The
predecessor of this new album was recorded with Fabio Lione on
vocals. On this new album they had to look for a new singer and instead of one,
they invited several singers to finish the job. Mats Levén (ex- Therion, Candlemass), Rick
Altzi (Masterplan), Ivan Giannini (Derdian) and for the female voices Amanda Somerville
and Claudia Layline (Serenade). As far as I can hear Mats takes care
of most lead vocals while the other vocalists handle the backing vocals. I don't
have information about who sings what, but I think I recognize Mats and of
course Amanda's voice rather often. With such good
singers and the ability of the band to write interesting and strong songs, you
can imagine that this is a strong album.
After a bombastic theatrical intro the track "Rain Of Fire Lights" bursts out in symphonic power metal style
reminding of Rhapsody and bands like that.
Especially in the faster tracks like for instance "Silvertown" or "Rain of Fire and Lights".
The biggest contrast with the former album is of course the difference between
the higher majestic voice of Fabio and the more edgier and rawer timbre in the
singing of Mats. Besides the faster tracks there are more progressive kind of songs as well. "Gate To the Eternity"
and the fourth track are good examples of that. In that song male and female
singing are alternated and nicely balanced. "Eyes of the Sphinx" is a slower
song with accoustic guitars and only near the end the guitar is plugged in for a
nice solo. Like on almost every album these days, the Eastern melodies can't be
missing ("Lance Of the Destiny").
If
you are into symphonic powermetal you will enjoy this album, personally I'm
curious about who will be singing on the next album, will the band continue with
guests singing or wil there be a perminent member? We will find out in the
future, for now we can only enjoy 'Memories of An Ancient Time'.
