'Voice in the Light' is based on the novel by the same name by John W. Crawford, and he has developed the original concept and he has also contributed as musical director and lyricist, and has worked together with D.C. Cooper on the lyrical side of this concept. Gary Wehrkamp has written the music for this concept album about the journey into a man's life and the mystery surrounding his near death experience.

D.C. Cooper (Silent Force, ex-Royal Hunt) and Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery) are joined by Nick D'Virgillio (Spock's Beard) and Kurt Barabas (Under the Sun) in this new super group. And if you add one of my favourite vocalists on backing vocals in Michael Sadler (Saga), then you have my attention, and just to add to the excitement we have Trisha O'Keefe appearing on the album as well.

So any progressive metal fan will know by now the building bricks for an outstanding album are in place; 3 excellent vocalists, one of the best progressive rock drummers, a great bass player and in Gary Wehrkamp, we have one the finest musical minds in progressive metal. And he handles the guitars, keyboards as well as producing the album.

I have always been a huge fan of D.C. Cooper and his voice, and his performance on this album just underlines his skills and talent. It's not the first time he's working together with Gary Wehrkamp; he did the backing vocals on my favourite Shadow Gallery song: "New World Order". 'Voice in the Light' has Gary's signature written all over it, and with D.C.'s brilliant voice to bring the songs to life we have a match made in heaven.

Musically it's hard to overlook the Shadow Gallery influences; well balanced songs, awesome melodies and great guitar leads with touches of elegance and melody. My personal highlights include the epic "Incidents at Haldeman's Lake", the wonderful duet between D.C. and Trisha in the emotional ballad "I Promise", the majestic progressive gem "Betrayed by Love" and last but not least the album's closing epic "Revelation", where the story come to it's conclusion and the band plays on all cylinders.

But I tend to look at this album as a whole, and it's pretty clear to me that we are dealing with a master; Gary Wehrkamp is a true musical genius and he has once more created a breathtaking and timeless concept album.

Amaran's Plight ends up being that progressive metal feast we'd all hoped for, it might not be quite the eye-catcher at first glance, but let it grow and blossom and I promise you that you are in for a real special treat here.