moonlight

 Tarja’s vocal performance is superb and shines especially in the ballads.

 The final impression is one, forgive my expression, of a 'handbrake' perpetually engaged.

Tarja Turunen's second solo album 'What Lies Beneath' is an ambitious and polished work showcasing strong vocals and tasteful symphonic elements. The album features notable collaborations and cautious musical experimentation. However, the review suggests the album feels somewhat restrained, lacking a fully realized aggressive metal edge. It balances ballads and heavier tracks but does not completely satisfy either side. The reviewer anticipates a more defined future direction for Tarja's music. Discover Tarja's evolving sound in 'What Lies Beneath'—listen now and explore her symphonic metal journey.

 "Profoundemonium maintains freshness eleven years after its release despite many gothic elements being overused."

 "The individual tracks cooperate to create a dreamlike atmosphere with skillful alternation of melancholy and furious black metal accelerations."

The review praises Trail of Tears' 2000 album Profoundemonium for its fresh and evocative take on gothic metal, blending melancholy with black metal aggression. The album stands out for its cohesive atmosphere, vocal variety, and unique stylistic identity. Despite minor critiques about the cover art, the record remains compelling and innovative within its genre. Listen to Profoundemonium now to experience Trail of Tears' unique blend of gothic melancholy and black metal energy.

 "The album’s merits are undoubtedly a sense of great epicness that rarely slips into the cloying... combined with an impression of dark unease that grips the listener."

 "Opus Magnum aims to be more bombastic and insistent, but also darker and harsher, and succeeds completely."

Hollenthon's 'Opus Magnum', released in 2008, blends melodic and symphonic death metal with orchestral and oriental elements. The album is darker and more bombastic than its predecessor, featuring a mix of harsh growls and clean vocals. While it offers less variation compared to earlier works, it delivers a compelling and epic listening experience. Overall, a strong and complex album from the Austrian band deserving of praise. Dive into Hollenthon's 'Opus Magnum' and experience an epic symphonic death metal journey full of dark intensity and orchestral grandeur!

 The impression I got from listening was that of greater "catchiness," derived I believe from a certain simplification of the structures.

 I did not find the strength and freshness of "Spirit" or "Slania," but rather too many clichés and a certain predictability.

This 2010 Eluveitie album follows their previous works by blending metal with folk melodies. It features simpler, catchier song structures but some weak tracks. The band’s move to Nuclear Blast seems to have influenced a more mainstream sound, sacrificing some of their early freshness. Despite this, the album remains a solid folk metal release worth listening to. Discover Eluveitie's evolving folk metal sound—listen to 'Everything Remains (As It Never Was)' today!

 "The choirs and the symphonic part... are really too pompous and end up at some points even overshadowing Simone."

 "The rhythm of the music overall seems to have become slower, less agile, as can be observed... in tracks like 'Unleashed,' 'Our Destiny' or 'Deconstruct.'"

The review evaluates Epica’s fourth album, 'Design Your Universe,' as a continuation of their heavier and more aggressive sound. Despite strong performances and standout tracks, the album suffers from an overload of symphonic elements and slower tempos. The reviewer favors the previous album 'The Divine Conspiracy' for its better balance and cohesion. Nevertheless, the album stands out positively within the symphonic metal genre. Discover how Epica evolves their sound in 'Design Your Universe'—listen now and decide for yourself!