While their last album (the excellent "Trinity") aped classic Turunen Nightwish, the dual sexed vocals of a similarly symphonic Epica seems to be the target this go round, with Mario Plank taking a more prominent role, although on the opening 'Black River Delta' he sounds closer to Russell Allen (Symphony X) than the gruff, near-death throated Mark Jansen. Although he (briefly) comes close to the Dutchman/guitarist on 'Conquest Of Others'. Not all that surprising, having former standout Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Aesma Daeva) replaced by Greek singer Maxi Nil, formerly of the avant garde On Thorns I Lay.

As opposed to previous works, throughout the nine tunes ('Sonar' is but a quick instrumental intro to the 'Gravitate Towards Fatality' finale) there's a concentrated emphasis on guitars, rather than keyboards, although the symphonic accompaniment is still prevalent, just no longer the focal point. Six songs in, 'Twist Of Fate' is the first time Nil is solidly in the lead, the male backing all but reserved to mere whispers come the chorus. Same for the piano begun ballad, 'Reflection'.

A band who has lost momentum, due to the lengthy wait between releases (after four years, much of the dew is off the cluster of fem-metal outfits) and definite down-grade in the "star" department.