First things first, this is Lost Opera's second album, partially financed by generous fans. This band has been around since 2007, continuously trying to perfect their melodic and symphonic (death) metal. On this album, they seem to show a mature and well-attuned band, willing to go through great lengths to write and perform epic metal anthems. Fans of bands like Epica, Kamelot and In Flames might start paying attention now.
As often, the album opens with a bombastic intro, one which immediately sets the right tone for the whole album. Then the song 'Today I Cry' kicks in with the heavily distorted guitars, the heavy rocking drums and a combination of clean vocals and death growls. The song reminds me a bit of a mix between Moonspell, Evergrey and After Forever.. There are loads of atmospheric and bombastic keyboards, bringing even Dimmu Borgir to mind at times.
From there on, the album rolls on in great symphonic metal fashion. There are some stunning guitar solos, some fantastic songwriting and immersive metal passages which very few metalheads can resist. You can also find some actual opera vocals on this thing. 'Follow The Signs' is an early highlight but my favorite remains 'The Lonely Own', which is a damn well written metal song, perfectly suited for fans of everything between Amorphis and Halloween.
Although you might have heard stuff like this before, I'd definitely recommend this album to all you symphonic metalheads out there. Even some black metal fans can find something they like in here. Further highlighting in the tracks 'May I?' and 'My Silent Hill', this is a well-varied, well-written and convincingly played dose of epic metal that truly deserve a spot in your collection. So check it out and prepare to dwell in this wonderful fantasy of Lost Opera.
Serge