|
Having followed Manticora ever
since their early days, this album comes as no surprise! Both of
their previous albums “Hyperion” and “8 Deadly Sins” has
been conception albums dealing respectively with Dan Simmon’s
“The Hyperion Cantos” sci-fi novel and the story of a man, who
on his death bed reflects on his past life and sins committed
respectively. “The Black Circus” is a two-part concept album
– part two will be released early 2007 - telling a horror story
of a travelling circus in the 19th century New England. So another
dark story to be told…
If you are familiar with
their earlier albums, then there’s no need to worry – they are
continuing down the same path as their earlier albums, off course
still evolving with an eye on the details. Tommy Hansen seems to
be their producer of choice, so their sound and style is easily
recognizable again… good job by Mr. Hansen. The cover has been
made by none other than Leo Hao (Rage, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth)
- and the result is great…
So all the basics are in
place! So is this their best album to date? No, I’d have to say
- because I do have my problems with a few minor things… their
influences are at times too blatantly obvious - like in almost all
of their choirs with Blind Guardian, or in some their more
progressive passages with Beyond Twilight, and some the interludes
could easily have been written for an King Diamond album… and
last but not least; I do have my problems with Lars’ voice on
this album…at times he simply get on my nerves.
But does this mean the album
suck? No, this is still a very good power metal album with some
nice progressive metal passages, which I really dig big time. The
guitar work on the album is their best to date, and songs like “Forever
Carousel”, “Gypsies’ Dance pt. 1” and “Wisdom” are
some the best songs from them ever, and makes you look forward to
Part 2. Manticora has once more delivered a great album - it’s
just such a shame so few have noticed their earlier album, maybe
it’ll change with this one…?
|
|
