GHOST OPERA

First of all the cover art is very cool with the girl playing violin. It looks like she's screaming as fire and smoke come off her bow.The music isn't quite as dynamic as past albums, maybe it's just more mature I don't know. I like it a lot though.This is a very melodic release that seems to be getting away from the Power-Metal genre a little. KAMELOT and SYMPHONY X are my two favourite Power-Metal bands by the way.

"Solitaire" is a brief violin led intro track that blends into "Rule The World". I like when the heaviness takes over for the violin right away. Vocals 30 seconds in. Blistering guitar solo 2 1/2 minutes in as the drummer impresses. The synths come and go. Great track. "Ghost Opera" has that Power-Metal sound as the drums stampede all over the soundscape. Vocals come in with female vocal melodies from Amanda Sommerville from the band AINA. She is also singing on a couple of other songs. Some ripping guitar before 3 minutes. "The Human Stain" opens with some excellent bass as drums pound away. It lightens quickly though as piano and vocals come in. Khan is such a great singer. EPICA's Simone Simons sings in the background. The heaviness returns after 2 1/2 minutes joined by a grinding guitar solo. "Blucher" opens with some samples before crisp drumming and guitar come in. Vocals and synths follow. Processed vocals come and go. Nice guitar solo 3 minutes in. "Love You to Death" features spoken words from Khan then from Amanda. Some violin and light drums. It kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes with passionate vocals and heaviness. Love the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes. The guitar on the outro is so tasteful.

"Up Through The Ashes" sounds great ! Nice and heavy with some orchestral sounds. Vocals come in with attitude. A nice heavy bass / drum section follows. Blistering guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. This is heavy duty at times. "Mourning Star" is pastoral to begin with then male choirs come in singing in Latin. Some violin before the heaviness arrives before a minute. Vocals are eventually joined by Amanda. Guitar solo after 3 minutes. "Silence Of The Darkness" has a haunting intro which is overwhelmed by a stampede of drums. Vocals follow as riffs come in. The stampede is back 3 minutes in. "Anthem" opens with piano as strings come in. This is so beautiful and uplifting. Fragile vocals come in. Emotional vocals 2 1/2 minutes in. This is very moving. "Eden Echo" brings back the thunder. Punishing drums as vocals come in. A good heavy sound to this one. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in. Riffs before 3 minutes followed by a blistering guitar solo. "Pendulous Fall" is a bonus track that just kills. One of the best songs on the album. A heavy bass / drum intro with female vocal melodies. Khan then comes in. Female vocal melodies come and go. A calm 2 1/2 minutes is destroyed by a guitar assault. Khan is back after the solo. Great tune.

I think this is worth 4 stars but I can understand why some are disappointed with it.