I think, there is no need to remind that symphonic/power metal is always a huge amount of pathos. But there is so much pathos in this release that the screen crackles from it. In this project, even the name is very pathetic.
My Rating: 72/100
Such releases have only two options - just throw pathos phrases or formulate and implement an artistic task in such a way that the listener has only the amazement. There is not something "average" here. However, in this release, you can notice the predominance of the second option. But it's not so simple.
Here you can feel the composer's good work. Vocal and instrumental parts can not be called difficult - there is a very big bet on emotions. But here is not the usual grinding one note with wild screams about "something sublime." Composer achieved the maximum result with the help of minimal costs. But the moon always has two sides. It's noticeable here that the composer did not set himself the goal of portraying diversity. The main goal of composer was not to maximize the talent of each instrumentalist, but the maximum compatibility with the overall constructions.
Vocalist is good. Vocal parts are quite diverse. There are several different voices on album. And noticeable minimal processing of voice - skill level is so great that confidence is also at the highest level. But there is a feeling that composer did not quite understand how best to apply the strengths of this vocalist. Therefore, some parts of the vocal parts sound somewhat awkward. And for me it was a big surprise to find out that lyricist and vocalist is the same person. However, vocalist shows himself perfectly even in such a framework.
Instrumental parts are not very complex. But here you can still see the diversity. For example, using a guitar with an extended range in 3 track - thus emphasizing dramatic drawing. In the rest, guitar parts are not very diverse. And now about synthesizer. There is so much variety of synthesizer sound that one blog entry will not suffice for description. But nevertheless it's worth noting that the synthesizer is used correctly. Also noticeably a bit more attention (compared to other instrumentalists) to drums. But there is nothing interesting here, either. Yes, there is a certain similarity of metalcore breakdown in 5th track (when bass drum repeats the guitar). But in general, nothing interesting.
Prescription for maximum compatibility with the overall pattern kills the individuality and spoils the impression of album. I get the impression that a release was originally created for some label like Nuclear Blast or some local analogue like King Records, which is focused on maximum number of sales. And when it came to understanding that this is not yet their level of fame, composer allowed himself a little more variety. I don't want to say that this is something bad. So much pathos and beautiful phrases, but in fact - only a vocalist and a lot of synthesizer with rare insertions of something interesting. Well, it's good too. But it should be keep in mind that if you scream louder and louder, then sooner or later the voice will cease to be loud.
