aiylyn
Neoclassic brilliance,
It's not that the neo-classical side of metal is bloated or overpopulated. Its just that, like it or not, there is that "you've heard one, you've heard them all" tendency. Fortunately, Stephan Forte understands that just having lush orchestras and choirs doesn't make music good by itself - compositional skill is required. Thus Underworld is an album that offers up some really good, epic songs. The link to Sanctus Ignis is evident, while at the same time two songs feature blast beats and screams, without pounding you over the head with it.
Overall, Underworld is an intensely orchestral experience; I actually have the feeling of being in a concert hall watching a symphony performance accompanied by distorted guitars and drumset, as opposed to the usual formula of metal augmented by strings. The effect is subtle but it leaves its mark on you when you really listen. I can't get enough of the ballad "Promises," and the closing instrumental is fantastic from start to finish as well. There is no filler here. If your diet is neoclassical and metal, this is the main course.