Reviews
2007-05-09
Following the signing of their new contract with metal giants Nuclear Blast, After Forever had a lot to prove - and I think they did! This album seems to contain elements from all their previous work: it has lots of atmosphere (Decipher), progressive aspects (Invisible Circles), catchy melodies (Remagine) and lots of power (Prison Of Desire). The new album is a splendid musical mix of pop, industrial, progressive, metal, classical and rock elements, perfectly produced with awesome sound. There are also some well-known guest appearances on the CD, such as Doro and Jeff Waters of Annihilator. The entire album is filled with After Forever's signature heavy guitar riffs, killer grooves, keyboard layers, amazing melodies, but most of all with the fabulous, unbelievable voice of Floor. The Dutch beauty has outdone herself again and her vocals are amazingly clear on this album. That girl can sing! Especially in brilliant songs like "Cry With A Smile", the epic "Dream Flight" and the power ballad "Empty Memories"- she enchants the listener.
But there is a lot more to enjoy on this album, take for example the up tempo song "De-Energized" with a great guitar solo by Waters, or the wonderful song "Who I Am" featuring the German metal lady Doro, a couple of really doomy riffs and some Eastern influences. "Energize Me" has a really addictive chorus that will stay in your system for days to come…
In my opinion, the musical highlight of this CD is the longest track called "Dream Flight", a song with lots of diversity. It is powerful, and you can enjoy growls (not really my thing, but they fit in here nicely), great keyboard work by Joost, and the magical voice of Floor, giving me gooseflesh almost during the entire eleven minutes.
I think this album will become After Forever’s real musical breakthrough, which is well deserved after four studio albums and their tenth year anniversary. Buy this CD!
Kumeran Dalach
