Review by Adam M on August 29, 2026.

This is a good album that has the right ingredients to make for a revolutionary release.  It is certainly fantastical and has a similar flavour to Awaken the Guardian.  This is in some ways more important because it came first, even though it does not surpass that album.  The music is very resonant and has a strong resonance of being whimsical.

The musicianship is strong with good guitar playing and a very good penchant for strong vocals.  There is very little to dislike because it all comes together and makes things coagulate nicely.  The guitars have a nice fantasy sound that is classic and very vibrant.  The production is only ok and leads the band to being somewhat generic.

The problem I’m having with the disc is that it is not as revolutionary as Awaken the Guardian and this is an issue because it is simply too standard sounding to be interesting.  There is very little to have issue with and this leads the album to being very proficient and one of the better ones of the time.  Songs like “Orphan Gypsy” resonate strongly.

The overall view I’m having with the album is that it is innovative and necessary to progressive metal with a very neat flavour that is easy to digest and this makes it one of the more imaginative and inventive albums of its time period.  The entire thing is very catchy and has an ability to draw you in to the proceedings.

Rating: 7.3 out of 10