Review by Tobias on March 16, 2001.

Cydonia’s self titled debut is an entertaining start for this Labyrinth/Vision Divine descendent. While founder and vocalist Dan Keying’s vision of a progressive power-metal band isn’t that original and lacks diversity among the tracks, it certainly is a great exposure of the hallowed double-bass.

The drumming speed on almost all of the tracks is more than a little impressive for a power-metal band; it’s pleasingly surprising. However, at times it doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the band, particularly the vocals. Let me give you an idea here; put James LeBrie of Dream Theater singing his little love fairy tunes together with Cryptopsy’s skin-beater, Flo Mounier, in all his fury… and you have something that doesn’t really match up. Well, it’s not that bad… or weird (however you want to look at it), but you get the idea. It needs some work.

The other strength for Cydonia is concept. For those of you who don’t know, Cydonia is the region of Mars that has that big ol’ human looking face on it and some pyramids. I love concept albums and concept bands. Granted writing albums of music about the same thing can be tiring for some musicians, I salute and admire any band that makes the attempt.

Newcomer Steve Sguario does a great job working out the hooks with Labyrinth veteran Olaf Thorsen, however the entire strings section needs some more work on coming up with new sounds to add variety to the tracks. It seems they are missing a little perspective in that this is a concept album not a concept sound.

Bottom Line: This debut is speedy and fun but lacks diversity. Cydonia is worthy of prog-power metal collectors, but not those who only have the money for the cream of the crop.

Rating: 5 of 10

Review by JD on May 11, 2014.

I love the term ‘different’. As a metalhead, to me it means talent mixed with creativity, a dose of pure I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude and some aggressive power. Some newer metalheads think it is archaic that the sorcery and dragons still come from some bands. Ronnie James Dio (RIP), who was one of the best metal singers in the world, sang about all swords and dragons in far fetched worlds - and still kicked serious ass. A two man band seems to be trying to bring a world of their own and are all in their own way. The immortal Dio would smile, I think.

Realmbuilder is a two man band, whom has released two other LP's before this one was given to me. Described as epic doom metal with some traditional metal leanings and fantasy styled lyrics – intriguing is the word that describes my thoughts. Grand, slow and heavy with a sort of symphonic element to it, this twosome’s seem to know how to craft interesting yet thundering music that sends you to a different world and all through music that is sparse and yet majorly powerful.

I love the world created of war, giants, warriors and hate they made. The story sometimes comes across a little flat, like a child’s story at times, but as a whole it is very engaging. With four songs, all of which I enjoyed with the longest over 12 minutes – it is one of the better concept albums that have graced this old headbanger’s desk in a very long time.

Realmbuilder has brought back the idea of a story – and has made it accessible. I am going off now to look up more releases from this impressive duo, even as I continue to listen to this album over and over again. Pick up a copy for your collections and see what I am talkin’ about. I think you will not be disappointed. RJ would love this.

Rating: 9 out of 10