Stephen
The Finnish progressive metal act blow the doors away with their superb offering of healthy dose of powerful uptempo arrangement with a smart melodic insertion, clinched with a huge range voice and intense guitar/keys duel. "The Pathway" also combine some necessary neoclassical influences and symphonic touch to enrich the composition but not making the whole arrangement grows fat and flurry.
The band has an incredible start with "Devil's Lullaby". The furious incinerating rhythm which has a smooth flow at chorus is awesome and I love the alternate solos which were performed flawlessly by Niemisto/Hakulinen. "Guardian" concentrates on the melody and harmony while "Haven of Grace" is dominated by keyboard, a balladic approach before smartly turned into a heavier track. "Dark Divided Minds" is another monstrous track that emphasize the great axe/keys battle but "Promised Land" is the champion here, I can't find any weakness on this track, everything on this track is brilliant.
Silvan's mighty voice is an important highlight on the album, he comfortably sweeps quickly from the lower register to the higher part at ease. Most of the songs here are entertaining and carefully crafted, and if you're into Symphony X, you'll know where the pattern and influence come from. If you also dig prog/power type of band such as Kamelot, Pagan's Mind, or Circus Maximus, make sure you don't miss this next big thing. Crazy stuff man, big applause!