Clearly the main selling point of this previously unheralded Czech band's debut album is the guest list which includes Amanda Somerville, Firewind's Apollo Papathanasio, Mike DiMeo, Doogie White, Fabio Lione, Tore Moren (Jorn) and Roland Grapow who produces. That said, Tears of White Roses is carried along by the core of the band especially vocalist George Rain who more than holds his own alongside his feted guests.
Apparently the album is based upon the writings of Jan Petricko but I'm ignorant of his work or his place in Czech culture but even so this is an enjoyable record. There's power metal stylings mixed in with more progressive leanings and it's pretty heavy in places so quite a nice mix which keeps the whole thing from getting boring.
On occasion it even drifts into potential rock opera territory especially when things threaten to get overwrought as on "Black Rose Part 1" for instance. Tears of White Roses is more than good enough to justify investigation and indeed, further recordings from the group.
Track Listing:
01. Musee du Satan Rouge 03:48
02. Femme Fatale 04:16
03. Dorian 04:15
04. Remiel In Flames 04:10
05. Tears Of White Roses 04:04
06. Phoenix Rising 03:27
07. Voices In Your Heart 03:29
08. Fields Of Chlum (1866 A.D.) 04:34
09. Lake Of Dreams 03:50
10. Silver Water 05:03
11. Black Rose - part I. 03:15
12. Black Rose - part II. 03:01