Band:	Almanac
Album:	Tsar
Style:	Symphonic power metal
Release date:	March 2016

01. Tsar
02. Self Blinded Eyes
03. Darkness
04. Hands Are Tied
05. Children Of The Future
06. No More Shadows
07. Nevermore
08. Reign Of Madness
09. Flames Of Fate

From the opening seconds of Tsar, it's clear that Victor Smolski is involved. Smolski was of course a prominent member of Rage from 2001 to 2015. Fans of Rage will know that Smolski basically took control of songwriting and his focus on heavy technical riffs, orchestral flourishes and solos I can only describe as slightly insane, helped Rage develop a signature symphonic sound in later years. It's of no surprise that he now has total control over Almanac and fans of his sound and songwriting should be find something to enjoy in Tsar.

The lineup is a mixed bag, but I think the use of multiple vocalists stops the vocals becoming stale after a few songs. This is something I would often think of latter day Rage albums, with Peavy Wagner not really being able to do anything that would surprise or impress me. The vocals of Andy B. Franck (Brainstorm) and David Readman (Pink Cream 69) really work well together and I think they have greater range than most vocalists Smolski has worked with. The female vocals on show are pretty terrible though and Jeannette Marchewka even sings out of key in several places. All of this somehow makes Almanac seem like another Lingua Mortis Orchestra side project.

Despite wishing that Smolski took this opportunity to perhaps branch out and craft something new, it's hard to deny that Tsar doesn't have it's moments. The verses of "Self Blinded Eyes" are very power metal, "Hands Are Tied" is surprisingly heavy in places and "Children Of The Future" is unashamedly bombastic. There is a formula here though, with most songs progressing from some fast riffing, to mid-tempo choruses and then a guitar solo. It seems Victor Smolski can write these songs in his sleep and it would be good to hear what he could do if he took a longer break between albums. There is really nothing on offer here that hasn't been done on a previous Rage or Lingua Mortis Orchestra album. "No More Shadows" sounds like it belongs on Speak Of The Dead and Tsar is very much like "Cleansed By Fire" from the album LMO.

I could go on, but I think my message is pretty clear; this isn't anything new, but is another showcase of Victor Smolski's songwriting and technical ability. The use of multiple vocalists helped and it's unfortunate that the album still sounds like it consists of songs that were being kept for a new Rage album. Not seeking anything new and just want more symphonic metal with one of the greatest technical guitarists in metal? You certainly should go for it and I suspect you will enjoy it. I was just hoping for more and hope Victor keeps up with this new band and blows my mind again like he has in the past.