THE 1ST CHAPTER

I had a lot of fun with this release this past week. This is Prog-Metal but we get a taste of Power-Metal at times, although for me this is more about being melodic, epic and technical. It's just a blast to listen to. This Norweigian band thanks fellow Norwegian's PAGAN'S MIND in the liner notes.They make a good pair. This was recorded in various studios in Norway then mixed at "Jailhouse Studios" in Denmark by Tommy Hansen. I have to mention how good the lyrics are on this album as well.

"Sin" has this heavy and oh so impressive intro. Vocals a minute in, keys a minute later. Nice and heavy again 3 1/2 minutes in followed by a fantastic guitar solo. Cool lyrics too. "Alive" sounds really good when it settles and the reserved vocals come in.The guitar / drum melody sounds amazing 3 1/2 minutes in and at 4 minutes. "Glory Of the Empire" is probably my favourite song on here. Again just reading the lyrics is a treat.The intro is laid back and we get some outstanding atmosphere. It starts to get powerful 2 minutes in. Great sound ! It settles somewhat as vocals come in. Synths and piano come and go. A brief calm arrives after 6 minutes then check out the guitar solo after 7 1/2 minutes as the heaviness returns. "Biosphere" is the only instrumental on here. Thunderous drums come in quickly followed by a nice guitar led section before a minute. Some good variety in this one. "Silence From Angels Above" opens with thunder and rain as acoustic guitar comes in followed by vocals. This is a ballad-like tune but I like it.

"Why Am I Here" is ohhh so heavy but it settles when the vocals arrive but it's still crunchy. Love the chorus. "The prophesy" opens with strummed guitar and reserved vocals. Piano after a minute. It gets heavy before 2 1/2 minutes then settles back 2 minutes later with piano. It's heavy again. Haha. "The 1st Chapter" is the 19 minute closer ! This is a ride folks.Orchestral intro is blown away by ripping guitar, synths and drums 2 minutes in. Vocals 4 1/2 minutes in. Very heavy 6 1/2 minutes in as vocals stop. A calm before 9 minutes with piano and reserved vocals. Kicks back in before 10 1/2 minutes. Tasteful guitar after 11 minutes. Great sound before 13 1/2 minutes. Vocals follow. A circus-like melody ends it.

I can't give this less than 4 stars. Excellent musicianship and lyrics, besides like I said earlier this is too much fun.