Title: Ophidia
Artist: Neverland
Genre: Progressive Power Metal
Release Date: 26th March 2010
Label: AFM Records
Album Review
In the year 2006, two musical entities from two different countries came together to form a brand new force. The Greek female singer Iris Mavraki and Turkish Progressive / Power Metal act DREAMTONE formed the band NEVERLAND. The cooperation between Iris and DREAMTONE progressed rapidly into what both parts had only dreamt of up to that point. Songs were written, ideas were created and forged. 2008’s release, ‘Reversing time’, featured Hansi Kürsch (from BLIND GUARDIAN) as well as the ‘Philharmonic Istanbul Orchestra’. In 2010, ‘Ophidia’ will remark another step forward in the band’s history.
With ‘This Voice Inside’, the disclosure of ‘Ophidia’ is remarked. The song begins with an atmospheric part, then gains up speed and soon the vocals set in: whether intended or not, they seem rather weak and blurred. Synthetically produced as well as orchestral elements are included into the music, guitar solos are presented. An epic, plausible atmosphere is compassed, and the vocals as well as the musical formation create a quite nice overall picture. Yet, at times the music appears easy accessible, rather flat and too melodic for my liking. During the title track, ‘Ophidia’, female vocals can be heard for the first time, but more in the background. Also, some small grunts are put in.
‘Will of God’ commences with acoustic guitars, which soon underline the duet of both, female and male, voices as well as flute and violin. In ‘Invisible War’, it seems as if more European harmonics are combined with traditional trademarks, together creating a pretty intense mixture. So, during ‘Ophidia’s devolution, the album continues in that manner. There are no real surprises included, but fans of epic, symphonic power metal should surely give this album a listen or two.
Tracklist
01. This Voice Inside
02. Silence the Wolves
03. Ophidia
04. Will of God
05. Invisible War
06. Places Unknown
07. No One Leaves the Hive
08. Speak to Me
09. Ashes to Fall
10. Final Odyssey
11. Into the Horizon
Line-up
Oganalp Canatan - Vocals
Iris Mavraki - Vocals
Onur Ozkoc - Guitars
Burak Kahraman - Guitars
Can Dedekarginoglu - Bass
Emrecan Sevdin - Drums
Guney Ozsan - Keyboards
Website
http://www.neverlandofficial.com/ / www.myspace.com/neverlandofficial
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 6
Sound: 7
Extras: -
Total: 6.5 / 10
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