The metal opera concept is definitely hugely popular in progressive metal these days with projects like Star One, Ayreon, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Consortium Project being hugely successful. Epysode is such a project, and Fantasmagoria is their second album.
As on the debut Obsessions, the music found on Fantasmagoria is a type of progressive power metal wrapped in an appropriately polished production. With songs primarily built upon heavy and groovy riffs, there definitely is a heav edge to this album. Still, as they showed on Obsessions, melody is an integral part of the Epysode sound, and there is plenty of melody on this album – be it in the shape of the power ballad that is 'Fantasmagoria' or in the shape of the compelling vocal melodies of 'Living Fortress' or 'The Inheritance'. There are very few quirky elements on the album, and its progressive nature consists more in the metal opera format and the general sophistication that characterizes it. Another progressive element is the use of keyboards akin to, but not as self-indulgent, as what you might hear on a Dream Theater album, a successful example of which is found in 'Forgotten Symphony'.
The multiple-vocalists format works well most of the time, adding variation and a multifacetted character. The musicianship is top notch, and the listener is treated to impressive solos on both keyboards and guitars. The production, which was done by Jacob Hansen, is, as mentioned, polished, but with this kind of music, the production must be polished to bring out the best of the progressive and epic details.
In all, this is a solid progressive power metal album which should click immediately with fans of the metal opera format.
Tracklisting:
1. File-41-80-2
2. The Arch
3. Morning Rose
4. Venom
5. The Black Parade
6. T.H.O.R.N.S.
7. Garden Of Exile
8. Raven's Curse
9. Living Fortress
10. Fantasmagoria
11. The Inheritance
12. Now And Forever
13. Forgotten Symphony
14. Unreal
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