WIND ROSE / Shadows Over Lothadruin (2012)

After having attracted enthusiastic reviews for their self-produced EP in 2010, the band started to work for their first full-length release. The man who is responsible for the production of this album is the renowned  musician and producer Cristiano Bertocchi who is well-known for his work with Vision Divine and Labyrinth.



The beautiful artwork was handled by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian) and the mastering by Goran Finnberg. Wind Rose's music can be described as symphonic power metal with emphasis to the powerfull and soaring guitars and the epic arrangements and orchestriations.

After the intro of 'Awaking', it's time for the opening tune of "The Endless Prophecy". I have to admit that this song grabbed me from its beggining with the really nice melody and the epic influences from bands such as Kamelot and Symphony X. Another intro, "The Tournament", and after that another solid track ("Siderion"). Guess what? Another intro, "The Grand March", and it's time for a great ballad as "Son Of A Thousand Nights" is. Very good arrangements and emotional performances in a very good song. "The Fourth Vanguard" is a heavier tune while "Majesty" is one of the album's highlights! "Oath To Betray" is average and "Led By Light" is again a very good one.

Overall, this is a good album, nothin' more nothin' less. For sure, this release has its moments. The very strong production takes this effort to a higher level. One more thing that is plus to this band is the very good guitar parts and the good vocalist. For the fans of symphonic power metal with melodies and some proggressive elements......check it!!
HeavyParadise's Rating : 7/10

Track List :
1. Prelude 
2. Endless Prophecy 
3. (The Tournament) 
4. Siderion 
5. (The Grand March) 
6. Son of a Thousand Nights 
7. The Fourth Vanguard 
8. (Dark Horizon) 
9. Majesty 
10. (The Havoc) 
11. Oath to Betray 
12. Led by Light 
13. (Sacred Fount) 
14. Moontear Sanctuary 
15. (Vererath) 
16. Close to the End