MISSA MERCURIA

Isn't it interesting how some thirty years after the immense popularity of Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell there seems to be a resurgence of Rock Operas. Or maybe you weren't aware of that. Well, in the last year alone, there have been four Rock Operas released that I can think of.

Coincidently, with this review, I will have reviewed all four: Aina - Days of Rising Doom, Ayreon - The Human Equation, Gary Hughes - Once and Future King and Missa Mercuria - Missa Mercuria (The import version was released two years ago, regular edition released in July)

Granted, these Rock Operas are not the kind that can and have been performed on a stage but they are rock Operas none the less, just as Tommy(the first Rock Opera) and Quadrophenia were. These albums all tell a story and usually have a bevy of guest musicians and singers. In genre they range from Progressive Metal (The Human Equation) to Symphonic Metal (Aina) and in between.

Rock Operas should not be confused with concept albums, which also tell a story but do not utilize multiple singers and seldom use guest musicians. Much of Savatage's work and Evergrey as well are concept albums. The most universally admired concept album is Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime. Also most Epic Power Metal albums are concept in nature, Rhapsody, Dark Moor, Freedom Call etc.

Missa Mercuria

I'm not quite sure about the story behind Missa Mercuria. It seems to be about environmental catastrophe and there seems to be Gods representing the four elements, Water, Fire, Air and Earth and the fifth god, the divine messenger Missa Mercuria herself all of whom are trying to revive humanity, which has perished or is on life support.

Of the sixteen tracks, seven are instrumentals though several (the shorter ones) are introductions to vocal songs. Though I feel only a few songs are outstanding, no song slips below very good and that's very good.

Missa Mercuria is a collaboration between several bands and their singers along with guest singers and guest musicians. The music has an epic, somewhat symphonic metal feel. Musically the songs are very rich and layered, yet extremely accessible, with great engaging atmospheres and moods. All singers are excellent with kudos to Isolde Groß who has a voice similar to but even better than Tarja Turgen and D.C.Cooper who has a voice like a crooner but is also right at home with rock. Edenbridge's Sabine Edelsbacher also does an excellent performance, though she is relegated to only one song (perhaps the best) and that's a shame. Overall the album is very pleasant and easy to listen to with only three of the songs, "Divine Spark", "Bursting Ego" and "Rectificando" even getting into the rock area and one, "Spirit of Wisdom" would be better described as progressive metal, though the opening instrumental, Earth's Destruction sounds a tad ominous.