Vobiscum
With the departure of "Sami Vänskä," the bassist for the arrival of "Marco Hietala," which would also have stakes in the vocals, the first perception was that the band had become heavier, at least this was the first impression last song on the album, "Bless the child". The music itself does not say much.
With "End of all hope" it is confirmed what initially was just an impression, the band's sound had become heavier in fact. "Tarja Turunen" slightly reduces the opera singing. The band becomes heavier than any previous album but the tracks so far have been more direct, losing some of the variations used in "Oceanborn" and "Wishmaster".
The voice of "Marco Hietala" with "Tarja Turunen" not excited face, at least not on the track "Dead to the world." There is nothing to say about the instrumental part, impeccable.Although in general the sum range is reasonable.
With "Ever Dream" the band's sound is a bit cloying, a little embarrassed. The impression one gets is that they lost something in his tone. While the instrumental part individually shown to be more competent the community seems to go wrong.
If in "Wishmaster" There is anxiety on each track, here is the opposite desire. No matter how heavy the band has become with their riffs, double pedals, aggressive bass, screaming vocals ... "Slaying the dreamer" in certain parts is more audible, but not save the album.
A moment's peace with "Forever yours." What seemed to be a beautiful ballad becomes something boring.
"Ocean Soul" is another average song on an album also average.
The band try to be different and want to overcome is a respectful attitude, however you must have humility to admit mistakes and try to improve. For those who like the album, "Feel for You", is to consecrate the sound of "Century Child", for those who did not appreciate, "Feel for You" serves to symbolize the sameness of "Century Child".
The best track on the album is not authored by the band ... "The Phantom of the Opera."
"Beauty of the Beast" closes the album. Perhaps there is some injustice in saying that "The Phantom of the Opera" is the best on the album, there is also space for "Beauty of the Beast."
It is clear that the musicians and the voice of "Tarja" evolved greatly, however the impression here is that they failed to reconcile technical, creativity and emotion.