But on “The Last Horizon” the top-class songs still dominate clearly. As with the predecessor, less would have been more. From me it gets only the status of a bonus CD. Unfortunately, the second CD flattens a bit after a strong start. The first CD offers again outstanding Imperia soundscapes. The anthemic “One Day” and the ballad “I Send You My Love” follow, before the piano version of “Let Down” (from 2011’s “Secret Passion”) closes the second disc. For long stretches the singer is accompanied by electric piano and strings. “My Other Half” is the second ballad of this double album. Vocals and instrumentation sound authentic. “Dancing” could well come from a band from the Far East. The musicians also venture into Asian folklore. In “I Still Remember” Helena Iren Michaelsen lets her soprano sound again. In addition, there is a strong pop attitude, but this also fits Imperia. On “Where Are You Now” the violin playing of Henrik Perelló can be heard again, (as already on “Starlight”). An ingenious guitar solo by former band member John Stam rounds the whole thing off. Again growls can be heard, I assume also from Helena. And starts with the epic hymn “Only A Dream”. The second CD is even eighty seconds longer. Imperia, on the other hand, go one better. With many other bands, this would already be the end. And the singer clearly proves that she belongs to the best of her guild. The conclusion of the first CD is the homey ballad “While I Am Still Here”. “Blindfolded” is an interplay of epic midtempo bombast and quiet, ballad-like parts. “Flower And The Sea” comes along light and upbeat. Once again there is danceable folk metal to be heard. Also “To Valhalla I Ride” starts with a folk beat, then it becomes epic, fitting to the Viking legend treated here. Here medieval rock bands are shown how folk and rock/metal can form a symbiosis. Refined with folk elements is then “Starlight”. And she doesn’t shy away from growls either. Her vocals range from mezzo-soprano (her comfort zone) to extremely high, but clean intoned coloratura soprano. The figurehead is, of course, the enchanting voice of Helena Iren Michaelsen. But soon the quartet shows that they are masters of Epic Metal. The listener is greeted with a thrilling drum intro. The opening song of the first disc is called “Dream Away”. Just under seventy minutes, distributed over two CDs. Who wants to listen to the new album of Imperia, needs a lot of time. So, the artwork is again by Jan Yrlund (Darkgrove Design). And good to have the graphic designer in his own row. The final touches were added by Jacob Hansen. The album was produced by Jan Yrlund and Oliver Philipps. The musicians have obviously used the concert-free time of the past year to work creatively. That’s what the short press release says. The album features lot of different styles from goth rock to metal songs, but you will also find beautiful ballads and more folkish songs. Now the multi- cultural troupe around singer Helena Iren Michaelsen and guitarist Jan Yrlund strikes again. Since “Flames Of Eternity” less than two years have gone by.
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