After listening to the new Whyzdom album, the other Scarlet
release is on the role. Although the music is a bit different, they
fish in the same pond for a big part. Whyzdom is more theatrical and bombastic
and with a female singer, but both can be put within the symphonic power metal
genre. Wind Rose for example also uses orchestral parts and choir singing, but
instead of using gothic influences there are parts of folky/pirate/viking metal
elements in several songs.
This is the second full length by this Italian combo and sure they have been
influenced by bands like Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, Derdian, Turisas and
Symphony X. Francesco Cavalieri is a good singer with a clean, but also a
voice with a rougher edge. The first 3 songs are symphonic power metal attacks
with orchestral parts and nice melodies. In "The Breed of the West Wind" the
folk/viking style appears and parts of this track could be played by a band like
Turisas or Alestrom as well. Trumpets are used in "Skull and Crossbones" (which
is in my eyes the weakest track) and in a lot of songs the choir singing is a
well used ingredient. In the epic battle metal song "Spartacus" some singing
parts are almost a canon and the voice of Fransesco has a nice rough edge.
Like Whyzdom the band still sounds very heavy, but also very
easy to listen to. After the entire spin, I don't know if this one is better
than the new Whyzdom or not... What I do know is that this album can easily
compete with other new albums in the genre. Blind Guardian released a fine
album, but I don't think this Italian band has done a minor job. Certainly not
because this is just their second one. Sure there are many comparisons with
Rhapsody, Symphony X and other bands ruling the genre, but there certainly is
room for one more, for Wind Rose. The year has just begun and already there have
been some fine releases in the symphonic power metal genre, both the Rhapsodys
are warned.
