tracklist:
01 - Unchain The Rain
02 - Will To Live
03 - Prophet Of Pestilence
04 - Darkened Highlight
05 - Discovery
06 - Falling Again
07 - Divine
08 - Haven
09 - Try To Remember
10 - Stain On The Switchblade
11 - Enemy
12 - Final Warning
13 - Balls To The Wall

label: Metal Heaven, 2004

Line-up:
- Taage Laiho: Vocals
- Jani Liimatainen: Guitar, keyboards
- Marko Pukkila: Bass
- Tony Smedjebacka: Drums

A year after the release of their debut album ("Invitation"), Finnish band ALTARIA return with a follow up that is along the same lines they were already musically walking with "Invitation". The band was founded in 2002 by members of BLINDSIDE and SONATA ARCTICA and also has had guitarist Emppu Vuorinen from NIGHTWISH in the ranks at one point. You can easily hear some NIGHTWISH and definitely SONATA ARCTICA influences in the music so if you like either band it is recommended you check out ALTARIA. Overall this is a well crafted piece of Melodic Metal as it showcases a lot of decent song compositions with a healthy amount of melodies, leads and sing along kind of choruses. I think itґs a bit too "happy" for me despite that Iґve listened to it on several different occasions and several different moods but always come to the same conclusion that itґs just too "sweet". The limited edition digipak features a bonus cover song (ACCEPTґs 'Balls To The Wall') with Joacim Cans from HAMMERFALL as guest vocalist. Certainly recommended for fans of newer STRATOVARIUS or obviously SONATA ARCTICA.
-Cheryl