This is the third album from this Russian outfit and this time, they have gone for a more Neo-classical, progressive sound. The band, founded by guitarist Igor Polyakov, originally started playing a more doom-style metal along the likes of Amorphis or Crematory.

There are many Neo-Classical elements to the bands sound, from the speedy symphonic keyboard, guitar and drum passages to the use of pipe organ, harpsichord and piano. At times, the band almost has a Rhapsody or Skylark type of sound to them. There are some very good instrumental breaks where the band really cuts loose and shows it's talent. Lots of very well synchronized guitar and keyboard arpeggios are certainly highlights of many of the tracks on this release. A few tracks also offer a more traditional Power Metal style and the band even manages a pretty fair Angel Dust impression on a couple of tracks with their chunky, heavier rhythms with sprinkles of piano and other keyboards throughout. Most tracks feature great lead guitar work by Anthony Arikh. His smooth and fast style is a real highlight of this album. His great melodic lead style really adds spark, energy and feel to what are otherwise very mediocre songs.

Notice that I haven't said a word about the vocals yet? It is with good reason.....there's not much to discuss here. Lead vocalist Oleg Zhilyokov has a strong voice, but doesn't seem to have a clue about how to use it properly. Two of the tracks on this release are instrumental and the other five tracks that actually have vocals only have a few verses and don't even begin until mid-song sometimes. It seems that the vocals are an afterthought and are only put in because they have to be there. Very little thought has gone into the lyrics, melodies and arrangements of the vocals here. On most tracks, the vocal style doesn't really fit or compliment the song at all. Part of the problem may be a language thing as although they appear(?) to be singing in English, the pronunciation is very bad. I think the vocalist may have had no idea what he was singing!

I really like the musical and instrumental aspects of this band. They are very tight and offer a mix of all sorts of tempos and styles and have an exciting sound. They are a talented bunch of musicians but need to decide on how to present themselves vocally. They actually released a totally instrumental album in 1999 entitled, Taedium Vitae. With work on delivery, vocal melodies and proper English pronunciation, this band is capable of something much more solid than what they have to offer on this release.