LEMURIA

Part two of this power metal epic fares better than its predecessor, "Sirius B". "Lemuria" focuses on metal intensity and a more conventional feel, finding better ways to utilize the excessive opera of part one to construct some memorable progressive power metal.

In general "Lemuria" is speedy, chugging, melodic, metal riffing with variety in its tempo and dynamics to create a dark, gothic feel. The symphony is still here, but much more subdued, helping to create tapestries in the background to complement the quite between heavy crunch. Johnnson sings much more on this album, and although his voice isn't especially remarkable, "Lemuria" is much better for it. His clean vocals have an unsettling feel to them (sometimes distorted for effect), and the death-metal growls go along way. The operatic vocals remain as well, sometimes taking the lead, but the end effect has a much more collaborative feel.

Still, while the feel has improved, the songwriting is virtually a cookie-cutter of metal cliche; there simply isn't much imagination here, and in a project of this scope it shows in a big way.

Good for the occasional power-metal listen, but far from a metal-masterpiece.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 3