DECIPHER

You wouldn't think that a faceless band like After Forever would deem it necessary to continue making records after the unnecessary debut, but their kind of gothic opera metal was a very popular style around 2000 and you know, even musicians need some food on the table.

The formula is similar to the debut but the execution is a lot better. The annoying male grunts are pushed further back in the mix and they hired a real drummer to kick some life into their operatic metal. Generally the playing is tight and to the point, nothing exceptional but functional enough to support the songs.

The bigger reliance on Nightwish and Therion pomposity has replaced their Gathering leanings. While that doesn't really sound like a good idea, the result is actually better then the debut. I'd even say this is a decent album in this style of music and I tend to give it an occasional spin when I'm giving the vacuum cleaner a ride around the house.

From what I've heard the quality of the ensuing albums went down again after this one so if you want to check them out, I'd recommend you to give this a spin, especially if you're into the bands I've thrown at you here. 3.5 stars.