Power metal is what it is. You pretty much know what your gonna get when you listen to most power metal bands. Wind Rose is no different. There is the very fast and technical guitar playing. Soaring vocals with lots of harmonies in the chorus, and of course there is the feeling that a joust or duel might break out at any time. The lyrics of the album is about a fantasy story the guitarist Claudio Falconcini wrote.
I am not the biggest power metal fan by any means. I can appreciate the musicianship, which this CD has plenty. The problem I have with power metal is that it all sounds the same after awhile and that is the downfall of this album as well. At first listen all the songs run together not really being able to tell where one stops and another begins. If it wasn't for the stupid little skits they have in between most songs I would have thought it was just one really long song.
Like most power metal albums there are some moments that I like. The opening riff to "The Fourth Vanguard" is very heavy. Complemented nicely by some very fast drumming. The vocalist Francesco Cavalieri does his best Mike Patton impression that is great, but the song falls back to quickly on power metal staples. A great example of this is the Jon Lord (Deep Purple) on crack approach to the keyboard playing. This is by far one of the most annoying parts of the CD.
All in all this CD isn't anything ground breaking. If you have heard anything by Dragonforce or Dream Theater in the last five years then you already know what your getting here. If you like power metal then pick this up. You will definitely enjoy it. If you are looking to get into the power metal, then I suggest you start with the masters of it Blind Guardian.
Staff Rating
2.75/5
User Rating
5/5
