Magni Animi Viri: Heroes Temporis World Edition

Italians Giancarlo Trotta and Luca Contegiacomo are the main leaders behind the project Magni Animi Viri. Heroes Temporis was originally released in 2006 with vocals in Italian. The duo has rereleased the album this time with English vocals provided by Russell Allen (Symphony X) and Amanda Somerville (HDK, Trillium, Avantasia, Epica, Kiske/Somerville). There are many guest musicians lending a hand including the Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra. The music is very much symphonic rock and metal with some similarities to After Forever, Epica and other female fronted gothic metal bands although I found this to be a little mellower than those bands. Allen and Somerville provide a nice contrast of styles; one gruff and powerful, the other angelic with a wide range but both complimentary to the other.

"Temporis" begins with a narrative and faint background music building in loudness. Classical and rock merge and a marching drum beat heightens the drama. Again the symphony orchestra is a huge component of "Heroes", another slice of symphonic rock. For a lighter touch, "Intus + Until" should fit the bill with gentle strings and Somerville's pretty vocals. In "Thoughts" the strings build once more adding power to the surroundings offset with a gentle piano melody and more angelic vocals from Somerville. The somewhat brooding "Never Again" is one of my favourite tracks featuring both vocalists, dramatic keyboards and strings and background choirs. Another highlight is the heartfelt "Desertsoul" where Allen just might give is most passionate vocal performance. The ending guitar solo in "Crystalize" is another highlight.

Besides some pretty decent music another reason to purchase this album is a substantial chunk of the proceeds is being donated to Heroes Temporis, an organization dedicated to help autistic children. A very worthy cause indeed and hits close to home as one of my best friends has an autistic son.

If you are into symphonic rock and metal chalk full of excellent melodies, fantastic string orchestrations and strong lead vocals, Heroes Temporis should be very satisfying.

Track Listing:
1. Soundtrack
2. Heroes…
3. …Temporis
4. Intus + Until
5. Thoughts
6. Never Again
7. Desertsoul
8. I'd Like
9. Like The Hawk
10. Moon Peace
11. Crystallize
12. Fortis
13. Without Breath
14. Outro

Added: July 8th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2337
Language: english

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