After 20 years and numerous lineup changes, Dark Moor's symphonic power metal still has a magical feeling that makes it hard not to be whisked away to some far-off land anytime their music is playing, a trend they continue on their ninth album, Ars Musica.

While the album is by no means their strongest work (for that see their first three albums with singer Elisa C.

Martin), the Spanish band is able to keep things feeling lively and suitably epic.

With all the atmosphere and classical bombast that fans have come to love and expect from Dark Moor, Ars Musica once again shows off the band's knack for creating epic metal that still manages to be concise.

This level of instant gratification isn't often seen in the neo-classical realm, but with each soaring solo and elaborate arrangement, fans will be able to reap the benefits of Dark Moor's economical approach to songwriting.