When I read the offer for this review, the term "Melodic Power Metal" immediately caught my eye, which has a special significance for this discussion. First, I would like to address the artwork, which is not entirely easy since this review is based solely on a zip file with MP3s and a PDF sheet. Apparently, there was nothing more provided by the record label, which is a pity. Thus, the PDF only shows the front cover, no back cover, and also not how the CD is printed. Well, the front cover is quite nice, relatively typical for the genre, but perhaps also a bit kitschy with its dry cracks reminiscent of a fresco. This association is further supported by the Venetian mask worn by the skeleton. The mask definitely establishes a direct reference to the album title Masquerade.
Moving on to the band and the music. The band consists of seven members, hails from Switzerland, describes their music as "Melodic Power Metal with a rocky edge," and is releasing their third album with this.
The album has 13 tracks and a total playing time of 72:02 minutes. So overall, it's a relatively long album, providing a lot of music for your money.
However, those hoping for a fast, spectacular, and captivating power metal album might be disappointed. Clearly, all the instrumentalists are proficient with their instruments, the album is excellently recorded and well mixed (in Finland by the mixer of Children of Bodom). The female and male vocals complement each other well, sometimes reminding one of Nightwish. Nevertheless, I have the feeling that this band is consistently holding back a bit. And that is exactly what bothers me about the album. One expects fast, punchy, continuous double bass runs and rhythm guitars, as well as ultra-fast and melodic guitar solos from power metal. At times, it sounds like the instrumentalists have the chops, but for some inexplicable reason, they are holding back. I don't mean the obligatory ballad, which can also be heard on the album with "Tears of the Sun," but the overall concept. For me, the aforementioned "rocky edge" is a bit too pronounced, and the power metal or melodic metal has taken too much of a backseat. Perhaps the promotional department of the record label should reconsider whether they want to label it this way, as it can lead to misunderstandings, especially when making comparisons to bands like Sonata Arctica or Hammerfall. It may be a matter of taste, but it doesn't particularly blow me away.
