INTO THE ELECTRIC CASTLE

In comparison to the first two albums, this is a really songwriter-oriented album that quite steers away from conventional progressive metal album. There is a variety of styles and vocals presented, from pop, folk, rock to metal and even classical music. I prefer the second album that I find more dynamic. "Valley of the queens" has a warm female vocals by Anneke van Giersbergen. "The two gates" has an anthemic chorus with multiple vocals. The epic "The garden of emotions" is a mini-opera with a nod to the 70's prog masters, namely Rick Wakeman.

With its time over two hours, it is an overwhelming and challenging listening and you better split it into more parts. However, there are tracks that will quickly grow on you while the album maintains high artistic quality over time.