The first three songs of Edenbridge's latest album hinted that this could be a great release. However, the first three songs are the strongest on the album, and the rest of it does not have enough strength to make me recommend this fully. The remaining songs become too repetitive and predictable.
The band is at its best when the music is orchestrated, symphonic, and just plain classically influenced. The band forgets this every time there are vocals. Sabine Edelsbacher has a beautiful and warm voice, but she does not mix up the vocal melodies enough to keep this listeners attention, and the music going on when she is singing is very dry. It often feels as if they do not really want vocals, but because in order to sell albums you need to have them. So instead, they write the songs, and then decide where vocals could be inserted and then just do basic rhythms while vocals are going on. Plain. Simple. Boring. The band would be better off if the music that is going on during the vocals was as interesting as the rest of the album. I'd love to hear Sabine just go off and not sound like she's so restricted to only sing a few notes and in a certain way.
However, when the band is at their best they are quite good. Well composed instrumental sections provide a beautiful and heavy sonic tapestry. Their use of a real orchestra paid off. One can hear this in the song "Paramount", which is perhaps the best song on the album.
Overall, very disappointing because so much talent is there, but they haven't sorted it all out yet. I hope they continue to stick around, because they have the ability to put out an incredible album. The disappointment, due to the perceived potential, colors this review, so others may enjoy this album for what it is, instead of for what it isn't. Yet, after a few listens I just can't get myself to want to listen to this album again. You be the judge.
Track Listing
1. The Force Within
2. Shadowplay
3. Paramount
4. Undying Devotion
5. Adamantine
6. Whale Rider
7. Remember Me
8. Fallen From Grace
9. Place of Higher Power
10. MyEarthDream Suite (For Guitar and Orchestra)
11. MyEarthDream
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