(Mausoleum) Total Time: 46:58
I hadn't heard news about IMAGIKA since 2000 and their "And So It Burns" album. That album along the 1998's "Worship" are really well hidden diamonds in the power/thrash metal scene of 90's. Because of this respect of mine to this band when I saw their new effort I grabbed it immediately.
Let's take a look: new label, bassist, second guitarist and vocalist.
Let's take a hearing: To be honest with you in all the times that I heard the new CD I felt disappointed .The first element that I singled out is that the new vocalist Norman Skinner sounds like Iced Earth's Matt Barlow. I mean, he has a very nice voice, but there are parts that he overdoes it and sounds exactly like Barlow. I strongly prefer their previous vocalist David Michael, he was more flexible. In addition, the music of IMAGIKA has become more power metal nowdays with very little to nil thrash metal elements. In fact it is not only the new vocalist but the whole band itself that reminds me of Iced Earth. Sorry but I prefer their previous works, when the thrash parts gave them more personality and made them so much more powerful.
Anyway, this is just my opinion, the band decided to continue in this way, and they truly manage to do it in a very good way and with high quality. I respect this, but I can't say and that I like it. Everyone who wants well played power metal will find this album interesting, but regarding the old fans of the band I advise them to hear it first before deciding.
