Tracklist:
01. Supernova
02. Cassiopeia
03. Contact
04. Astronomy
05. Antimatter
06. The Book Of Shadows Part IV: The Scrolls Of Geometria Divina
07. Beethoven's Nightmare
08. Too Late For Sorrow
09. Direction: Perfection
10. The Old House On The Hill Chapter I: A Death In The Family
11. The Old House On The Hill Chapter II: The Thing In The Cellar
12. The Old House On The Hill Chapter III: The Ring Of Edward Waldon
Country: Sweden
Genre: Melodic power metal/progressive
Label: Century Media
Release date: November 13:th, 2006
Line-up:
Jonas Heidgert - vocals
Olof Mörck - guitars
Nicklas Magnusson - guitars
Christer Pedersen - bass
Elias Holmlid - keyboards
Jesse Lindskog - drums
I've been a fan of Dragonland ever since I heard their second album Holy War (2002). Although they've changed their style pretty drastically, they've still retained the sense of melody and catchiness which I love. In short: As much as I love the galloping rhythms of the aforementioned album, I can but marvel at the striking sense of musicianship displayed on its successor Starfall (2004) and on the latest outing Astronomy. The guys have honed their songwriting abilities, and on this album they display the results. What we have here is a brilliant concoction of tunes that range from the bombastic opener "Supernova" (I get goosebumps everytime Jonas launches into "detonate the sky ..."), to the laid-back, but nontheless melodic "Too Late For Sorrow" to the ultra-catchy and galloping "Contact." Here Olof Mörck and Nicklas Magnusson show exactly when a blistering solo is appropriate. Too many are the times that I've heard bands launch into pointless solo escapades just for the sake of, well, soloing. Not this time around. This solo fits perfectly with the song and is beautiful to boot.
Basically, I could mention each and every song on the album. Each has its own charm. I'd like to give extra kudos to the bombastic and instrumental closing trilogy of "The Old House On The Hill." A continuation of "The Book Of Shadows" from Starfall, if you will, or just ten odd minutes of marvellously orchestrated film score metal (yeah, Rhapsody Of Fire, these guys know how to do it too!). Anywho, an excellent way to finish off an album that grows. And grows. And grows. Based on their last two efforts, I am really stoked to follow Dragonland's future endeavours.
01. Supernova
02. Cassiopeia
03. Contact
04. Astronomy
05. Antimatter
06. The Book Of Shadows Part IV: The Scrolls Of Geometria Divina
07. Beethoven's Nightmare
08. Too Late For Sorrow
09. Direction: Perfection
10. The Old House On The Hill Chapter I: A Death In The Family
11. The Old House On The Hill Chapter II: The Thing In The Cellar
12. The Old House On The Hill Chapter III: The Ring Of Edward Waldon
Country: Sweden
Genre: Melodic power metal/progressive
Label: Century Media
Release date: November 13:th, 2006
Line-up:
Jonas Heidgert - vocals
Olof Mörck - guitars
Nicklas Magnusson - guitars
Christer Pedersen - bass
Elias Holmlid - keyboards
Jesse Lindskog - drums
I've been a fan of Dragonland ever since I heard their second album Holy War (2002). Although they've changed their style pretty drastically, they've still retained the sense of melody and catchiness which I love. In short: As much as I love the galloping rhythms of the aforementioned album, I can but marvel at the striking sense of musicianship displayed on its successor Starfall (2004) and on the latest outing Astronomy. The guys have honed their songwriting abilities, and on this album they display the results. What we have here is a brilliant concoction of tunes that range from the bombastic opener "Supernova" (I get goosebumps everytime Jonas launches into "detonate the sky ..."), to the laid-back, but nontheless melodic "Too Late For Sorrow" to the ultra-catchy and galloping "Contact." Here Olof Mörck and Nicklas Magnusson show exactly when a blistering solo is appropriate. Too many are the times that I've heard bands launch into pointless solo escapades just for the sake of, well, soloing. Not this time around. This solo fits perfectly with the song and is beautiful to boot.
Basically, I could mention each and every song on the album. Each has its own charm. I'd like to give extra kudos to the bombastic and instrumental closing trilogy of "The Old House On The Hill." A continuation of "The Book Of Shadows" from Starfall, if you will, or just ten odd minutes of marvellously orchestrated film score metal (yeah, Rhapsody Of Fire, these guys know how to do it too!). Anywho, an excellent way to finish off an album that grows. And grows. And grows. Based on their last two efforts, I am really stoked to follow Dragonland's future endeavours.
(originally published on Mostly Metal Reviews July 15:th, 2007)
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