Oceanborn

An extremely experimental and strong offering, as the band's improvement from its first disc is commendable. There are images of Stratovarius, Balance of Power, and Kamelot, all the while being firmly planted in the Power Metal realm (via Nightwish's thick and clear distortion). The female vocals mix well with the band's unique delivery, and the music becomes downright enchanting in places.The metallic and chunky "Gethsemane" makes excellent use of both piano and symphony sounds, while the riff-stutter drive of "Sacrament of Wilderness" is more straight-forward. The driving "The Riddler" is a top spot, and "The Pharoah Sails to Orion" is lavish and somewhat wicked. Other good cuts include "Stargazers," the mixed male/female story told within "Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean," and the rollicking instrumental "Moondance". Spinefarm.