SONS OF SEASONS — Magnisphyricon (review)

SONS OF SEASONS — Magnisphyricon album cover Album · 2011 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Stephen
"Magnisphyricon" is the second release of Sons of Seasons, the brainchild of Kamelot's keyboardist, Oliver Palotai, which puts the band on a darker side of prog/power metal with a symphonic twist. Comprised of three instrumental introduction to each chapter and eleven tracks, this album was swelled with powerful voice of Henning Basse which not a surprise, he sounds a bit like Roy Khan, tense and black atmosphere rhythm, some killer shreds, and a slight unusual non-metal element such as jazz to spice up the composition.

After "Temperance" haunting intro, "Bubonic Waltz" kicks in with an old-fashion power metal style and continued with "Soul Symmetry". A track with a Queensryche and Fates Warning feel that walks swiftly with a dynamic tempo. The small growl and majestic chorus top off my first fave song of the album. "Sanctuary" was driven by piano, wrapped with an enchanting jazzy tinge, an unordinary track with the guest appearance of Simone Simons from Epica.

"Casus Belli I : Guilt's Mirror" sounds very dark and doomy, Basse's gigantic vocal steals the show, a good track but can't beat the fierceful rhythm on "Into The Void" and "Tales of Greed". "A Nightbird's Gospel" is probably the most progressive tune here, the arrangement is complex and they also implemented a harsh vocal technique. "Lilith" is brutally beautiful, the scream is frightening and the guitar shred is fantastic and aggressive. "Yesteryears" is an enchanting piano ballad, a beautiful track to close the album.

"Magnisphyricon" has its best moment but also suffers with several average tracks. Not all songs can match the greatness of upper tunes but the whole concept and story of this album is interesting to dig and explore. Musicianship is top notch, the production is excellent, and mostly fans of symphonic metal will find this album highly appealing, but I believe, if you like progressive and power metal, "Magnisphyricon" could be an enjoyable ride as well.
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