Wait a minute, you mean I'm not listening to the latest Symphony X CD? Oh, that's right, this is the second release from France's Fairyland, The Fall Of An Empire. Honest mistake actually, as if you went into this wearing a blindfold, you would swear that this is the latest from the heavy hitters from New Jersey. Give Fairyland credit though, while this is not the most original sounding album you will ever hear, as they wear their influences on their sleeves (Symphony X, Rhapsody of Fire, Blind Guardian, Kamelot), this is still expertly played and thought out progressive power metal. Complete with strong vocals, epic arrangements, blistering guitar and keyboard solos, sweeping orchestrations, and fantasy lyrical content, if you are a lover of the genre this will be a must hear. The current line-up includes keyboard player Philippe Giordana, Anthony Parker on guitar, lead vocalist Max Leclerqc, drummer Piwee, and Thomas Cesario on bass. Symphonic is a good way to describe these guys, and thankfully they stay away from the non-stop speed metal of early Stratovarius and Rhapsody. Sure, some of these songs are speedy, but not relentlessly so. Take "The Walls Of Laemnil" for example, an epic tune complete with Leclerqc's Russell Allen-ish delivery,plenty of mind-blowing guitar and keyboard duels, and some great backing vocal choirs. It's heavy, symphonic, and extremely melodic. Production wise this thing sounds great, with plenty of bombast. Keyboard orchestrations reign supreme on "Anmorkenta", a fun progressive piece with clever arrangements and hot guitar/keyboard duels from Giordana and Parker, and the sweeping "The Story Remains" is just breathtaking.
Once you get past the fact that Fairyland sound so similar to a few of the stars of the progressive and power metal scene, it's easy to enjoy The Fall Of An Empire for what it is. This is very well done symphonic metal, and it should be noted just how strong the keyboard work of Philippe Giordana is throughout this CD, both from a orchestration standpoint and as a lead weapon. In fact, Giordana and Parker composed the entire album, so they can feel proud that they have accomplised quite a feat here that for many will be very enjoyable.
Track Listing
1. Endgame
2. The Fall Of An Empire
3. Lost In The Dark Lands
4. Slaves Forlorn
5. The Awakening
6. Eldanie Uellė
7. Clanner Of The Light
8. To The Havenrod
9. The Walls Of Laemnil
10. Anmorkenta
11. In Duna
12. The Story Remains
13. Look Into Lost Years
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