THE SERPENT'S EGG

The band continue to change slightly from album to album as this time they drop the horns that they used on the last two album but keep the strings. Hurdy gurdy is prominant at times with lots of percussion and atmosphere.This album seems to have more a spiritual mood than the last two with all the chanting going on.

"The Host Of Seraphim" opens with a bell as sounds just seem to hang thick in the air. Lisa comes in vocally. Some drums before the strings arrive. This is so emotional. Vocal melodies after 4 minutes. "Orbis De Ignes" is a short tune with what sounds like a female church choir. "Severance" opens with organ as Brenden comes in vocally. So much atmosphere here after 2 minutes when the vocals stop. "The Writing On My Father's Hand" features some hurdy gurdy as Lisa starts to sing. The tempo picks up around 3 minutes.

"In The Kingdom Of The Blind The One-Eyed Are Kings" again has hurdy gurdy with male vocals this time. Drums and strings 2 minutes in as it gets intense, even the vocals are more passionate. It settles again. "Chant Of The Paladin" opens with Lisa chanting which reminds me of Anneke. There's a beat and a full sound supporting. "Song Of Sophia" features powerful vocals from Lisa throughout. Impressive. "Echolalia" is such an interesting track the way Lisa and Brenden sing. "Mother Tongue" along with the opening track are my favourites. Drums to open with percussion as well. It settles before 2 minutes. Vocal melodies come in and it all sounds so good. "Ullyses" is catchy with vocal melodies, hurdy gurdy and strings. Male vocals follow.

This maybe isn't the best place to start but it certainly is a fan favourite.