prog join together you know the result. The finale is "Doomsday" which the final part of Four Season, taken elements of Winter part but duly played it as orchestra version in the end.

Provided that the musicians involved here are all big names, the outcome is very above expectation. When I first the heard the project honestly there is a shadow of doubt, but this album cast away any of it. Vivaldi Metal Project is a very strong remark from the metal community in paying tribute to classical / baroque music. If you like both world, then this is a must have creation for you.

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

Buy it Here - Amazon
Vivaldi Metal Project - The Four Seasons (2016)

01. Escape From Hell
02. The Illusion of Eternity
03. Vita
      - part 1: Darkness
      - part 2: Light
04. Euphoria
      - part 1: Metamorphosis
      - part 2: Into the Game
05. Sun of God
06. Immortal Soul
07. Thunderstorm
08. The Age Of Dreams
09. Alchemy
      - part 1: The Abyss
      - part 2: Canto
      - part 3: Golden Number
10. Stige
11. The Meaning of Life
12. The Final Hour
13. Grande Madre
14. Doomsday
      - part 1: Skyfall
      - part 2: Doomsday
      - part 3: Resurrection

Line Up:
MISTHERIA (Bruce Dickinson, Rob Rock, Roy Z,) - keyboard player, composer and producer
Alberto Rigoni (Bass)
Rick Wakeman

Guests:
Mark Boals (Y. Malmsteen), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire/Angra), Edu Falaschi (Almah), Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation), Rolf Pilve (Stratovarius), Michael Lepond (SymphonyX), Michael Angelo Batio, John Macaluso (ARK/TNT),  Marco Sfogli (J. LaBrie), Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt), Vitalij Kuprij, Mark Cross (Scorpions/Firewind), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), Chris Caffery (Savatage), Dani Loeble (Helloween), Victor Smolski (Rage/Almanac), Steve Di Giorgio (Testament), Anna Portalupi (Tarja), Atma Anur (T. MacAlpine/G. Howe), Tommy Denander (Radioactive) and 100+ other musicians

Sinfonietta Consonus Symphonic Orchestra (Poland),
Academic Choir Angel Manolov (Bulgaria),
the “Chamber Choir Ivan Filipovic” (Croatia)
the “Rock Academy Choir” (Croatia)

Trailer:

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

Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus

Would there be any room for new invention in symphonic metal, after two Rhapsody bands keep pulling out albums years after years? Luca Turilli is trying to prove this possibility once again. In his version of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody, new term has been coined out, Cinematic Metal. His first attempt in Ascending to Infinity was quite extravaganza , but by the standard of Rhapsody, it was just a little further continuation of their symphonic-metal legacy. Prometheus, is almost similar to their previous "debut". Only that now, Luca Turilli put giant orchestration works into his neo-classical metal, much much more than ever before. The cinematic metal that is, has more obvious bombastic than his "predecessor" Hollywood-metal. So you can imagine what come next.

First, listen to the traditionally opener, Nova Genesis (Ad Splendorem Angeli Triumphantis) is the first stone of this new idea. More operatic singer in the high set composition that have techno-synth and many many orchestra hits inside. Il Cigno Nero come up next as their first full song. Unusual to their tradition, it is open with piano intro. The song itself is quite generic Rhapsodian song. Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross) is techno infused combined with Gregorian chant thing. The dynamic vocal arrangements still dominated the whole composition. More cinematic opening in the third song, Anahata, now that we will miss the old Luca Turilli's guitar riff already since all three songs have less guitar works. With the fourth song also emphasized more in vocals works mimicking Verdi's opera and a song title such as  Il Tempo Degli Dei, we are desperately need a heavy stuff. One Ring To Rule Them All can be quite a relief in term of that, since the this is one of their heaviest tunes in this album. The rest of song did not help much, Prometheus is their early release and we have listen to it. Fantastic song in term of rich orchestration, but as many may compliant, the lyrics is very Da Vinci code and hard to crack the meaning. As usual the pinnacle of the album is their last song. Of Michael The Archangel and Lucifer's Fall Part II: Codex Nemesis, that's the first part already known in their debut album.

