Neverland "Reversing Time"

Back in 2006, Turkish progressive band Dreamtone and a Greek female singer Iris Mavriki decided to collaborate together in order to write melodic tracks that would cross into both power and progressive metal terrorities. They would go on to use the Philarmonia Istanbul Orchestra for a genuine string and classical arrangement sound. The end result was an album that sounds unlike anything else before it. Reversing Time was released February 2008 by AFM Records and features many guest singers. Most noticably would be Hansi Kursch from Blind Guardian, Tom Englund from Evergrey and Mike Baker from Shadow Gallery.

The album kicks off with the song Shooting Star as a pretty bland piece metal with thick melodic guitars and a solid drum beat. It has many various key and tempo changes throughout. The intro sounds almost like you'll be listening to one of Trans Siberian Orchestra's christmas albums. The song slowly dies down at the end and into the next track To Lose a Sun. I can see this track being one of ERR's favourites from this album. It features Hansi Kursch and boasts strummed acoustic guitars atop beatifully arranged orchestrial elements and the huge, gripping choruses that are common-place in any Blind Guardian song. Its a great track with driving guitar work, wonderful string arrangements and catchy piano lines.

Iris Mavraki's encompassing vocals are best represented on the folky Mankind Is A Lie, where she exchanges verses with Dreamtone vocalist Oganalp Canatan. This track is occupied by tight rhythms forming the groundwork for ethnical instruments and a Middle Eastern melodic facade. Can Dedekarginoglu's bass is prominent throughout, which is certainly a plus considering the bass is buried way too far in the mix on many albums these days. Then there is the acoustic-driven ballad Everlasting Tranquillity, which further highlights Mavraki's vocal talents accompanied by a sweet piano melody and some brief electric guitars at the end.

The title track is arguably also their most realized work in that the blend of the orchestra and metal instrumentation is very swift and seamless. Once again, the bass will keep you hostage after several spins, but Shadow Gallery vocalist Mike Baker's singing is also amazing. He literally shines during the densely orchestrated verses, and the guitar theme that soars over the composition is not only goose bump-inducing but also the album's high point.

On the Euro power metal-styled Black Water, the band evokes groups like Kamelot, Angra and Labyrinth in that they all boast classical themes in their otherwise catchy and stomping metal aesthetic. Canatan's vocals are amazing and work particularly well when joined by Mavraki who helps lift the chorus. The extended interplay between guitars, keys, and drums attests to the band's meticulous arrangement and production. World Beyond These Walls features Tom Englund from Evergrey, and while he sounds great as always, he struggles to apply melody to some of the lyrics as they are way too long. Still, it's a good song with some blues-inflected guitar work and a smooth, clean solo.

The piano-based folky tune Mountain of Judgement sees Mavraki producing a nice vocal melody which is expanded on the following track Mountain of Joy. This track also features Gary Wehrkamp (who worked with Dreamtone before) and sees him adding a gorgeous guitar solo to the piece.

Transcending Miracle is the outlet for guitarist Burak Kahraman to demonstrate his playing and songwriting skills in the course of a six-minute instrumental track. Far from the technically challenging styles, Kahraman shows melodic playing can be equally rewarding in a clever songwriting avenue chock full of strings and even a saxophone addition. There is also a bonus track titled Once Again This Life on my copy with ethereal vocals lingering over symphonic elements and melodic guitar work.

Despite being a debut album, the songwriting is solid and the production is stellar. This one is recommended to both listeners of symphonic metal and super projects a la Ayreon, Avantasia and Fairyland.

When I say this album has to be on ERR, I kid you all not!