Former Elegy/Crystal Tears singer Ian Parry has assembled another star-studded cast to help flesh out the fifth and final piece of his Consortium Project storyline, where women save the world. Can this really be his 21st release throughout more than a quarter century of anonymity/lack of respect? Given the plot, there are plenty of female vocalists aboard, usually backing (or in duet with) the Englishman-moved to- The Netherlands. The one exception is the Within Temptation sounding lead throat on ‘Silence Calling’ (it IS an almost all Dutch production after all). Additional help comes from Stephan Lill (guitar, Vanden Plas), Kris Gildenlöw (bass, Pain of Salvation) and Kamelot drummer Casey Grillo, amongst others.

Still progressive leaning, but heavier accents on guitars! Standout moments include the full metal bore of ‘Pitch Black’, like-mindedly bass rumbling ‘Origins Of Mankind’ and ‘Enemy Within’. Despite the Savatage sounding title ‘Sirens’ owes a debt to Dream Theater, while the ‘Oracle’ finale utilizes violin, piano, orchestral underpinning and multiple fem-metal voices. Ian, old mate, saving the best for last, eh? Hopefully your next calling will retain many of these (strong) elements. Cheers!