This album said it all about Luca Turilli. The maestro keep pushing the symphonic metal into the jungle of cinematic and score-like composition. Indeed, Prometheus is amazing display of that. The most difficult part for Rhapsodian fans, and symphonic metal listener would be around three issues: First. the reduce of guitar virtuoso and riffs, which was once Rhapsody best trademark feature. Secondly is the obvious repetitive and recycle of ideas, which is also their hardest things to crack regarding new Rhapsody album. Third, is the lyrics and story telling part. As we know, classic Rhapsody albums all have original concept that hardly can be repeat. In Prometheus, the lyric is intentionally encrypted, and for symphonic metal situation, this may not working. Nevertheless, the album will provide many ideas for those looking for inspiration upon scoring and metal combined together. Obviously, Luca Turilli still working his best for fans in his music.

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

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Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus 

01. Nova Genesis (Ad Splendorem Angeli Triumphantis)
02. Il Cigno Nero
03. Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)
04. Anahata
05. Il Tempo Degli Dei
06. One Ring To Rule Them All
07. Notturno
08. Prometheus
09. King Solomon And The 72 Names Of God
10. Yggdrasil
11. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer's Fall Part II: Codex Nemesis
    1 - Codex Nemesis Alpha Omega
    2 - Symphonia Ignis Divinus (The Quantum Gate Revealed)
    3 - The Astral Convergence
    4 - The Divine Fire Of The Archangel
    5 - Of Psyche And Archetypes (System Overloaded)
12. Thundersteel [digipack bonus] [Cinematic version]

Alessandro Conti - vocals
Luca Turilli - guitars, keyboards
Dominique Leurquin - guitars
Alex Landenburg - drums
Patrice Guers - bass

Guest musicians
Dan "Fucking" Lucas - vocals
David Readman - vocals
Ralf Scheepers - vocals

Additional info
Recorded and mixed by Sebastian Roeder.
Mastered by Christoph Stickel.

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

Buy it Here - Amazon

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

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

Buy it Here - Amazon

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

Michael Kiske & Amanda Somerville - City Of Heroes (2015)

This is the second studio album for Michael Kiske and Amanda Somerville duet, City of Heroes. Noted that they are now using expanded full version of their name, instead of simply Kiske/Somerville. The backing musicians are very much the same, Magnus Karlsson and Mat Sinner are on duty to provide arrangements. City of Heroes come with slightly different feel compare to the past debut album. While the debut sounds very much Timo Tolkien, City of Heroes is leaning more towards Magnus Karlsson world of power metal. Michael Kiske sounds very much home, this maybe his most power metal project, as compare to his other job in Place Vendome or Unisonic. Amanda Somerville is given more wide range tasks from operatic voices to soul-like singing,

"City of Heroes" is the usual opener with tasty intro riff, then the guitars are chopping through out the song. Michael Kiske sings the most of the song with Amanda providing powerful backing. This song can be describe as ideal power metal + Kiske + female voices setup. "Walk on Water" is rather quick piano + orchestra ballad incoming but then we'll know why.  It's a real potential hit. The song quickly do the male and female duet arrangement. Everything went out really epic when we got to the power chorus part, well remembered. The composition get their teeth shown well on the third track "Rising Up". The song will be good sung by any power metal singer, and of course absolutely beast in the hand of Michael Kiske and Amanda. It's a slowly built up, the orchestra parts is no brainer and the choruses are again well written. "Breaking Neptune" is another interesting point in the middle section. Started with re-touched familiar riff. It is interesting because the song done in simple one-two pedal drumming yet the accompanied musics are heavily symphonic metal. "Ocean of Tears" is teary violin ballad, come in real slow tempo and Amanda Somerville takes the control. Everything back in track with "Last Goodbye", guitar orientated heavy metal track. "After the Night Is Over" is the third ballad, this one done with acoustic guitar on top.

