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"Cry Boudica" Arabic intro, Japanese sound, bewitching like a battle hymn; it starts with melodic prog metal with female vocals, a bit redundant. The break goes back on progressive paths calibrated with a well-delivered synth drum; the guitar solo shows great skill and impresses rebellion, good start. "The Final Redoubt" for these mysterious and catchy noises, bringing the rhythm with the breath and the pad; the most with a melodic metal band is this progression avoiding boredom on repetitive titles, in short it starts strong. Laura high warrior priestess harangues her troops, the guitar spleen on Riverside. "Footprints" crescendo, bells, this little something full of energy that makes the ear prick up. Mirko's solo is a plus to not plunge into repetition with the solo that unfolds; The bass is pulsating and the keyboards are fluffy. "All There Is to See" for the neo-classical cello intro, Laura sings divinely, supported by the electric piano. Clive does everything but doesn't put himself forward on his keyboard parts. A choice, a mistake? A beautiful, intimate, consensual ballad. "When My Eyes Are Closed" follows the same solemn hymn narrating tolerance, the vocal flirting with Bonnie Tyler; an acoustic solo from Simone doesn't really get going with this too-short symphonic finale.

"To the Victor Go the Spoils" superb cinematic intro from the time of Arabian Nights, with a church bell background and a tribal pad punctuating the attack, an Andalusian note with the acoustic arpeggio and Laura in a trance, an incantation of the Pythia. Volleys of violins and the band innovates with a classically tragic riff, howling, meowing like in Ulthar where you have to give milk to the cats. The captivating instrumental peak, forcing you into a trance; a violin finale with the sound of minstrels. "Never Burn the Cakes" for the medieval folk side with Clive and Laura on vocals, lacking breath. "The Last Arrow" in the Pendragon style with a rocky Clive-Nick on Mirko's martial drums; a solemn synth break, it feels like Arena; Simone's solo and the fade with the colorful final arrow, very beautiful. "Deep" with Laura singing divinely, a zest of Kate Bush. A sad tune on Clive's keyboard for the contemplative nursery rhyme. "Blood Moon" drums forward, Laura and Clive, it's a bit lacking. The red moon, symbol of the war scene, is featured with Simone's guitar solo stealing the show.

The second CD, with mixed covers, including "Dorian Grey (Re-Visit)" from 1992's Shadowland, may be a welcome addition to this good but repetitive album for fans of the deluxe editions. Originally released on Progcensor (3.5).

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