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Bandleader
Lars Eric Mattsson is back with album nummoro duo from one of his
many projects; Book of Reflections.
And
like it was the case with the first release from Book of
Reflections he has written the entire lot, and handles most of
the instrumental side of things as well as some additional vocals
himself. Long time compatriot drummer Eddie Sledgehammer is brought
along as well, and the prominent contingent this time around is: Björn
Jansson (Tears of Anger, Beyond Twilight, vocals on 3 songs), Martin
LeMar (Tomorrow's Eve, vocals on 3 songs), Anand Mahangoe (Sphere of
Souls, lead guitars) and Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson, keyboard soli).
'Chapter
II' isn't quite as neoclassical as their first album, this time
focus is more on progressive power metal mixed up nicely with hard
rock. The result ends up being a better and stronger album than
their first one; a more varied and melodic album, which off course
also showcases just how great a guitarist Lars Eric is.
The
different vocalists do a good job, I really like Björn's
performance just listen to the title track to be convinced, but not
all things are peachy - first thing that strikes me is the very
mediocre sound; the drum sound is bad and spoils a lot of the fun.
Secondly some the songs just merely cut it and do drift into
mediocrity.
Overall
an OK album, which should appeal to a lot of metal fans that like
their metal with a progressive twist.
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