Aparts from the lead Kiske / Somerville spot light, Magnus Karlsson's melodic solos also contributed to the composition something like the third voices. We can say the song writing are really get into good hand by the musician team and executed well by the duo. We also witness one of few female power metal drummer, Veronika Lukesova in action. Her drumming didn't indicated anything feminism , instead as hard as any men can do. Kiske / Somerville is transformed into highly waited project, perhaps in rival to other "duo" such as Allen / Lande project. There is not much complained for power metal fans, this is one of the year highlighted album.

Favorite tracks: Walk on Water, Rising Up, City of Heroes
Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Michael Kiske & Amanda Somerville - City Of Heroes (2015)

01. City of Heroes 04:02
02. Walk on Water 04:16
03. Rising Up 04:44
04. Salvation 05:59
05. Lights Out 04:49
06. Breaking Neptune 04:09
07. Ocean of Tears 04:28
08. Open Your Eyes 04:17
09. Last Goodbye 03:47
10. After the Night Is Over 04:57
11. Run with a Dream 04:39
12. Right Now 05:18

Line Up:
Michael Kiske - Vocals (Unisonic, Avantasia (live),  Place Vendome, ex-Helloween)
Amanda Somerville - Vocals (Avantasia (live), Aina, ex-Epica (live))
Magnus Karlsson - Guitars & Keyboards (Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall, Primal Fear)
Mat Sinner - Bass & Backing Vocals (Primal Fear, Silent Force, Sinner, )
Veronika Lukesova - Drums

Guest Musician:
Sander Gommans - Lyrics on track 6 (ex-After Forever)

Magic Kingdom - Savage Requiem (2015)

You ask, couldn't the band's name be more cliche? Magic Kingdom, is indeed sounds like the penultimate of power metal archaic. The band is mainly consisted of Dushan Petrossi and Vasiliy Molchanov.  Both are active in another power metal band, Iron Mask. The vocalist for their latest album, Savage Requiem, is Christian Palin, ex-Adagio. The line up completed with Michael Brush in drumming.

Savage Requiem is simply power metal album with lots of shred, neo-classical licks, and symphonic elements. Compared to theirs last album, Symphony of War, the new album didn't has growling vocal elements anymore, this is also the one with heavier music. Songs are typical but have their own merit in each one. "Guardian Angels" started pretty heavy. Nothing can beat the galloping minor scale power metal riffs and thus the first song built up the mood easily. "Rivals Forever" is in the other way, fast guitar licks backed up with string attacks to make up teeth reeling song. If you followed Iron Mask, this song pretty much resembling some of their song in Black As Death album. "Full Moon Sacrifice" is the one with more mid tempo song. "Ship of Ghosts" is the double melodic guitar solo intro, well as we expected, Magic Kingdom quite recycling every possible gimmicks, including the famous Ode of Joy by Beethoven theme in the solo guitar. "Four Demon Kings of Shadowlands" see some more complicated song structure. The most guitar orientated song to be "With Fire and Sword", which see the band trying Yngwie Malmsteen theme. "Dragon Princess" is their ballad and come with piano version, which I prefer. The album finished with "Battlefield Magic", well quite a Baroque theme combined with neo-classical metal altogether.

All songs in Savage Requiem polished well, whether in the beginning intro, song structure and other parts. In short, the album combined many creative points, something that must be interesting when the band is playing in power metal genre. Dushan Petrossi is no doubt the happiest guy in the band as he storm out thousand of amazing licks in each song. Christian Palin voices is enjoyable, strong and has it authority. Magic Kingdom's Savage Requiem in first class power metal album that going to gallop you with magic and fantasy world in any day.

