Marco Garau will be a familiar name to some of you as keyboardist for Italian Symphonic Metallers Derdian. On this side project he uses the vocal talents of Anton Darusso (Wings Of Destiny), guitarists Gabriel Tuxen (Seven Thorns) and Matt Krais (ShadowStrike), as well as Derdian cohorts Salvatore Giordano (drums) and Enrico Pistolese (bass). So it will come as no surprise that given the people involved and the name of the band, a Symphonic Power Metal Opera style album is on offer here.

Given that Garau (and Derdian) are Italian, it should also come as no surprise that there is more than a passing nod to fellow countrymen Rhapsody of Fire as well as pre-Of Fire and Turilli type variants. More so in fact than Derdian themselves, Garau obviously feeling more freedom in his solo guise to really go to town on that particular musical path. The fantastical lyrics and theatrical operatic vocals lend even more gravitas to the style, as the overall sound also evokes occasional echoes of Twilight Force, Dragonland and Fairyland. As you would expect, the whole album is arranged and performed meticulously and with utter commitment as well as being produced excellently given as it is actually self-financed.

There’s no getting away from the Rhapsody Of Fire-ness of the album though, which given that this is not a comparison Garau would object to, it’s a pretty safe bet what genre of fans are going to be very interested in this. However, the big production, expert songwriting and excellent musicianship mean that this album is far from a third-rate wannabe, rather it’s nearer an individual homage. With galloping rhythms, and swathes of neo-classical keyboards dancing throughout, if you are looking for an album that includes all the best that Italian Epic Symphonic Power Metal has brought to the fore in the last 25 years (and with only one ballad!), but whilst still retaining just enough of its own identity, then this album definitely deserves your attention.

(8/10 Andy Barker)

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