This German quartet is definitely melodic metal, and while I tend to listen to a fair share of melodic death metal this stuff is different, though not a million miles away. I guess the primary difference has to be the vocals, but at times the whole package reminds me a lot of Amorphis with beautifully played pieces that are aurally emotive. Like the way “The Frozen Few” builds up to become “To The End” where you are immediately struck by the speed of Dirk’s drumming and the lightning fast tempo changes he employs. Seeb’s vocals are soft, harmonious and sung at a pace far below that of the guitars, making a great juxtaposition to the tempo and emphasising them even more.

I really enjoyed the video clip for “The Things We Believe In” as it gives a nice sci-fi feel to the grandiose sound of the song. Seeb and Tobi’s leads are emotive but not over the top as are the intricate melodies they throw in to give choruses extra depth.

A steady, choppy guitar rhythm and drum beat are used on “Land Of The Dead” to allow it to chug along effortlessly and giving the leads every opportunity to stand out completely in their flamboyance.

Piano and acoustic guitar open “The Ice Kings”, but when Seeb’s vocals come in, softly and full of emotion, they work perfectly for the epic ballad like quality of the song.

Kicking the pace up a gear or four, “Till The Stars Cry Out” is typical power metal fair with ultra-fast guitar changes and riff to go with the hyper tempo drumming.

“This World Of Ice” Has a bit of a Fear Factoryesque quality to the riffing, but without the blasting. It also includes a strong steady bass rumble that Spoony maintains throughout.

“Dying Paradise” is nice and bouncy with an uplifting feel to the music, which is a complete contrast to the lyrics, even if the chorus is fun to sing along to.

Definitely putting the symphonic into the metal, “Mystic Symphony” opens almost orchestrally with a choral effect before blasting away at great speed. The mellow bridges are used purposefully as a chance for the lead breaks to run riot.

“Angels War” slows things down again for its intro before picking up slowly to give a solid chunky riff to take hold over airy keyboard tinkling. The vocals rise above in their choral harmonies very similarly to the way they do in “Take This Light” where Seeb hits some notes he never bothers reaching for earlier in the album.

I enjoyed this, as it’s a step away from what I normally gravitate towards, but still has many of the traits I look for, just in different combinations and arrangements.

(7/10 Marco Gaminara)