Favorite tracks: Guardian Angels, Ship of Ghosts, Dragon Princess
Metal Harem class: ********** eight stars out of ten


Buy it Here - Amazon

Magic Kingdom - Savage Requiem (2015)

01. In Umbra Mea 01:08
02. Guardian Angels 07:08
03. Rivals Forever 05:16
04. Full Moon Sacrifice 06:30
05. Ship of Ghosts 04:43
06. Savage Requiem 06:35
07. Four Demon Kings of Shadowlands 07:03
08. With Fire and Sword 05:52
09. Dragon Princess 05:55
10. Battlefield Magic 06:26
11. Dragon Princess (acoustic)

Line Up:
Christian Palin - Vocals (ex-Adagio,)
Dushan Petrossi - Guitars (Arms of War, Iron Mask)
Vasiliy Molchanov - Bass (Iron Mask)
Michael Brush - Drums (Celestial Wish)

Magic Kingdom band artwork

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015)

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015) album review

The wait is over. Four years since Imaginaerum in 2011, and two years since the acquisition of Floor Jansen from the power metal world. Endless Forms Most Beautiful is the Nightwish's new album, marking the new era, well, the third era. Not only Floor Jansen is the obvious attraction here, but the band also swift deeply now into new musical direction. The theme of Endless Forms Most Beautiful itself is  Evolution and Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species". On band formation, drummer Jukka Nevalainen is not in the recording, instead Kai Hato from Wintersun is recording all of the parts. Troy Donockley is official member now, the first and may be the only uileann piper in metal band. The album has massive energy to be unleashed just by facts on paper.

If memory served us well, long ago Nightwish was known by its female operatic voices, who sing under neo-classical power metal genre. When Tarja no longer around, Nightwish altered the style and resulted in heavier, symphonical metal. The vocal style itself, by Annette,  no longer an exclusive signature to Nightwish. In E.F.M.B. where Floor Jansen debut, Nightwish also did not returned to the operatic voice character. Floor Jansen sing in her own style, but mainly "need" to fit into Nightwish newly, ambitious heavy orchestration metal invention.

Just like Imaginaerum, where the orchestration is begin to get large portion of the music, E.F.M.B. is even more ambitious. The first opening is "Shudder Before The Beautiful". After a spoken introductory, we got the very first new Nightwish riff after four years. It is still intact with old 'classic', it's very Dark Chess of Wonders in sibling, so old fans should feel connected. The different is, this opening start with calm singing line, something that indicated the song is only beginning part of the whole E.F.M.B. concept album. Middle solos are awesome, all three melodic player takes turn, the pipers, guitars and keyboardist. The orchestration of course on its different level now, it is real arrangements with real composer in charge. The song first impression is, kind of too generic for Nightwish and general female symphonic metal, though it is really kicking ass.

"Weak Fantasy" is where we need to face with many more orchestration. The song has  more character development of Nightwish and Floor Jansen style. Very strong reply to the first song. "Élan" itself is already known as a single release prior to the album. It is very radio friendly, easy listening one from the band. "Yours Is An Empty Hope" is full orchestrated heavy piece, where we got to listen Floor Jansen in her full metal mode. "Our Decades In The Sun" is the middle break ballad, arrangement of piano and backing orchestration are great. "My Walden" is the movie score like song. Troy's piper come in force in this song.  "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" is the peak of three elements, Nightwish guitar signature riffing, Floor Jansen singing explorations and backing symphonic arrangements. "Edema Ruh" is another easy and simple track with strong folk elements. "Alpenglow" is recollection of some old Nightwish string riff, though I hardly can remember the exact song they are "adapting". "The Eyes Of Sharbat Gula" is the usual Nightwish's instrumental break, choirs and strong string layer in this one. Finally, "The Greatest Show On Earth" is their most serious composition, extended to 24 minutes. Nightwish has finally joined Dream Theater and Rhapsody of Fire in giving the last for the best. I suggested everyone to take time, listened to the hard work of the band on this ambitious piece.

One loophole the album need to avoid is to not to bore the listener with too many repetition. Endless Forms Most Beautiful is very close in getting this trouble, with many orchestration parts, kind of repeated in other forms and songs. Especially with the last lengthy lengthy finale. But, all those problem can be meet by repeated listening and the quality will show up. Floor Jansen is kind of getting her different form of performance. Good maneuver, as she herself already has ReVamp for other creative outlet. In short, we satisfied with creative ideas compiled in this album, certainly the waiting time is worth.

