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I have to start this review by saying that I am not a fan of Luca Turilli’s main band Rhapsody. This being said I never felt the urge to check out any of his solo work either. Well after giving this album a listen I may have to check out his other solo album “King of the Nordic Twilight” as well as maybe give those Rhapsody albums another chance because this album has certainly made me change my mind of how I look at Luca Turilli.

The press material that came along with this disc states that Luca’s greatest passion and goal is to become a soundtrack composer. This struck as me as kind of odd until I listened to the album and noticed all the extra sounds in the background of the main portion of the music. All these extra’s really added to the depth of the songs which without them would be simply a pretty good power metal album but with them it turns it into so much more than that. Luca is also known for his prowess as a guitar hero and this album is certainly no exception to that reputation. The lead work is what you would expect but at the same time remaining slightly understated so that it doesn’t overshadow the song itself. It all seems to blend together so well that you hardly even notice unless you are really listening for it. The vocals by Olaf Hayer are also very good although I found them slightly better with his own band Dionysus. The production provided by Sasha Paeth and Miro is outstanding, as you would expect from simply hearing what they have done with other bands they have worked with. All of this with the added dimension of working with 30 different musicians including 4 complete choirs and a string quartet and you come out with a huge undertaking that was simply nailed when you hear the finished product.

Overall this album really made me sit up and take notice of all the things going on within the music and certainly kept my attention throughout. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Favorite Tracks – Prophet of the Last Eclipse, Rider of the Astral Fire, Demonheart