A good many bands seem to be intent on merging classical/symphonic styles with heavy metal.

This group does a much better job than many at it.

The central reasons that their music seems more immediate is that they appear to have a genuine interest in the classical end of things, while a lot of other bands seem to just lean on it as a way to give class and finesse to their metal.

The funny thing is, the genuine and appreciative nature that these guys seem to give to those inspirations add an air of class all their own to this release.

One of the unusual points of the CD is an all-instrumental cover of the Led Zeppelin standard "Immigrant Song." The cut is more of a complete working than just a cover, and if you approach listening to it with an open mind, it is a very effective piece.

All in all, this is a superior album in the neo-classically tinged metal genre.