Favorite songs: Weak Fantasy, Shudder Before The Beautiful, Elan, My Walden
Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Nightwish - Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015)

1. Shudder Before The Beautiful
2. Weak Fantasy
3. Élan
4. Yours Is An Empty Hope
5. Our Decades In The Sun
6. My Walden
7. Endless Forms Most Beautiful
8. Edema Ruh
9. Alpenglow
10. The Eyes Of Sharbat Gula
11. The Greatest Show On Earth

    I. "Four Point Six"
    II. "Life"
    III. "The Toolmaker"
    IV. "The Understanding"
    V. "Sea-Worn Driftwood"


Nightwish
    Floor Jansen - lead vocals
    Marco Hietala - lead vocals, growls, bass guitar
    Emppu Vuorinen - lead guitars
    Tuomas Holopainen – keyboards, piano
    Troy Donockley – uilleann pipes, tin whistle, backing vocals

Additional musicians
    Kai Hahto - drums (Wintersun)
    Richard Dawkins - narration
    Pip Williams - orchestral arrangements
    James Shearman - Conductor
    Metro Voices - choir

Production
    Tuomas Holopainen - production, mixing
    Mikko Karmilla, Tero Kinnunen - mixing
    Mika Jussila - mastering
    Toxic Angel - cover art

Whyzdom - Symphony For A Hopeless God (2015)

Whyzdom is a female fronted symphonic metal from France. Their power house is Marie Rouyer. The band is doing full scale power metal with orchestration in a style of good ol' days of Nightwish. A thick layer of guitar riffs is what put this band more in line with Epica instead. Symphony For A Hopeless God is their 3rd studio album, where the previous two already reserved some promising position in the heart of symphonic metal fans.

All songs are polished with catchy orchestrations, brasses and strings are swirling freely to accompanying the main attacking voices, the guitar distortion. In the background the double pedal drums continuously put heavy beats into the storms. The songs are no different to standard bombastic power metal. The first tune we got is "While The Witches Burn", lengthy Latin inspired choruses and cathedral bell is our first impressions. Catchy guitar riffs blends in, and we got the symphonic metal in its full seriousness. Marie Rouyer implemented a soft 'gothic' style singing in duet with the male vocals. But indeed, this is not their main style. The majority of the song incorporated straight forward, standard heavy metal style of singing, as heard in "Let's Play With Fire" , one of their very melodic song that I found very strong. "Asylum Of Eden" is having trace of Nightwish's latest Imaginaerum influences. The song composition itself have many serious highlight, such as just when the album exhausting into the end, we got "Theory Of Life" that really brings the album into the climaxing end. This left the last song "Pandora's Tears" acted as the closing credit, very similar to the last movie score in the end of its show.

This album have more bombastic power metal orchestration than what you may think. Almost endless of brass attack in every song. The highlight is Marie as the center of attention. Her voices ranged from soft gothic style to heavy operatic voices. Musically, the power metal elevated a lot from the guitar distortion, which trying to have more room when surrounded by the strings and brasses. Symphony For A Hopeless God is heavy, also melodic. Expected lots of high time listening to this. Whyzdom is the new force to listen, ready to sneak in between the other 'veterans' alike of Within Tempation, Epica, and Nightwish.

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

Buy it Here - Amazon

Whyzdom - Symphony For A Hopeless God (2015) 

1. While The Witches Burn
2. Tears Of A Hopeless God
3. Let's Play With Fire
4. Eve's Last Daughter
5. Don't Try To Blind Me
6. The Mask
7. Asylum Of Eden
8. Waking Up The Titans
9. Theory Of Life
10. Where Are The Angels
11. Pandora's Tears

Marie Rouyer - Vocals
Vynce Leff - Guitar, Orchestrations
Nico Chaumeaux - Drums
Regis Morin - Guitar
Xavier Corrrientes - Bass
Marc Ruhlmann - Keyboard
Record Label: Scarlet Records

Raskasta Joulua - Ragnarok Juletide (2014)

Raskasta Joulua is annual musical project held by member of Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. They are the Finland version of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, in which doing Christmas theme songs in it most metal possible. Hence, Raskasta Joulua mean "Heavy Christmas" in Finnish. The project has been held every year, and this is actually their 10th anniversary.

