"Welcome to your own brain" - that's how the story begins... a computer genius logs into his own brain. From the word go we have an intense, dark, progressive, heavy and symphonic piece of metal. This collaboration between 5 musicians from Scandinavia has resulted in one of the best concept album ever .... The brain behind it all Finn Zierler, he has managed to bring together some very talented musicians and make a brilliant album as a joint force. This album simply reeks of sheer talent and brilliance - at times I am lost for words, but I have put my thoughts on paper.... The album is one the most intense albums I have ever heard - the comparison with Digital Ruin isn't that far off the mark - this is just MUCH better.... Off course the great production does much to make this album intense - the keyboards on this album is so well produced, that it's almost frightening. Anders Lindgren on bass is also very present in the production and so is Thomas Fréden on the drums - Tommy Hansen has given Beyond Twilight a very clear and transparent sound and this has to be one of his best jobs ever. OK enough about the basics, next layer is Finn's keyboards, which at times are heavily influenced by soundtrack sounds - he is the one setting the mood on each track. Next you'll add the young and very talented guitar player Anders Ericson, who delivers crunchy licks, when needed, and melodic licks when they are needed, and above that he does some very interesting soli, that fits the music perfectly. But to make an album perfect you need an extraordinary vocalist and on this album Jorn Lande delivers the goods almost to perfection! What he does on this album is absolutely awesome, all the way up there with vocal Gods like Dio, Geoff Tate and Zak Stevens! No question about what brings this album over the top: Jorn contribution. But what about the songs you might ask...? Being a concept lyrically you can judge the album as a whole - and I haven't been able to find one weak spot at all. The album has 6 long epical tracks, but there is also room for 2 instrumentals; the first "The Devil's Waltz" being an eerie and weird keyboards/guitar piece, the second "Closing The Circle" a classical interlude. The rest is 6 over the top metal pieces, each very strong. If I had to pick my favorite track off the album, then I would pick: "Crying" a beautiful power metal tune with a great chorus, great leads and very melodic. This album is just one of those great albums you can pick up whenever and listen to, and it still gives you the same chills, you got the first time you heard it. A metal classic from Denmark in my humble opinion. |
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