Album number ten from these Danish Progressive metallers, although they do have a very Classic Rock element in what they do. This album is a follow up conceptually to album four, Paradox where the same themes are revisited.
Opener and introductory piece Principles Of Paradox is a gargantuan keyboard extravaganza that brings the epic atmosphere to the proceedings. The First Rock has Mark Boals stretching his larynx to reach notes that only Yngwie visits. Seriously though, it’s a killer track with all the pomp and Prog you would expect with a pounding groove all the way through.
The words Rock and Opera keep entering my mind while listening. I actually think this would be killer if performed in that way. Every song has a touch of the epic and grandiose about them. It’s quite hard to pick a favourite as they all feel as though they are building to an ending. but I’m going for the thunderous Divide And Reign. Alan Sorensen is pounding away at that kit as though his life depended on it. Maximum metal pounding and guitars are wailing to match. I can only describe this as majestic.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