The first opening is quite a faithful Christmas vibes in "We Celebrate At Christmastime". The real winter adventure begins in "The First Noel", where the guitar riffs and typical heavy metal act gets going. It is a straight medley to "Here on the Hay", which is borrowing melody from Noel but in continued in new song. "Little Drummer Boy" is heavily improvised but didn't lost its signature soul. "The Elf" is narrative song, by Marco, to be continued by Elize Ryd in "Christmas Is Here". "Sylvia's Song" is also rarely heard new song in mid tempo ballad. "White Christmas" is full heavy metal rendering yet again, very heavy one indeed. "Home for Christmas" is in standard metal rendition, the same on "A Sparrow on a Christmas Morning". "Christmas Has Come" and "Ave Maria" all in power ballad mode blanket with top notch arrangements.

Definitely a holiday gift to every metal fans. Music are heavy enough yet capture the spirit of Christmas theme. The vast array of voices contributor mean this album is has plenty of characters to listen to. This is kind of Trans-Siberian and Avantasia in holiday theme.

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

Raskasta Joulua - Ragnarok Juletide (2014)
Buy it Here - Amazon

01. We Celebrate At Christmastime
02. The First Noel
03. Here on the Hay
04. Little Drummer Boy
05. The Elf
06. Christmas Is Here
07. Sylvia's Song
08. White Christmas
09. Home for Christmas
10. A Sparrow on a Christmas Morning
11. Christmas Has Come
12. Ave Maria

The voices:

Elize Ryd (Amaranthe)
Marco Hietala (Nightwish)
J.P. Leppäluoto (Northern Kings)
Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica)
Jarkko Ahola (Terasbetoni, Northern Kings)
Ari Koivunen (Amoral)
Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone)
Antti Railio (2013 Voice of Finland winner)
Ville Tuomi
Antony Parviainen
Tuple Salmela
Kimmo Blom

The backing musicians:

Erkka Korhonen - guitar, arrangements (Northern King)
Tuomas Wäinölä - guitar
Vili Ollila - keyboards (Northern King)
Mirka Rantanen - drums (Thunderstone)
Erkki Silvennoinen - bass (Omnium Gathering)

Axenstar - Where Dreams Are Forgotten (2014)

Whatever sub-genre of power metal coming out, it is always the pure the traditional power metal that stand still in the last. Axenstar had been that kind of band since their first inception. Crawling in the crowd of power metal, the Sweden quartet first find it hard to fight their fame with some of their sophomore albums. Then starting The Final Requiem and Aftermath, it is became clear that those who follow the right path will find their way. Axenstar's Where Dreams Are Forgotten is quite anticipated by power metal fans. Three years from Aftermath is enough waiting, so they are on the last minutes of being forgotten. The album exactly an upgrade continuation from Aftermath, now with more power, more riffs on their belt. Through very much traditionalist in power metal, Axenstar is not without distinguish signature. It is their vocalist Magnus Winterwild that gives Axenstar something to remember. His vocal style is actually not in the mainstream power metal where he avoid singing in traditional high pitch, in fact his style is kind of mid to low range and with strong attack in every breath.

You will find songs such as "Fear" is the most power metal can do with its trade mark guitar riff. The background is fill with thin layer of keyboard string, not too thick to get them a 'symphonic' label, but enough to gives the neo-classical feel. Speedy drumming is there also, the album has a good start. As with many formulaic song order, the following "Inside The Maze" flows nicely to continue what the first song finish. Tension is still maintained up to their third song, is "My Sacrifice" where the bombastic seems more and more. The pinnacle of their first phase attack is likely in "Curse Of The Tyrant", a short variation on drum and acoustic guitar in the intro glued us to the ground from the start. "The Return" is the beginning of their next set, with contained package of "Demise", then "Greed", then a very Helloween-ish "The Reaper" is a strong point in this section.

