LUCID DREAMING - The Chronicles Pt I

A Metal Opera some years ago was considered something intuitive and radical, but as all things, nowadays it's considered so common that doesn't even raise an eyebrow. Common it may be, but to create an album, a band needs lots of talent, and lots of guest musicians to perform all the characters of the play. So, here we have the brainchild of Till Oberboßel, the guitarist of the German Power Metal band Elvenpath, and his vision titled as Chronicles Pt I. As you might imagine, this is a concept album, and this album is based on the first two books of Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. The music is mostly Melodic Power Metal of the Teutonic school, with a fast and tight rhythm section, sharp guitar riffs, and lots of melodies, the kind of music that continues to please fans for decades. Along with that, comes some Epic elements here and there, that fit with the story of the album, and some Iron Maiden and Gravedigger influences to spice things up, and make the result more interesting. The guitars of Till are rather dominating the whole effort, but they are adding a lot to the melodic side as well, and they are not spoiling the result. Another interesting point is vocals, an area that needs many "players" when we talk about an Opera. Here we have enough guest musicians, each one contributing with it's own distinctive style of singing, and the moments where male and female vocals blend are the most interesting ones, giving a more Theatrical style to the music. The songs are well written, all moving on the same Melodic Power Metal galloping style, with enough soft and melodic moments, with some really nice ideas and arrangements. From start to finish, this is an album that you can tell the musicians have put their soul in it, and the result is definitely worth it. Can't wait for the next chapter.