Review by JD on April 20, 2010.

I look for progressive bands to have something a little out of the normal in way of music and intensity...and for some reason I have been finding none of that in the ones I have been sent. With a lack of direction and sometimes just plain confusion.... the newer crop of contenders seem to be not getting that... Then I heard Nova Orbis, a gothic Power/Progressive Metal outfit from Colombia in South America.

This wonderfully female fronted band (as done by the wonderfully powerful Ms. Ana Barajas) is not even close to being a clone of Nightwish or the others that have seemed to flood the metal scene... setting themselves apart and actually sounding refreshingly original. They are solidly heavy yet with an ear for making very cohesive and intriguing musical tendencies... this is a band that truly encompasses a whole lot into one outfit.
　
With heavy metallic guitars that are pounding along with the grand sweeping symphonic tendencies of the Progressive/Gothic end of what they are doing - this band shows talent, grace and pure power can all be in one. They seem to have combined into one where musicians, Goths and pure metalheads can all listen to them and feel connected.... a fact that is told by the fact that they make this music completely as one collaborative unit... a feat that sometimes is hard at the best of times. This shows through, and the band seems cohesive and strong because of the egos being checked at the door. Other bands need to take this to heart.

Some might hate the flutes and other stuff that Nova Orbis uses to make their music, but I find that to be a asset because the heaviness is magnified 100 percent because of it. Complexity and power reigned into pure talent is a dangerous tool... but one that is used for good. It is great to hear, and even better to experience... they bring something that is lacking to the table - musical unity.

Categorical Rating Breakdown　
　
Musicianship:8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.5 out of 10