With exception of "Annihilation" in the intro, this album is full of power riffs parallel with galloping drums. Clear to us Where Dreams Are Forgotten is dedicated to die hard power metal fans. You will find no other disrupting non sense gimmicks blocking your way listening full blast of riffs, speedy solos and metal choruses. It is the time for Axenstar ascending to higher class of power metal arena, which I believe they already so.

Favorite tracks: Fear, Curse Of the Tyrant, The Reaper
Metal Harem class: ********** eight stars out of ten

Buy it Here - Amazon

Axenstar - Where Dreams Are Forgotten (2014)

01. Fear
02. Inside The Maze
03. My Sacrifice
04. Curse Of The Tyrant
05. The Return
06. Demise
07. Annihilation
08. Greed
09. The Reaper
10. This False Imagery
11. Sweet Farewell

Line Up:
Magnus Winterwild - Vocals, Bass & Keyboards
Joakim Jonsson - Guitars
Jens Klovegård - Guitars
Adam Lindberg - Drums
Record Label: Inner Wound Recordings

Allen Lande The Great Divide (2014)

The duo of Russell Allen and Jorn Lande strike again with their fourth album. Though they are doing fine with Magnus Karlsson as their man behind the wheel, composer in charge, in this album Timo Tolkki is taking over the rule. That's right, the whole heavy metal sounds is kinda off and changes into Tolkki-style melodic metal. The Great Divide gives us Allen-Lande-Tolkki project instead because of how strong the tide of Timo Tolkki.

"Come & Dream With Me" is ultimately follow the path of Revolution Renaissance's "I Did It My Way"  for its melodic intro. Now that both Jorn and Lande executed this version in different feel so it's worth the whole make up. As in many Timo Tolkki's songs the chorus is melodic and epic. "Down From The Mountain" is another mimicry to a riff in RR's "We Are Magic", which is also greatly a face over with both Russell Allen and Jorn voices bring the tide to the next level of Tolkki's world. "In The Hands Of Time" is likely familiar to our ear but I can't find close references to this song. It is kind of dividing feel here, a happy one-two drumming but the voices really like to takes us to melancholy area. "Solid Ground" is finally something close to the vocalist's style, in similar to the whole Jorn world in Masterplan and his solo works. "Lady Of Winter" is mid tempo power metal feel with best associated with early Stratovarius works. With duo vocalist join power, the harmony in the chorus is really strong. The rest of songs are variation of their crossbreeding, notable of course "The Great Divide" which is start with dark nuances then developed into six minutes song with more and more operatic voices of both maestro.

This is surely an album where Timo Tolkki should stamped his name on it. Even un-aware listener with quickly notice his present. After three albums with Magnus Karlsson style, it is always fun to have the whole duo swift into this familiar, power-metal friendly, style. The Great Divide is ultimate collaboration between Allen / Lande + Timo Tolkki. This album is a testing ground for those who keen to know what really happened if Timo been provided to heavy metal vocalists. Singers with harsh and heavy vocals as in both Jorn + Lande, not sweet and power as in Kotipelko or Kiske. The result is of course positive. Eventually most of Tolkki's element was grander repetition to his trademark, but the vocal rendition of both vocalist cover this up and make this one an enjoyable and valuable recording.

Metal Harem class: ********* eight stars out of ten
Favorite tracks: Come & Dream With Me, Down From The Mountain, Lady of Winter

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Allen Lande - The Great Divide (2014)

01. Come & Dream With Me
02. Down From The Mountain
03. In The Hands Of Time
04. Solid Ground
05. Lady Of Winter
06. Dream About Tomorrow
07. Hymn For The Fallen
08. The Great Divide
09. Reaching For The Stars
10. Bittersweet

Russell Allen - lead and backing vocals (Symphony X, Adrenaline Mob, Star One, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
Jørn Lande - lead and backing vocals (Jorn, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Avantasia, ex-Masterplan)
Timo Tolkki - guitars, bass, keyboards (Timo Tolkki's Avalon, ex-Stratovarius, ex-Revolution Renaissance, ex-Symfonia)
Jami Huovinen - drums, percussion (Ring of Fire)