review by: Roberto Martinelli

I had high hopes for this one, partly because I've been on a power metal kick of late, but also because of the fairly impressive list of well-known metal singers who take part on this recording. Of most note (to me, anyway) is André Matos, now of ex-Angra fame.

The whole idea for this project comes from Tobias Sammet, whose regular band is Edguy (what the hell kind of name for a band is that? Does anyone know?). If you're at all familiar with that band, you'll know that its material is made up of wanky virtuoso fruitiness. I guess I should have heeded my own warning.

After the consummate throwaway intro all too common to power metal (can't anyone get a clue?), the album opens up with the song "Reach Out for the Light," which is quite a good Euro power metal tune, with excellent vocals, fantastic guitar work, and interesting structure. The second song is also quite good, but whose chorus really has just got to go. From there is a sharp ride downhill, folks.

There aren't too many pieces on the album that could properly be defined as songs, per se. Rather, the album wallows in atrocious would-be musical drama that one can only expect from a power metal band from Europe. What this means is a whole bunch of obnoxious lyrics and narrative about "fulfilling the prophecy"; the final goofy line, "Oh, how could the stranger steal the seal away?" is delivered in a way that only a German power metal mind - one who's high on talent but low on taste - could. Alright, this is mean, but taking a look at the pictures provided of a pouty, somewhat glammy Sammet should give you an idea of the kind of stuff that's in store. Poofy, fantasy metal crap. Banished from Maelstrom land.