THE LEGEND OF THE TWO STONEDRAGONS (TWA JORG-J-DRAAK SAGA)

The interval since this second and, thus far, final work by CRYSTAL PHOENIX aka Myriam Sagenwells Saglimbeni and company now exceeds the gap of 14 years between it and the eponymous debut. Miraculously, the website persists, even if the latest information contained therein dates from 2012. The mishmash style of RPI, metallic and Celtic influenced progressive folk remains intact but this continuation of the original concept is more mature and eclectic.

Myriam is joined by fellow multi-instrumentalist Remo Sgro, a backing singer and a percussionist this time around. Sgro's contributions extend from PROCOL HARUM-like piano on "Remembrance" to neo classical organ and synths on "renegade" to low tin whistle on the pagan inflected "Maid and the Willow". Myriam's fiery guitar leads infuse muscle as needed without sounding incongruous, at their best on "Total War", revisited on "Dragon Lord", and "Caleb's Last Flight".

The energy level languishes in the later stages, not even revived on the ultimate title, "Total War", and this dampens the overall impact. Still, if you are a fan of the likes of BLACKMORE's NIGHT, LOREENA MCKENNITT, or SAD MINSTREL, you will probably enjoy "The Legend of the Two Stonedragons", the superior of the two works by CRYSTAL PHOENIX. 3.5 stars rounded down.