CARVED IN STONE

I think there are some improvements here compared to their debut, but overall I rate them both 3 stars. The things I dislike about this album are the multi-vocal parts that remind me of eighties Metal bands, and the abundance of piano.There is a lot of light weight music on this record. You know I like my Tim Horton's coffee, but if they put too much sugar in it I can't even drink it, it ruins it. My point is that this album is too sweet for my tastes. Thankfully this would change later on, specifically on "Room V". They show 13 tracks on the back of the cd, but they skip songs 2, 4, 6,10 and 12. These are in fact short untitled interludes consisting mainly of synths. The final track "Ghostship" consists of 7 tracks, and then there is the final song "TG94" which is the twentieth song. Confused ? Me too.

"Cliffhanger" opens eerily before piano arrives with gentle guitar and synths in tow. Some scorching guitar and vocals arrive in this reserved tune. Harmonies follow. More great guitar later on. Good start. "Crystalline Dream" is faster paced with vocals and more harmonies. The background synths are good. This one is ok. Nice guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in followed by a keyboard solo. "Don't Ever Cry Just Remember" is like a power ballad. Lots of piano and synths with reserved vocals, and even some flute. "Warcry" again opens with piano as fragile vocals come into the song a minute in. A fuller sound 2 minutes in with some ripping guitar a minute after that along with a galloping rhythm, but unfortunately it's very brief. "Celtic Princess" is all about the piano. "Deeper Than Life" is heavier with more aggressive vocals. I like it !

"Alaska" is a mellow song with piano, reserved vocals, acoustic guitar and some flute. "Ghostship" opens with "The Gathering The Night Before". I like the drumming, it's great ! "Voyage" is a really good track with scathing, filthy guitar. Finally !! It ends with haunting synths. The best song by far. Way too short though. "Dead Calm" continues appropriately with the haunting synths before acoustic guitar comes in."Approaching Storm" features fearful vocals as various eerie sounds follow. "Storm" naturally has heavy drums, ripping guitar, fat bass and strong vocals. Not as fast paced as I thought it should be though. "Enchantment" is filled with piano melodies for 3 1/2 minutes. Then heavy drums and a full sound arrives. "Legend" is more upbeat with vocals leading the way. "TG20" is kind of weird as we can hear someone knocking on a door for such a long time before the door finally opens. Synths and piano lead the way as it builds to a big sound. Not a fan of this one.

I was disappointed overall with this album. I was expecting more I guess.