The saga continues and now even on two discs.
When a sequel is release it's very natural to ask in what way it compares to the first part, in this case the style is more or less the same. A mix of traditional and Power Metal going in a very symphonic and epic direction sums up the most essential elements, this one has some longer and more complex compositions but the overall impression from the first album remains intact, still evolving though.
This one comes very close in being just as mind-blowing and perfect as the first part.
The dramatic story of affection, hatred, betrayal, guilt, doubt, revenge and honour placed in an ancient Greek setting finds its end with this concluding act. I must say that the story had me captured form the beginning, a well written drama with many twists and lots of emotional passages. Let's take a closer look at some of many magical creations.
As in the first act we start off with something very powerful in
Wings Of Vengeance being a completely mind-blowing melodic masterpiece. Just the way David sings the chorus is immensely captivating and Edward's inventive solo passage is clearly one of his best ever.
Moira offers an incredible enchanting mood created by soft piano tunes and thrilling keys and it sounds amazingly when the drums and guitar breaks the calmness, the sorrowful ending is skilfully captured by David's emotional voice.
A Token Of My Hatred is one of the albums long epics and once again one of those tracks where words come way short in describing the full scope of something as genius as this. A minor but important aspect is the layered vocal parts; I really think it gives the song an even more expressive edge. Groovy bass, tons of great guitar licks and technical drumming are some of the musical treats delivered on an extremely high level. The mid-sections is very progressive in nature and it only fits so well into the whole damn thing.
With
Summoning The Powers we get to a very dark shrouded track that has a cool experimenting build up, the huge orchestrations really lift it high off the ground.
When this is said I must admit that I miss something a bit more memorable to bind this one tighter together.
The slow and soft
Arms Of Mercury is no less than a stroke of pure genius, the chorus line is just so heartfelt and the stunning guitar solo ranks among the best I know of. To me this is just perfect music.
The 27 seconds long
Areopagos is a splendid bombastic and symphonic instrumental that has a soaring celestial force to it.
When The Legends Die is clearly one of the most sombre moments in the whole concept; it just bleeds despair and complete hopelessness. The guitar work is breathtaking and very ingenious and the epic keys just match this Greek scenario so well, talking about making history present.
Resurrection Day (The Finale) is the final grand opus opening with a melodic acoustic guitar passage, slowly the keys come creeping in and David starts to fill us in on the last chapter of this profound story, a song that is both sad and still in possession of hope, a
Virgin Steele trademark.
The high amount of shorter songs ties the album brilliantly together and the ever-changeful moods and speeds keeps you focused all the way. One of this bands best abilities is to build up a concept without any of the pieces falling through, they only strengthens each other.
The musical performance is just as intriguing as in the first act, a closer listen will unveil tons of details and "hidden passages", I continue to experience some passages in a new way and let me assure you that I have taken it for plenty of spins.
The piano takes up a very central position on these two acts, giving them their own special sound, In my opinion
Savatage is the only band I know of that comes close in having piano passages that enter this astonishing level.
I liked the production a bit better on The House Of Atreus Act I, this one is also fantastic and very balanced, I just miss the more raw feeling from the first one once in a while.
A fantastic and comprehensive epic with some spellbinding and moving passages.
Written by
Tommy Monday, October 25, 2004
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 9.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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