I've been purchasing a lot of CDs by more rare melodic and power metal bands lately and Stormwind was one that didn't impress me as much as others. Some of the other bands are: Opus Atlantica, Nightmare, Crystal Ball, and Fairyland. The production is not good quality and there isn't anything on this album to really catch your attention. There aren't any epics, for one thing. That doesn't bother me that much. What does get to me is the lack of powerful songwriting in the ballad "Golden Tears". This could be a great song, but it doesn't jump out at you. Think of some of the other bands I mentioned. The singer rarely sings with force and confidence. On the other hand, War of Troy has choirs. But, since its an opener, that is expected. Other than this song and Golden Tears (track 6 - the ballad), there isn't much on this CD that is good. On the positive side, I can tell you that the intro isn't that exciting, so once you hear that, it only gets better from there. The keyboards are obvious and if you like symphonic metal, you should find this a good purchase. My favorite thing about the album is the speed variation. That is what keeps me into the album and knowing that I'm really listening to something different than the last song.
Some of you might be reading this and actually get into a bad mood because I haven't said much good stuff about this album yet. Well, War of Troy is quite the awesome song! Remember though, that is the best song and only serves as a prelude to what you're about to hear. Only, the other 8 songs aren't nearly as good.
The cover art is quite impressive and so is the work inside the lyric booklet, but doesn't really set the right atmosphere for the music. This cover art, if it didn't have the lion-like statue in the middle, could substitute Oceanborn's cover art - its that good. But, the music isn't good enough to be taken to that dreamland on this album!
Oh yeah, one other thing: Have you heard Legends from Now and Nevermore by Galloglass? The riff on the opener (Dragon's Revenge) is nearly IDENTICAL to Reflection's opener's riff.
Overall, this is a decent purchase and a must for any melodic metal maniac, but if you're experimenting with the genre or only want the best of the rare bands, go get Sign of the Winner or When the Aurora Falls. When you get the chance, go read some of my other reviews and say if they helped you or not.
