Eternal Dream create symphonic power metal using a female vocalist. I know what you're thinking, because that was my first impression as well while taking on this review.

Yes, I was referring to Nightwish, as they are one of Spain's Eternal Dream's major influences, so the comparisons are somewhat obvious.

Vocalist Ana Moranta has an operatic voice, although not as commanding as Tarja's, and in a higher range. There will always be comparisons with Nightwish to other bands of this genre because they were the first band to break it big in the symphonic power metal genre. But, Eternal Dream do offer some compelling music of their own on their self-produced debut "The Seed Of Naryll."

There is heavy use of keyboards and plenty of symphonic orchestral arrangements on "The Seed Of Naryll". The Spaniards have an interesting lyrical concept based on an original story, which mixes elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology to form a conceptually epic tale. Rhapsody of Fire, Stratovarius and Therion also come to mind while listening to Eternal Dream.

Intro "Angelus Perversa" tells the elaborate concept through an exaggerated narrator's voice, setting the story line for the rest of the songs. "Symphony of Horizon" and "Frozen Salanthine" are good examples of well-played compositions Eternal Dream create. The former is catchy and dramatic, the latter, has heavy, fast-paced riffing and a great guitar solo as well as a nicely played piano outro.

Instrumental "The Rising" combines classical piano with some speedy riffs and innovative drumming.

The music and production on "The Seed Of Naryll" is awesome. It's full of catchy and melodic hooks, along with heavy riffs, top-notch drumming, solid bass lines, and creative piano/keyboard interludes.

But to me, the vocals get lost in the heaviness of the music. They are certainly loud enough in the mix, but when it comes to high-pitched operatic female vocals, I have a hard time understanding the words, even if I have the lyric sheet in front of me. It's the same thing that happens to me while listening to Therion's choir/opera parts. I do like female fronted bands like Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Leaves' Eyes and Epica, however, in small doses. But, this a pretty good effort for Eternal Dream's first go around, and fans of this type of music should thoroughly enjoy "The Seed Of Naryll".