We have a new Melodic Metal band (or project!?!?), from Finland this time. Why the doubt as to whether it is a new band or project? Well, because Jani Liimatainen and Emppu Vuorinen, guitarists of Sonata Arctica and Nightwish, respectively, are the most noticeable members (although not the founders) of the line-up.

When I listened to the CD, I wasn't really sure of what I was actually listening to. Neither was I aware of who were playing the guitars, or the title of the record; just the name of the band. I just grabbed one of the many cds I have scattered on my desk and played it. My reaction was quite positive, although I didn't get to throwing little flowers or jumping around, but that Edguy "Vain Glory Opera"-type sound brought great memories. Actually, this would be a slower "Vain Glory Opera" with a bit less quality. That is, a lot of mid-tempos, good melodies without any virtuosity in the solos, catchy choruses and all the usual Melodic Metal ingredients. Maybe the weakest point is the voice, by Jouni Nikula (Requiem), who we have compared in the past to a drunk singing like a Michael Kiske copy in the shower. At the time, we advised him to take some singing lessons and some more beer, and the truth is he has improved a lot, but still needs some time to mature (maybe he switched to whisky).

Despite preferring Edguy's "Vain Glory Opera", Nightwish, and even Sonata Arctica, this is a good record, and perfectly valid for Melodic Metal lovers.

Sergi
Translation: Fausto Navarro http://faustonavarro.com