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Review:
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In my review for their last album Silver Falls I mentioned
that this Celtic folk rock group from Germany was moving
towards melodic rock. This brand new album sees the quartet
of lovely singer Joran Elane, guitarist Skaldir, keyboardist
Nico and violist Simon head towards epic symphonic rock,
Clannad, Enya and Eisblume with added power and majesty.
The album is inspired by the works of German author Kai
Meyer who has written many historically based fantasy books
for both adults and children. There are 15 tracks containing
5 song cycles based around his books which are mainly in
German, although the album lyrics are predominantly in English,
'Göttin der Wüste' ('Goddess of the Desert', set in Africa
in the early 20th century), 'Surmkinde', ('The Storm King',
based on Arabian Nights), 'Herrin der Lüge', ('Mistress
of Lies', set in Europe and the Holy Land in 1210), 'Loreley'
(based on the Rhine's legendary Loreley Rock siren) and
'Das Zweite Gesicht' ('The Second Face', set in 1920's Berlin).
Each cycle is a mixture of songs featuring Joran's wonderful
pure voice and instrumentals. Highlights range from glorious
symphonic rock numbers 'Heart of the Desert', 'Arcane Ride',
'Deae Noctis' and 'Goddess of the Night' to the sublime
'Magdalena', 'My Ivory Fairy' and 'Lurlinnight'. There is
a strong essence of the mystic east running throughout the
album, especially on instrumental pieces like 'Samarkand'
and 'Wasser Und Fels' ('Water & Rock'). Another remarkable
track is 'Masken' sung by Nico in English which reminds
me of Leonard Cohen. The whole album is like a sumptuous
magic carpet ride through mystic lands, so float along to
their magical web kingdom, http://www.elane-music.com/
, and it's available from most bountiful bazaars, a glorious
9 out of 10.
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